Abstract: A method for identifying the source of vermiculite insulation in situ using a portable spectrometer with a light-emitting contact probe and a personal computer. Identification is accomplished using NIR reflectance spectroscopy and absorption band depth ratios to differentiate between vermiculite sources and to test for the presence of amphibole, talc, or serpentine contaminants in vermiculite insulation.

Abstract: Disclosed are a fibrous insulation block which can improve work efficiency of lining construction in various types of refractory furnace in iron works, and a construction method for a heated furnace-surface lining using the same.

Abstract: An insulating block for lining an interior surface of a furnace wall. The block is comprised of at least two insulating module sections. Each module section is formed from two or more layers of a ceramic (material) blanket. The layers of the ceramic blanket are held together by one or more plastic fasteners, each plastic fastener comprised of an elongated fiber portion that is dimensioned to extend at least partially through at least two of the layers and enlarged end sections dimensioned to engage the layers. The layers of the blanket are held together side-by-side by the plastic fasteners. A support member has at least one anchor rod (tube) affixed thereto. The insulating module sections are mounted on the anchor rod.

Abstract: A refractory brick and mortar joint comprise a cold face of the refractory brick; a hot face of the refractory brick opposite the cold face, wherein the hot face is shorter in length than the cold face; and at least one tapered mortar joint extending from the hot face to the cold face, wherein the at least one tapered mortar joint is thicker at the hot face of the refractory brick than at the cold face of the refractory brick. A refractory brick comprises a cold face; a hot face opposite the cold face, wherein the hot face is shorter in length than the cold face; and at least one surface extending from the cold face to the hot face, wherein the at least one surface is angled to accommodate the difference in length between the cold face and the hot face.

Abstract: A method of relining a chimney includes: inserting a sleeve into a chimney; subsequently coating the sleeve with a flowable refractory material while the sleeve is positioned in the chimney. The flowable refractory material hardens on the sleeve to provide a refractory surface on the inner surface of the sleeve. The sleeve may be flexible or rigid, and may be lined with an insulating material. A high-temperature resistant fabric with an aluminum foil outer liner is preferred. The flowable refractory material may be a blend of inorganic materials and inert aggregates together with a high temperature resin bonding agent. The inert aggregates may include 50-80% Al2O3 and 10-40% SiO2.

Abstract: A refractory wall is provided. The refractory wall includes a plurality of wall bricks coupled together to define an inner surface of the refractory wall, and a sensor port coupled to the plurality of wall bricks. The sensor port includes an outer wall defining a radial cross-sectional shape of the sensor port and defining a top ridge of the sensor port, an inner wall defining an opening extending through the sensor port, and an end wall extending between the outer wall and the inner wall. The end wall is positioned radially inward a distance from the inner surface. A method for fabricating the refractory wall is also provided.

Abstract: An insulating block for lining an interior surface of a furnace wall. The block is comprised of at least two insulating module sections. Each module section is formed from two or more layers of a ceramic (material) blanket. The layers of the ceramic blanket are held together by one or more plastic fasteners, each plastic fastener comprised of an elongated fiber portion that is dimensioned to extend at least partially through at least two of the layers and enlarged end sections dimensioned to engage the layers. The layers of the blanket are held together side-by-side by the plastic fasteners. A support member has at least one anchor rod (tube) affixed thereto. The insulating module sections are mounted on the anchor rod.

Abstract: Articles and methods for installing hook bolts on bridge decks constructed of timbers and structural steel members. A tether is lowered through a hole in a timber, captured below the bridge deck, and drawn upward around the timber or between timbers. A hook bolt is engaged with the end of the tether that was lowered through the hole and drawn upward, then lowered under the bridge deck and drawn upward through the hole in the timber. The hook bolt engages with a flange on a structural member of the bridge deck.

Abstract: An improved corbel includes a first tier having first blocks and a second tier having second blocks. Each of the first blocks includes a first aperture extending through the block from a first surface to a back surface and a second aperture formed through a top surface of the block, extending into the first aperture. The first blocks are arranged on a substantially planar surface to align the respective first apertures to define a first passageway. Each of the second blocks includes a third aperture extending through the second block from a top surface to a bottom surface. The second blocks are disposed above the first tier to align the third aperture of each of the second blocks with the second aperture of the first blocks to form a second passageway.

Abstract: A refractory brick and mortar joint comprise a cold face of the refractory brick; a hot face of the refractory brick opposite the cold face, wherein the hot face is shorter in length than the cold face; and at least one tapered mortar joint extending from the hot face to the cold face, wherein the at least one tapered mortar joint is thicker at the hot face of the refractory brick than at the cold face of the refractory brick. A refractory brick comprises a cold face; a hot face opposite the cold face, wherein the hot face is shorter in length than the cold face; and at least one surface extending from the cold face to the hot face, wherein the at least one surface is angled to accommodate the difference in length between the cold face and the hot face.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of producing the same are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a panel, a plurality of fasteners, and a plurality of bricks secured to the panel by the fastener.

Abstract: Method of constructing and installing a direct smelting unit comprising a smelting vessel (11). The vessel is prefabricated off site in three modules (11A, 11B, 11C) which are then transported to the installation site where they are hoisted by a crane and deposited sequentially on top of one another and joined together by welding to form a unitary vessel. The vessel modules are prefabricated so as to be internally lined with water cooling panels connected to water inlet and outlet connectors (62) on the exterior of the circumferential wall sections of those modules. A vessel access tower is formed in modules brought together to envelop the tower and carrying water supply and return piping which is connected to the water inlet and outlet connectors (62) of the cooling panels.

Abstract: A thin brick panel system and method of forming a thin brick wall includes an expanded polystyrene foam panel having a plurality of laterally extending channels formed therein for receiving a plurality of thin brick units. The thin brick units are bonded to the channels in the foam panel and the seams between adjacent bricks are filled with a mortar that bonds to the foam panel. The foam panel may be attached to a substrate with an adhesive as well as fasteners. Strips of a mesh fabric may span several panels to bind the panels together to form a structurally sound thin brick wall.

Abstract: A refractory brick having a plurality of segments positioned along a longitudinal axis of the refractory brick. Each segment has at least two arcuate recesses and at least two arcuate ridges. The recesses of a first segment of the segments are positioned at a radial offset with respect to the recesses of a second segment which is adjacent the first segment. A plurality of refractory bricks are interlocked with respect to each other to form a refractory construction.

Abstract: A thin brick panel assembly having improved water drainage and integral brick retention. A substratum includes horizontal rows of dovetail-shaped projections with interruptions therein. Mortar ties having a flat plate portion, a substratum engagement extension, and mortar engagement extension are fastened to the substratum such that the mortar engagement extensions align with the interruptions in the projections. Bricks are snap-fit to the substratum over the mortar ties and between the projections. The bricks crush portions of the dovetail-shaped projections and lie flat against the mortar ties. Mortar is applied between the bricks and flows through apertures in the mortar engagement extensions of the mortar ties to interlock the mortar ties, the substratum and the bricks.

Abstract: A refractory anchor and method of use. The anchor is made by combining two similar sections that are clinched together to form an elongated X-shape. The bilateral symmetrical shape affords maximum anchorage of the refractory, and through-flow of the refractory is afforded by voids through the anchor. The anchor has feet that attach to the surface to be protected, thus allowing refractory to migrate under the anchor. The similar sections can also be used alone as anchors where placement area is limited or irregular. In an alternative embodiment, the anchors have only center feet, to allow them to be stud welded. The anchors are useful in both repair work as well as new refractory applications.