Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing a heat exchange element comprising a molded product of a paper-like material made of ceramic fibers as a matrix, the interstices among the ceramic fibers being uniformly filled with molecular sieve particulates having an average particle diameter of 5.5.mu. or less, the ceramic fibers and the molecular sieve particulates being bound by a silicic acid gel.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing a sheet for a catalyst carrier for vapor-phase reactions which comprises mixing highly heat resistant ceramic fibers, organic fibers and an organic binder to form a slurry, forming the slurry into a paper sheet, impregnating the paper sheet with a silicon compound, converting the silicon compound to silica gel and heating the impregnated sheet to burn up the organic fibers and organic binder. The process produces an improved catalyst carrier for vapor-phase reactions having high porosity and good strength properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat exchange element comprising a molded product of a paper-like material made of ceramic fibers as a matrix, the interstices among the ceramic fibers being uniformly filled with molecular sieve particulates having an average particle diameter of 5.5.mu. or less, the ceramic fibers and the molecular sieve particulates being bound by a silicic acid gel.

Abstract: In direct pouring of molten metal for an ingot-making process, hollow long bodies made from self-fluxing heat-resistant sheets are used as a splash-preventive pipe. The self-fluxing heat-resistant sheet is composed of one or more inorganic fibers having fixed softening and fusion temperatures, binders and silicate fillers. The fusion rate and temperature of the sheet are selected in accordance with the teeming rate and temperature to insure that the body end is fused and consumed while being submerged in a given depth below the molten metal surface in a mold.