Abstract: A trefoil for a rotary kiln is provided that has at least three spoke-like refractory legs. Each one of the legs extends radially outwardly from a center of the trefoil; spans approximately from the kiln shell to the center of the kiln; is pre-formed outside of the kiln for installation as a single-leg unit; and has a mating surface that preferably is uniform and even, thereby lacking interlocking features. The mating surfaces of the legs abut one another at the kiln center to provide mutual support. An alignment member, such as a pair of longitudinal angles, are welded to the kiln shell to position the legs. A corresponding method of installing the trefoil is disclosed that includes positioning and shimming the first two legs at the 4 o'clock position and 8 o'clock position, and installing the third leg at the 12 o'clock position.

Abstract: A trefoil for a rotary kiln is provided that has at least three spoke-like refractory legs. Each one of the legs extends radially outwardly from a center of the trefoil; spans approximately from the kiln shell to the center of the kiln; is pre-formed outside of the kiln for installation as a single-leg unit; and has a mating surface that preferably is uniform and even, thereby lacking interlocking features. The mating surfaces of the legs abut one another at the kiln center to provide mutual support. An alignment member, such as a pair of longitudinal angles, are welded to the kiln shell to position the legs. A corresponding method of installing the trefoil is disclosed that includes positioning and shimming the first two legs at the 4 o'clock position and 8 o'clock position, and installing the third leg at the 12 o'clock position.

Abstract: A lightweight, high-strength metal pallet is provided that includes a deck and a plurality of runners. Each one of the runners includes either a box-like skin and cellular support members disposed therein or a vertical web disposed within the cellular support members. The deck may also be formed of plywood or similar material. The cellular support members are oriented substantially vertically within the runner skin, and preferably form hex-cells, such that the pallet may withstand some crushing or other damage without catastrophic failure. Preferably, the deck, the skins or the webs and the support members are formed of ungalvanized steel to enable the steel pallet to be disposed in a steel remelt furnace after a single service, such as shipping refractory bricks to a steel manufacturing facility. The pallet may be formed of coated or galvanized steel for re-use. Pallets formed of other metals are also disclosed.

Abstract: A trefoil for a rotary kiln is provided that has at least three spoke-like refractory legs. Each one of the legs extends radially outwardly from a center of the trefoil; spans approximately from the kiln shell to the center of the kiln; is pre-formed outside of the kiln for installation as a single-leg unit; and has a mating surface that preferably is uniform and even, thereby lacking interlocking features. The mating surfaces of the legs abut one another at the kiln center to provide mutual support. An alignment member, such as a pair of longitudinal angles, are welded to the kiln shell to position the legs. A corresponding method of installing the trefoil is disclosed that includes positioning and shimming the first two legs at the 4 o'clock position and 8 o'clock position, and installing the third leg at the 12 o'clock position.

Abstract: A trefoil for a rotary kiln is provided that has at least three spoke-like refractory legs. Each one of the legs extends radially outwardly from a center of the trefoil; spans approximately from the kiln shell to the center of the kiln; is pre-formed outside of the kiln for installation as a single-leg unit; and has a mating surface that preferably is uniform and even, thereby lacking interlocking features. The mating surfaces of the legs abut one another at the kiln center to provide mutual support. An alignment member, such as a pair of longitudinal angles, are welded to the kiln shell to position the legs. A corresponding method of installing the trefoil is disclosed that includes positioning and shimming the first two legs at the 4 o'clock position and 8 o'clock position, and installing the third leg at the 12 o'clock position.