Abstract: An apparatus and method for releasing a filament wound tube (4) from a mandrel (1) utilizing a removable fiber (2) covered with a wrap (3). After a tube is filament wound, the removable fiber (2) is pulled out from beneath the wrap (3) to create a plane of slippage between the mandrel (1) and tube (4) to provide for easy removal.

Abstract: A ceramic element for a sootblower element is disclosed in which the element is manufactured by winding a ceramic fiber around a mandrel and subsequently densifying the composite using a sol-gel process. Separate elements are coupled together using a ceramic coupling member. Ceramic nozzle bodies are inserted into the elements. The sootblower tubes disclosed herein can withstand greater temperatures and more corrosive environments than currently used metallic lance tubes, thus enabling the sootblower element to be permanently installed within a boiler and eliminating the need for a retracting element type sootblower.

Abstract: Large, dense chromic oxide refractory blocks containing from about 80% to about 98% chromic oxide are made by firing a green block comprising, in addition to the chromic oxide, titania and a colloidal silica having a surface area of at least about 90 m.sup.2 /g. Blocks having porosities as low as 0% are made in either an oxidizing or a reducing atmosphere. The blocks are crack-free and have a good resistance to corrosion by molten glass.