Abstract: A method for making a low cost, lightweight carbon aggregate from coal at, above, or below atmospheric pressure, and a lightweight concrete composition utilizing the lightweight carbon aggregate is described.

Abstract: A method for making a low cost, lightweight carbon aggregate from coal at, above, or below atmospheric pressure, and a lightweight concrete composition utilizing the lightweight carbon aggregate is described.

Abstract: A method for producing carbon foam utilizing a particulate pore stabilizer is described. The method provides for an increase in the uniformity of the pore structure and distribution of pores throughout the carbon foam, as well as an increase in volume of the resultant carbon foam. A pore stabilized carbon foam prepared by the method is also described.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a low cost thermally conductive carbon foam composite utilizing coal as a precursor, or starting material, and natural or synthetic graphite as a thermally conductive additive. Also, a method for manufacturing carbon foam at pressures at-or-near atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method for producing carbon foam utilizing a particulate pore stabilizer is described. The method provides for an increase in the uniformity of the pore structure and distribution of pores throughout the carbon foam, as well as an increase in volume of the resultant carbon foam. A pore stabilized carbon foam prepared by the method is also described.

Abstract: An improved permeable bottom crucible is provided. The permeable bottom crucible is particularly suitable for degassing molten metal. The permeable bottom crucible comprises a refractory ceramic body comprising walls and an integral bottom wherein the integral bottom has a porous portion. The porous portion has a porosity which is higher than a porosity of the walls. Inductive coils are around the refractory ceramic body. A plug is arranged to disperse gas through the porous portion.

Abstract: An improved porous ceramic foam filter, and method of making the porous ceramic foam filter is provided. The porous ceramic foam filter comprising 28-78 wt % alumina; 18-78 wt % silica; and 1-15 wt % Group II oxide.

Abstract: An improved filter is described which is particularly suitable for filtering molten metal. The filter has a porous open celled ceramic foam body with voids separated by struts wherein a portion of the struts are densified with glass.

Abstract: A ceramic foam filter and method of making the filter is described. The filter comprises: a sintered reaction product of: 35-75 wt % aluminosilicate; 10-30 wt % colloidal silica; 0-2 wt % bentonite; and 0-35 wt % fused silica; wherein the ceramic foam filter has less than 0.15 wt % alkali metals measured as the oxide and a flexural strength of at least 60 psi measured at 4 minutes at 1428° C.

Abstract: An improved filter is described which is particularly suitable for filtering molten metal. The filter has a porous open celled ceramic foam body with voids separated by struts wherein a portion of the struts are densified with glass.

Abstract: A concrete product is provided having a body including an ornamental surface layer, an intermediate strengthening layer and a concrete substrate layer. The intermediate strengthening layer functions as a buffer between any air bubbles remaining in the concrete substrate layer and the ornamental facing layer following curing of the product.

Abstract: A ceramic precursor, and ceramic filter prepared therewith, with 35-70 wt % refractory aluminosilicate; 10-30 wt % colloidal silica; 0-2 wt % modified bentonite; 0-35 wt % fumed silica; 0-10 wt % pore formers and liquid.

Abstract: A method for producing sintered pellets and sintered pellets produced therefrom including mixing a dopant with water and kaolin clay to form substantially round and spherical green pellets and sintering the pellets to form a proppant. The dopant is selected from the group consisting of potassium carbonate, potassium sulfate, potassium chloride, mica, kalsilite, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A concrete product is provided having a body including an ornamental surface layer, an intermediate strengthening layer and a concrete substrate layer. The intermediate strengthening layer functions as a buffer between any air bubbles remaining in the concrete substrate layer and the ornamental facing layer following curing of the product.

Abstract: A canister for maintaining entrained particles in a gas stream passing there through. The canister has an outer annular member and an inner porous annular member. The inner porous annular member has rings with at least one expansion zone in each ring. An annular interior volume is between the outer annular member and the inner porous annular member. A gas source is in flow communication with the annular interior volume for providing gas at a pressure sufficient to pass through the inner porous annular member to dislodge particles adhering thereto.

Abstract: There is provided an improved ceramic foam filter for use in filtering molten metals, metal prepared from a ceramic slurry containing silicon carbide, a colloidal silica binder and at least 10 percent of fumed silica. The filter has enhanced strength properties.