Insulation and the provision thereof

Description

[0001] This invention relates to insulation and the provision thereof. More particularly, this invention relates to an insulation member for use in insulating a surface, a method of providing insulation for a surface, and attachment means for attaching insulation to a surface. Still more specifically, this invention has particular application in regard to a high temperature insulation member for use in insulating a furnace surface, and to the provision of high temperature insulation in a furnace for insulating a furnace wall surface.

[0002] The problems involved in insulating the interior surfaces of the walls (comprising the walls, ceiling, interior door surfaces, and other furnace surfaces to be insulated) of a furnace are well-known. Historically, the interiors of high temperature furnaces have been lined with various types of bricks capable of withstanding high temperatures. When brick linings wear out, however, it is an odious and time consuming task to replace the old brick with new brick lining.

[0003] The disadvantages of brick linings, coupled with the need for more effective and higher temperautre linings, has led to the use of insulating fiber materials such as ceramic fiber materials for providing insulation or for providing at least the hot face of the insulation.

[0004] Ceramic fiber material, as referred to herein, is generally available in the form of a ceramic fiber blanket which is customarily manufactured in processes similar to the conventional paper making processes. As such, the fibers which constitute the blanket are oriented in planes which are generally parallel to the longitudinal direction of formation of the blanket or sheet.

[0005] If sections of such a blanket or sheet are cut to form mats or batts, and are applied as such to an interior surface of a furnace, the mat or batt would be in the form of a blanket in which the ceramic fibers will be lying in planes generally parallel to the surface to which the mat or batt is attached.

[0006] In such blanket form application to a furnace surface, the majority of the fibers of the ceramic material will tend to be lying in a direction which would tend to be co-linear with the direction of formation of the blanket itself, although a considerable number of fibers will still be in a more or less randomly disposed orientation. Where the fibers are disposed in planes which are parallel to the furnace wall, there is generally a tendency for the fiber blanket material to produce cracks which result from heat shrinkage.

[0007] In addition, when using ceramic fiber insulation in blanket form, high temperature environments lead to devitrification and thus to the problem of cracking and delamination.

[0008] Attempts have been made to overcome the problems presented by the use of ceramic fiber in blanket form by severing strips of fiber from such a formed sheet in a direction transversely to the direction of formation of the sheet.

[0009] These strips are cut from the fiber sheet in widths that represent the linear distance required from the cold face to the hot face of the insulating fiber mat. The cut strips are then placed on edge and laid lengthwise in side-by-side relationship with a sufficient number of strips being employed to provide a mat of a desiredf width.

[0010] Naturally, the thickness of the fiber sheet from which these strips are cut will determine the number of strips required to construct a mat of a required width.

[0011] By applying such strips to a furnace interior surface where the fibers of the ceramic fiber material generally extend transversely to the interior surface of the furnace wall, and where the fiber planes extend transversely to such interior surface, the problems presented by devitrification, delamination, shrinkage and cracking are substantially reduced.

[0012] In addition, since ceramic fiber material tends to be resiliently compressible (or at least compressible with a limited degree of resilience), the strips can be arranged in abutting relationship thereby avoiding gaps forming between adjacent strips as a result of shrinkage during use.

[0013] Whether insulation material is used in blanket or strip form, some suitable means is required to allow the insulation material to be affixed to an interior surface of a furnace wall. Various methods have been attempted to achieve this objective. Thus, for example, where insulation material is used in blanket form, pins or studs can be prewelded to a furnace wall and the insulation material can then be impaled onto the pins or studs and secured in position by means of nuts or the like.

[0014] This procedure is disadvantageous since the pins or studs must be premounted on the furnace walls in a specific layout. This presents the disadvantage that the positioning of the pins or studs cannot readily be altered when required. In addition, because the pins or studs will extend through the insulation material, they will be exposed to the temperature within the furnace and will conduct heat from the furnace directly to the furnace walls. This not only wasteful but leads to the formation of undesirable hot spots in the furnace walls.

[0015] To overcome this problem it has been proposed, in GB-A-2,033,559, to construct panels of fiber insulation having anchor means in the form of supporting clips of, e.g., expanded metal embedded within the thickness of the panel and that may be engaged by bolts or the like to attach the panels to a furnace wall with the heads of the bolts also disposed with the thickness of the panel and covered by a plug of insulation extending to the hot face of the panel. The fibers in the proposed panels were to be equivalent in orientation to those in blanket insulation, the panels being formed by laying the fibers on a felting screen.

[0016] It has also been proposed in EP-A-0,024,818 to construct a module consisting of layers of fiber blanket in a containing shell so that the fibers in the layers will be disposed parallel with the furnace wall on which the module is mounted by means of retaining brackets or pins on the furnace wall, such brackets engaging the base wall of the shell of the module, or such pins serving for impalement ofthe module. The retaining brackets or pins have to be disposed in a particular layout on the furnace wall, making repositioning difficult or impossible.

[0017] Where insulation material is used in strip form, the strips may be secured to the furnace wall by means of prewelded brackets which are welded to the furnace wall, with the strips being secured to the brackets by means of wired or the like which extend through the fiber strips or between folds thereof as, for instance, exemplified by NL-A-76 14300. This again provides the disadvantage that the brackets must be prewelded in a particular layout making repositioning impossible or impractical. This provides the further disadvantage that the handling of the strips is tedious and laborious.

[0018] To overcome these disadvantages attempts have been made to secure insulation material to a furnace wall by mounting the insulation material on rigid ceramic material blocks or on supporting sheets or panels to form modules. The modules can then be separately handled and can be mounted on a furnace wall by mounting the rigid blocks, the sheets, or the panels to the furnace wall. US-A-3,993,237 exemplifies this approach.

[0019] While this modular approach to securing strip- form insulation to a furnace wall provides a number of advantages, it still presents the problem of effectively. mounting the insulation material onto the rigid blocks, the sheets or the panels, as the case may be. Where the backing sheet is in the form of a rigid block, the fibers can be attached to the backing sheet by threading wires or rods through the insulating material and then attaching the wires or rods to the backing sheet by means of tying wires or the like at spaced intervals. This solution is, however, cumbersome and expensive. In addition, it is not particularly effective where the backing sheets are in the form of less rigid sheet material.

[0020] The most promising solution which has heretofore been suggested, has been to mount the insulation material onto a backing sheet by utilizing a temperature resistant adhesive. This solution has been relatively successful for many applications. However, in furnaces which operate in a sulfur environment or in which sulfur burning fuels are employed, corrosive liquids (which usually include sulfuric and/or sulfurous acids) form on the inner walls of the surface. As far as applicant is aware, available adhesives and ceramic cements are not capable of withstanding the action of such corrosive liquids over an extended period. The adhesive or cement therefore tends to fail after a period of use, resulting in premature failure of the modules and separation of the insulation material from the backing sheets and thus from the furnace walls.

[0021] In addition, in the presence of iron, the sulfuric and sulfurous acids react with iron to form iron sulfates. Applicant has found that these iron sulfates have an extremely corrosive effect on ceramic fiber.

[0022] Ironically, in attaching ceramic fiber insulation mats to a furnace wall by means of a temperature resistant adhesive or cement, the mat temperature gradient will normally not permit sulfuric or sulfurous acids to form except in the vicinity of the cold face of the mat. That is, only in the vicinity of the cold face of the mat, will the temperature be low enough for the sulfuric and/or sulfurous acid to form. Therefore, in the very zone where the insulation system is most vulnerable, the corrosive acids can form (and do form when sulfur containing fuels are employed). Again, in the most vulnerable area, the furnace casing or a backing sheet of the insulation material, provides metal which is corroded by acids in the interface zone of the insulation material and the furnace casing to produce ferric sulfates which corrode the ceramic fiber.

[0023] The life of such insulation is therefore limited since the adhesive or cement eventually becomes destroyed and/or the ceramic fibers which are in intimate contact with the adhesive or cement and serve to attach the remainder of the insulation mat to the backing sheet or furnace casing, as the case may be, will be subject to corrosive activity. The fibers will therefore tend to fail in the proximity of the adhesive or cement layer after a period of use. These twin failures in the critical zone will thus ultimately lead to failure of the insulation group.

[0024] It is accordingly an object of this invention to provide a method of attaching insulation to a surface, and an insulation member for attachment to a surface, that reduces or overcomes the disadvantages of the prior known methods.

[0025] Applicant has postulated that because of the heating effect in a furnace, heated air will tend to rise and create excess pressure in the upper region of the furnace. This over pressure will result in air flow in an outward direction through insulation material lining the wall of the furnace.

[0026] Since most furnace insulation systems leave significant air gaps between the insulation material and the furnace wall or casing surfaces, air flow through the insulation material in the upper regions of a furnace wall will result in such air being cooled and flowing downwardly along the interface between the insulation material and the furnace wall or casing surfaces.

[0027] Applicant believes that this airflow will be encouraged by air gaps between insulation material and furnace walls or casings. Applicant further believes that this airflow will result in undesirable heat loss. Applicant further believes that this airflow will tend to encourage corrosion in the interface zone.

[0028] Temperature variations tend to cause the wall or casing of a furnace to deflect, regions of the wall or casing changing from a concave to a convex configuration and so on. Therefore even if prior art insulation material or modules are attached firmly to wall or casing surfaces, gaps can be created by such deflection of the walls or casings.

[0029] Applicant believes, therefore, that it would be advantageous in many applications to have insula-- tion material which is firmly engaged with the furnace wall surfaces or casing surfaces and which will remain substantially in contact with such surfaces despite casing deflections as a result of temperature variations.

[0030] It is accordingly an object of certain aspects of this invention to provide a method of firmly attaching insulation material to a furnace wall or casing surface.

[0031] While the principles of this invention may be employed in attaching insulation material to backing sheets for general insulation as well as for furnace insulation, this invention has particular application for the internal insulation of furnace walls of high temperature furnaces. For the purposes of the present invention "high temperature" will mean temperatures in excess of 1,600°F {a bout 870°C) and preferably in the range of about 1,600°F (about 870°C) to about 2,800°F (about 1,540°C) or more.

[0032] Furthermore, in the specification, reference to furnace walls shall means all furnace surfaces which require insulation including ceilings, doors, and the like.

[0033] Ceramic fiber insulation materials are commercially available from several manufacturers and are well-known to those of ordinary skill in this art. Thus, for example, ceramic fiber blankets are manufactured under the trademarks or trade names "Kaowool" (Babcock and Wilcox), "Fiber-Frax" (Carborundum Co.), "Lo-Con" (Carborundum Co.), "Cero-Felt" (John-Manville Corp.) and "SAFIL" (I.C.I.). While most of these ceramic fiber blankest have an indicated maximum operating temperature of about 2,300°F (about 1,260°C), the end or edge fiber exposure provided by reorientation of fiber strips can provide for effective operation up to about 2,800F (about 1540°C) when the appropriate grade of fiber is used. An appropriate grade would, for example be SAFFIL alumina fibers.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention there is provided an insulation member for insulating a furnace surface, the insulation member comprising: (a) an insulation mat of resiliently deformable material having a cold face to be positioned against such a furnace surface, and having an opposed hot face; and (b) attachment means for attaching the mat to such a furnace surface, the attachment means comprising anchor means which is positioned oin the mat in spaced relationship with both the cold face and the hot face to locate the attachment means relatively to the mat, and connection means for attachment to such a furnace surface to attach the member to such a surface, characterized in that (i) the connection means is connected to the anchor means to be displaceable relatively thereto; (ii) in that the connection means is recessed inwardly relatively to the cold face for the attachment means to compress the cold face of the mat against such a furnace surface when force is applied to the connection means to urge it towards such a furnace surface for attachment thereto; and (iii) in that the anchor means comprises at least one anchor member which is positioned to extend through the mat for distributing force applied to the connection means through the mat for compressing the mat cold face into firm engagement with the furnace surface during use.

[0035] The anchor means may comprise a plurality of elongated anchor members.

[0036] Conveniently the attachment means is resiliently deformable for resiliently biasing or urging the mat into contact with a surface to be insulated when the attachment means is attached to such a su rface.

[0037] The connection means may comprise a yoke having at least one connecting limb which is connected to the anchor means and extends towards the cold face, and having a fastening limb for attachment to a surface to be insulated. Preferably the yoke is reliliently deformable by the fastening limb being resiliently flexible for a portion thereof so as to be resiliently deflectable towards a surface to be insulated, for attachment to such a surface and for thus resiliently biasing the mattowards such a surface. The fastening limb may extend transversely to the connecting limb and be positioned to be proximate the cold face for the material of the mat to protect the resiliently flexible portion from losing its resiliency during use under temperature conditions for which the member is designed.

[0038] The yoke may have a pair of connecting limbs connected together by means of the fastening limb to provide a channel section configuration for the yoke, the free end portion of each connecting limb being connected to one of the anchor members.

[0039] Thusthe anchor means may comprise a plurality of elongated anchor tubes whyich are located in the mat in laterally spaced relationship, each having one connecting limb of the yoke connected thereto. This arrangement serves to distribute through the mat force applied by the connection means.

[0040] The connection means may include a fastener device to be attached to a surface to be insulated to attach the connection means to such a surface, the fastener device defining a fastener zone which is positioned generally centrally relatively to the periphery of the cold face, the fastener device being fixed to the fastening limb of the yoke. The fastener device may, for instance, include a fastener member in the form of a weld stud to be fastened to such a surface by means of an internal welding operation, the weld stud being threaded and including bias means in the form of a nut for biasing the attachment means towards such a surface.

[0041] Thus the fastener device may comprise a fastener bracket which is fixed to the connection means, the fastener bracket having a bore through which is fusible portion of the weld stud extends, and having an arc shield which surrounds the fusible portion.

[0042] The insulation member of this invention may be in the form of a sheet or strip Preferably, however, the insulation member of this invention is in the form of an insulation module or block for use in side-by-side reltionship with corresponding modules or blocks to form an insulating lining.

[0043] The insulation member may therefore conveniently be in the form of a module of rectangular or square configuration. The thickness of the module will depend upon the insulation characteristics of the insulation material and upon the environments for which the insulation member is designed.

[0044] The insulation material of the mat may be any suitable insulation material which will provide a required degree of heat insulation and which is resiliently deformable to allow the mat to be resiliently biased into engagement with a furnace surface.

[0045] The insulation material may therefore, for example, comprise a fibrous insulation material such as a mineral fiber material, a refractory fiber material or a ceramic fiber material. It will be appreciated, however that any other appropriate insulation material may be employed provided the material is resiliently deformable to permit the material of the mat to be resiliently biased or resiliently urged into engagement with a surface to be insulated.

[0046] Where the insulation material is a fibrous insulation material, the material may for specific applications of the invention be used in blanket form where the fibers are arranged in fiber planes with the planes running generally parallel to the surface to be insulated when the insulation member is attached to such a surface.

[0047] This blanket type arrangement does, however, present various disadvantages. In the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, therefore, for the insulation of high temperature furnaces to be operated at temperatures in excess of about 1,600°F (about 870°C), the fibrous insulation material is preferably a material which includes fiber planes which are arranged to extend transversely to the cold face of the member, with the fibers being randomly oriented in the fiber planes.

[0048] Thus a preferred embodiment of the invention consists in an insulation member for insulating a furnace surface, the member having a cold face to be directed towards such a furnace surface during use, having an opposed hot face, and having a plurality of sides, and the member comprising a deformable mat of fibrous insulation material and attachment means for attaching the mat to such a furnace surface, the fibrous insulation material including fiber planes which are arranged to extend transversely to the plane of the hot face, with the fibers of the fibrous material being randomly oriented in the fiber planes, and the attachment means comprising a plurality of elongated anchor members which are positioned in the mat to extend transversely to the fiber planes in spaced relationship with both the cold face and the hot face; characterized in that the attachment means further comprises yoke means having a fastening limb and a plurality of connection limbs which extend from the fastening limb, each connection limb having a free end portion connected to one anchor member, and the fastener limb defining a fastener zone which is positioned proximate the cold face and spaced inwardly from the sides of the member for use in fastening the member to such a furnace surface.

[0049] The invention also consists in a method of providing insulation on a furnace surface, the method comprising attaching a mat of resiliently compressible insulation material which has a cold face to be positioned against such a furnace surface and which has an opposed hot face, to such a surface by means of attachment means which is spaced from both the cold face and the hot face, characterized in that force is applied to the attachment means to displace the attachment means towards the surface and urge the cold face of the mat into engagement with the surface, the attachment means including anchor means which extends through the mat to distribute the applied force through the mat to cause resilient compression of the cold face of the mat against the furnace surface.

[0050] Embodiments of the invention are now described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic oblique view of one embodiment of an insulation module in accordance with this invention;

Figure 2 shows, to an enlarged scale, a fragmentary, diagrammatic, side elevation of the attachment means of the module of Figure 1 in the process of being secured to a furnace or casing wall surface by means of an internal stud welding system;

Figure 3 shows a diagrammatic, oblique view of an alternative embodiment of a module in accordance with this invention;

Figure 4 shows a similiar view of a module similar to that of Figure 3, excpet that a fastener member is shown in position in the module;

Figures 5 and 6 show, to an enlarged scale, a side elevation and a section along the line VI-VI of Figure 5 of the yoke means of the attachment means of the module of Figure 4;

Figure 7 shows, to an enlarged scale, a diagrammatic side elevation of the module of Figure 4 attached to a furnace casing surface;

Figure 8 shows a diagrammatic plan view of an alternative embodiment of a module in accordance with this invention;

Figure 9 shows an underside, diagrammatic plan view of yet a further alternative embodiment of a module in accordance with this invention;

Figures 10 and 11 show a diagrammatic side view and underside plan view respectively of an alternative form of yoke means;

Figure 12 shows a diagrammatic, end elevation of yet a further alternative embodiment of a module in accordance with this invention;

Figure 13 shows a side elevation of an alternative embodiment of a module in accordance with this invention;

Figure 14 shows a plan view of the yoke means of the module of Figure 13;

Figures 15 and 16; Figures 17 and 18; and

Figures 19 and 20 alternately show plan views and side elevations of further alternative embodiments of yoke means in accordance with this invention;

Figures 21 and 22 show yet two further alternative embodiments of yoke means in accordance with this invention;

Figure 23 shows a side elevation of an alternative embodiment of a composite module in accordance with this invention;

Figures 24 and 25 show a diagrammatic side elevation and end elevation respectively of yet a further alternative embodiment of a module in accordance with this invention;

Figure 26 shows a diagrammatic plan view of the yoke means of the module of Figures 24 and 25; and

Figure 27 shows a diagrammatic, underside plan view of yet a further alternative embodiment of a module in accordance with this invention.

[0052] With reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, reference numeral 10.1 refers generally to a high temperature insulation module for the insulation of high temperature furnaces, the module 10.1 comprising a deformable mat 12 of insulation material, and attachment means 14.1 for attaching the mat 12 to a furnace surface to be insulated, the attachment means 14.1 being resiliently deformable for resiliently biasing the mat 12 into conforming engagement with such a furnace surface.

[0053] The mat 12 has a cold face 16 which is to be directed towards a furnace or casing wall surface to be insulated during use, and has an opposed hot face 18 which would be directed towards the interior of a furnace during use.

[0054] The deformable mat 12 is preferably formed out of a ceramic fiber material in which the fibers of the material are randomly oriented in fiber planes 20, with the fiber planes being arranged in side-by-side relationship to extend from the cold face 16 to the hot face 18 at right angles to these faces.

[0055] With this particular arrangement of the fiber planes in which the ceramic material strips are arranged in end or edge exposure of the fiber planes 20, the deformable mat 12 will be resistant to delamination and should be more resistant to devitrification and cracking.

[0056] In addition, the natural resiliency of the ceramic fiber will result in effective cover and thus concealment of the attachment means in the mat. The attachment means will thus be protected by the fiber against the furnace heat.

[0057] The attachment means 14.1 comprises anchor means 22 and yoke means 24.1.

[0058] The anchor means 22 comprises an elongated, rigid anchor tube 26 which is located in the mat 12.

[0059] The anchor tube 26 is preferably a rigid tube of ceramic material which extends from one side to the opposed side of the mat 12 and is spaced from both the cold face 16 and the hot face 18.

[0060] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawing, the anchor tube 26 is spaced about 2 inches (about 50 mm) from the cold face 16.

[0061] The anchor tube 26 is spaced sufficiently from the hot face 18 to insure that it is protected from the furnace heat, and to thereby ensure that the yoke means 24.1 will likewise be protected from overheating during use.

[0062] The yoke means 24.1 comprises a connection limb 28.1 and a resiliently deformable fastening portion in the form of a fastening limb 30.1.

[0063] The connection limb 28.1 has a hook formation 32 at its free end. The hook formation 32 is engaged with the anchor tube 26 to thereby connect the yoke means 24.1 to the anchor means 22.

[0064] The fastening limb 30.1 extends from the opposed end of the connection limb 28.1 transversely thereto to provide a generally L-shaped configuration.

[0065] The yoke means 24.1 is made of a suitable material so that it will be resistant to corrosion and will at the same time be resiliently deflectable to provide the resilient deformability of the attachment means 14.1.

[0066] The yoke means 24.1 is therefore, for example, preferably made out of a stainless steel so that it will be resistant to corrosion and will be resiliently deformable.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the yoke means 24.1 is made out of a high yield material such as A304 stainless steel. This is one of the 18-8 stainless steel type A304 high yield materials which will be resistant to corrosion and which, with proper design and location, will remain resiliently deflectable during use in the required zone.

[0068] The yoke may, for example, be made out of'/,s inch (about 9 mm) diameter rod. The anchor tubes may, for example, be made out of 12 inch long (about 300 mm) ceramic tube having a inch (about 12 mm) outside diameter and a ) inch (about 6 mm) inner diameter.

[0069] The thickness of the mat 12 between the hot and cold faces 18 and 16 will of course be appropriate for the furnace environment in which the module 10.1 is to be used. Typically, therefore, the thickness may be at least about 3 inches (about 75 mm), and may vary between about 3 inches (about 75 mm) and 6 inches (about 150 mm) or more.

[0070] To provide for adequate heat protection for the anchor tube 26, and yet insure that it has sufficient ceramic fiber material between it and the cold face 16 for effective resilient compression of the material of the mat 12, the tube is conveniently positioned where it is spaced about 2 inches (about 50 mm) from the cold face 16. It will be appreciated, however, that the spacing may vary depending upon the furnace environment for which the module 10.1 is designed, the type of material from which the mat 12 is formed, the conductivity and properties of the material of the yoke means 24.1 and the extent to which compression of the material of the mat is required.

[0071] The yoke means 24.1 is engaged with the anchor tube 26 extends therefrom in the direction of the cold face 16. The fastening limb 30.1 extends transversely to the connection limb 28.1 and lies generally in the plane of the cold face 16.

[0072] The fastening limb 30.1 is, however, recessed inwardly of the cold face 16 to permit resilient deflection of the yoke means 24.1 to provide a resilient biasing action during use.

[0073] The extent to which the fastening limb 30.1 would be recessed into the mat 12 behind the cold face 16 will depend upon the considerations discussed above, as also the resiliency of the yoke means 24.1 and the configuration thereof. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings, the fastening limb 30.1 may be recessed say between inch (about 12 mm) and 1 inch (about 25 mm) from the cold face 16.

[0074] The attachment means 14.1 further includes a fastener device 34 for use in fastening the limb 30.1 to the surface 36 of a furnace wall or casing 38 as shown in Figure 2.

[0075] The fastener device 34 is in the form of a fastener bracket having a base wall 40, a flange 42 at one end of the base wall 40, and a gripping flange 44 at the opposed end of the base wall 40 in engagement with the fastening limb 30.1. The gripping flange 44 may be in gripping engagement with the limb 30.1, may be crimped thereto, may be welded thereto, or may otherwise be connected thereto.

[0076] The base wall 40 is provided with a bore 46 for accommodating a weld stud to secure the fastener device 34 to the surface 36.

[0077] As can be seen particularly in Figure 2 of the drawings, the module 10.1 includes a fastener member 48 which is accommodated with the fastener device 34 for fastening it to the surface 36.

[0078] The fastener member 48 comprises a weld stud 50 having a threaded shank 52 which extends through the bore 46, and having a stud tip 54 of relatively smaller cross-section at its end.

[0079] Bias means in the form of a nut 56, located on the threaded shank 52, serves when the module is installed in a furnace to urge the attachment means 14.1 towards a surface 36 to be insulated so as to compress the mat 12 into firm engagement with the surface 36.

[0080] The fastener device 34 further includes an arc shield 58 of ceramic material which is positioned in the fastener device 34. The arc shield 58 is held in position by means of an annular retainer (not shown) which has radially inwardly extending fingers to engage with a groove (not shown) in the stud tip 54.

[0081] In use, for attaching the module 10.1 to the surface 36, the module 10.1 will be provided with the attachment means 14.1 located therein, with the fastener device 34 mounted on the fastening limb 30.1, and with the shank 52 and nut 56 located in appropriate position on the fastener device 34. In addition, the module 10.1 will include a removable guide sleeve 60 which is positioned over the nut 56 and engages therewith. The sleeve 60 serves. as a guide, as a conductor for the welding operation, and as a torque device.

[0082] For attaching the module 10.1 to the surface 36, an internal welding tool 62 will be employed. The tool 62 is electrically operated, and has a barrel which is shaped to engage with the sleeve 60 to provide a firm engagement.

[0083] For attaching the module 10.1 to the surface, the module will be positioned against the surface in a desired position whereafter the barrel of the tool 62 will be inserted into the guide sleeve 60 and engaged therewith.

[0084] In this position the tool 62 can be actuated to cause an electrical current to flow through the sleeve 60, the shank 52 and the stud tip 54 into the casing 38. The tip 54, because of its relatively smaller cross-sectional area, burns away and thus starts an arc. The arc will be protected by the arc shield 58.

[0085] The shank 52 will not be itself first be caused to move towards the surface 36 because it is held in position by the retainer (not shown) as discussed above.

[0086] As the welding operation continues, the intense heat of the arc will burn away the radial fingers of the retainer, thereby allowing the shank 52 to plunge into the molten metal formed by the arc. At this point the weld is completed with the shank 52 integrally mounted on the surface 36.

[0087] The nut 56 may now be tightened on the shank 52 simply by rotating the tool 62 about the axis of its barrel since the barrel is engaged with the sleeve 60, which is in turn engaged with the nut 56. The nut 56 can be tightened on the shank 52 until it bears against the fastener device 34 and displaces the fastener device 34 towards or into contact with the surface 36. During such displacement, the nut 56 operates as a bias means to bias the fastening limb 30.1 resiliently out of the mat 12 towards the surfaces 36. The unbiased position of the fastening limb 30.1 is shown in dotted lines in Figure 2 whereas it is shown in solid lines in its resiliently biased position.

[0088] During resilient displacement of the limb 30.1, the yoke means 24.1 will apply tension to the anchor tube 26. Since the anchor tube 26 is an elongated rigid tube, the tension so applied will be distributed along the length of the tube 26. The tube 26 will therefore exert a resilient compression on the fiber between it and the surface 36 to thereby resiliently compress the fiber and thus the mat 12 into conforming engagement with the surface 36.

[0089] Since the limb 30.1 is resiliently displaced, the resilient compression of the material of the mat 12 into conforming engagement with the surface 36, will be maintained during the useful life of the module 10.1.

[0090] Because the fastening limb 30.1 is positioned proximate the cold face 16 ofthe module 10.1, the limb 30.1 and the adjacent portion of the connection limb 28.1 will be maintained at a sufficiently low temperature by the insulation material of the mat 12 for the yoke means 24.1 to maintain its resilience during use.

[0091] Resilient biasing of the mat 12 into conforming engagement with the surface 36 provides the advantage that the tendency for an air gap to be left or to be provided at the interface of the cold face 16 and the surface 36 will be reduced if not totally eliminated. Because the yoke means 24.1 maintains a resilient biasing effect, the cold face 16 should remain or should substantially remain in resilient engagement with the surface 36 even if the surface 36 becomes curved or bowed during deflection under the influence of temperature variations.

[0092] Applicant believes, therefore, that the elimination or reduction of any air gap between the cold face 16 and the surface 36 will reduce or totally eliminate any airflow downwardly along the surface 36 in this gap during use. Applicant believes, therefore, that this will eliminate or substantially reduce any heat loss and thus loss of efficiency attributable to such gas flow.

[0093] By limiting the movement of air along the interface between the cold face 16 and the surface 36, applicant believes that corrosion will further be inhibited.

[0094] The module 10.1 provides the further advantage that the attachment means 14.1 is provided largely in the interior of the module with only the fastening limb 30.1 and the fastener device 34 in the vicinity of the cold face 16. These will therefore be the only components which would, under average furnace conditions, be subjected to corrosion. The remaining parts of the yoke means 24.1 would tend to be spaced sufficiently from the cold face 16 to be at a sufficiently high temperature where water cannot exist and where sulfuric and sulfurous acids cannot therefore form.

[0095] If corrosion occurs in this low temperature zone through the formation of iron sulfates in the presence of the metal of the casing 38 and the yoke means 24.1, this will tend to result in corrosion of the cold face 16 of the mat 12. Such corrosion should, however, have no significant lasting harmful effect on the operation or efficiency of the module 10.1. Corroded ceramic fiber should remain in place and should provide substantially the same insulation effect as the non-corroded fiber. This is in distinct contrast with the prior art modules which employ cements or adhesives in this interface zone. In such prior art modules, corrosion of the fiber in this zone will result in the fiber being separated from the adhesive and will thus result in failure.

[0096] In contrast with the prior art, corrosion of the module 10.1 at the cold face 16 interface should have no significant effect on the insulation properties of the module 10.1 or on the attachment of the module 10.1 to the surface 36.

[0097] This is enhanced by the fact that the anchor tube 26 is non-corrosive, and that the yoke means 24.1 is made of a corrosion resistant material. In this regard it will be appreciated that the yoke means 24.1 may be additionally coated with a corrosion resistant material, if required.

[0098] The modute 10.1 provides the further advantage that it has four soft sides which are not interfered with by a backing sheet, block, or the like.

[0099] Corresponding modules 10.1 can therefore be fastened to the surface 36 with their sides resiliently compressed into engagement with each other. This provides the advantage that if the casing 38 buckles towards the interior of the furnace into a convex shape as a result of temperature variation, if any gaps do form between adjacent modules 10.1 they would tend to be rather narrow and would tend to be shallow.

[0100] The module 10.1 provides the further advantage that if it is used for lining a ceiling of a furnace or the like, the anchor tube 26 distributes the location tension through the module 10.1 thereby reducing the tendency for the module 10.1 to sag away from the ceiling surface underthe action of gravity. This should therefore again reduce the tendency for significant gaps to form between adjacent modules.

[0101] It will be noted from Figure 1 of the drawings that the anchor tube 26 extends transversely to the fiber planes 20 thereby providing for effective location thereof in the mat 12.

[0102] It will further be noted that the yoke means 24.1 lies generally parallel to the fiber planes 20.

[0103] The attachment means 14.1 may therefore be located in position by taking say half of the fiber planes 20 of the module 10.1, locating the yoke means 24.1 in position thereon, inserting half of the anchor tube 26 into the fibers through the hook formation 32, and then threading the remaining half of the fiber planes 20 onto the remainder of the anchor tube 26. It will be appreciated that bores may be formed or drilled into the fiber planes 20 of the mat 12 for accommodating the tube 26.

[0104] With reference to Figure 3 of the drawings, reference numeral 10.3 refers generally to an alternative form of module in accordance with this invention. The module 10.3 however corresponds substantially with the module 10.1. Like parts are therefore indicated by like reference numerals.

[0105] The module 10.1 is in the form of what would be termed a half module. It is therefore rectangular in plan view and is relatively narrow. It is primarily used for fitting into spaces which are too narrow for receiving regular modules. Because the module 10.1 is relatively narrow, a single anchor tube 26 may be employed with a single connection limb 28.1 and fastener 30.1 for the yoke means 24.1.

[0106] The module 10.3 illustrated in Figure 3 is more a module of regular size which would be square or rectangular in plan view. Because the module 10.3 is relatively wider than the module 10.1, the attachment means 14.3 has been expanded to distribute the resilient tension applied to the mat 12 of the module 10.3 more effectively through the module 10.3.

[0107] The module 10.3 would typically be 12 inches by 12 inches (305 by 305 mm) in size. In preferred application thereof, it would be mounted with corresponding modules in 11 inch by 11 inch (280 by 280 mm) spaces to provide for particularly effective resilient compression of the modules.

[0108] The attachment means 14.3 comprises a pair of ceramic anchor tubes 26 which are provided parallel to each other in laterally spaced relationship. The tubes 26 again extend transversely to the fiber plans 20 for effective and firm embedment in the mat 12.

[0109] The tubes 26 each have a length of about 11 or 12 inches (280 to 305 mm) and a diameter of about inch (about 13 mm). Each tube therefore projects an area of almost 6 square inches (about 3870 mm²) in the direction of the cold face 16 of the mat 12. The mat 12 itself projects an area of about 144 square (about 92900 mm²) in the direction of the cold face 16. Applicant has found that for a module in which the material of the mat 12 is a ceramic fiber material, this relationship between the projected area of the anchor tubes 26 and the projected area of the mat 12 in the direction of the cold face 16, namely a projected area of about 10% of projected area of the mat, is sufficient. With this projected area relationship, applicant has found that the tubes 26 do not, during use, tend to elongate the holes in which they are located in the mat 12. In other words, the surface engagement between the tubes 26 and the material of the mat 12 is sufficient so that when the module 10.3 is attached to a furnace surface by means of the fastening means in the form of the fastener device 34, the module 10.3 will be held securely against the surface without the mat 12 tending to move away from the surface by the tubes 26 tending to move through the material of the mat 12 relatively to the cold face 16.

[0110] By using the anchor members in the form of anchor tubes 26, the surface area of the tubes increases without likewise increasing the weight of the anchor members. This therefore provides the advantage that the anchor tubes 26 remain securely embedded in the mat 12 for effective use of the module 10.3.

[0111] The yoke means 24.3 comprises a pair of connection limbs 28.3. Each connection limb 28.3 has a hook formation 32 at its free end which is hooked around one of the tubes 26.

[0112] The opposed ends of the connection limbs 28.3 are interconnected by means of an integral fastening limb 30.3. The fastening limb 30.3 has the fastener device 34 located thereon.

[0113] The fastening limb 30.3 is recessed about inch (about 13 mm) inwardly of the cold face 16, is parallel to the cold face 16, and is resiliently bendably or deflectable towards the cold face 16 for attachment to a casing or furnace wall surface to thereby resiliently bias the anchor tubes 26 and thus the mat 12 into conforming engagement with the surface.

[0114] The fastener device 34 will, because of the arrangement of the anchor tubes 26 and the yoke means 24.3, be located proximate the cold face of the module 10.3 in a central position where it is inwardly spaced from the four sides of the module 10.3.

[0115] Thus, when the module 10.3 is attached to a furnace surface by attaching the fastener device 34 to such surface, the attachment force which attaches the fastener device 34 to such surface will be distributed through the yoke means 24.3 and the anchor tubes 26 throughout or generally evenly throughout the mat 12. The even distribution of the attachment force will therefore insure that the module 10.3 is effectively held against the surface which is being insulated.

[0116] With reference to Figures 4 to 7 of the drawings, reference numeral 10.4 refers generally to a high temperature furnace insulation module which corresponds substantially with the module 10.3. Corresponding parts are therefore indicated by corresponding reference numerals.

[0117] In Figure 4 of the drawings the module 10.4 is shown prior to attachment to a surface of a furnace casing. The fastener device 34 is shown having a guide sleeve 60 positioned thereon for guiding an internal welding tool 62 into position as described with reference to Figure 2.

[0118] The attachment means 14.4 of the module 10.4 is illustrated in detail in Figures 5 and 6 of the drawings. Corresponding parts have been identified with corresponding reference numerals to those shown in Figure 2. However, a retainer 64 has been shown in position in Figure 6. This retainer 64 has its outer periphery cooperating with the arc shield 58 to retain the arc shield in position. The retainer 64 has radially inwardly extending fingers which engage a groove 66 in the stud tip 54. When these fingers melt during the welding operation they release the shank 52 thereby permitting the remaining part of the tip 54 to be welded onto the surface 36.

[0119] In Figure 7 of the drawings the module 10.4 is shown fixed to the surface 36. The fastener device 34 has been displaced into contact with the surface 36 by tightening the bias means in the form of the nut 56 on the shank 52. This has resulted in resilient deflection of the fastening limb 30.4 from its original position as shown in solid lines in Figure 7 to its final resiliently deflected position as shown in dotted lines in Figure 7. This resilient deflection of the fastening limb 30.4 causes a resilient bias tension on the anchor tubes 26. This is distributed by the rigid anchor tubes 24 through the length of the mat 12 for the fiber material of the mat 12 to be biased into conforming engagement with the surface 36.

[0120] With an appropriate degree of resilient compression, the fiber material of the mat 12 will be firmly engaged with and will remain in engagement with the surface 36 regardless of its particular surface configurations during use.

[0121] With reference to Figure 8, reference numeral 10.5 refers generally to yet a further alternative embodiment of a module in accordance with this invention. The module 10.5 corresponds substantially with the module 10.4 except that the anchor tubes 26 are arranged parallel to each other at an acute angle to the one pair of opposed sides of the mat 12.

[0122] This arrangement of the tubes 26 provides the advantage that two corresponding modules 10.5 can be mounted soldier fashion next to each other in resiliently compressed side-by-side engagement without interference between the anchor tubes 26 of the two adjacent modules 10.5. This is achieved by the inclined tubes 26 since they will not be in line.

[0123] With reference to Figure 9, reference numeral 10.6 refers to yet a further alternative embodiment of a module in accordance with the invention.

[0124] In the module 10.6, the yoke means 24.6 comprises two corresponding yoke members which have been resistance welded to each other to defince a bore 46.6 for receiving the stud tip 54 and threaded shank 52 of a fastener member 48.

[0125] The module 10.6 provides the advantage that the resilient tension applied by the yoke means 24.6 will be distributed further throughout the major plane of the mat 12 by the four connecting limbs to thereby encourage resilient biasing of the mat 12 into conforming engagement with a surface on which it is mounted.

[0126] With reference to Figures 10 and 11 of the drawings, reference numeral 24.7 refers generally to an alternative embodiment of yoke means to the yoke means 24.1 illustrated in Figure 1.

[0127] The yoke means 24.7 is formed by bending an elongated high yield metal rod into an L-shape to define connection limbs 28.7 and fastening limbs 30.7 so that the yoke means 24.7 are resiliently deformable by the fastening limbs 30.7 being resiliently flexible.

[0128] The connection limbs 28.7 define a hook formation which is hooked onto the anchor tube 26, while the fastening limbs 30.7 define a bore 46.7 over which a washer can be positioned to distribute the load applied by a fastening stud, bolt or screw when used to resiliently bias the fastening limbs 30.7 into engagement with a furnace wall or casing surface.

[0129] With reference to Figure 12 of the drawings, reference number 10.8 refers generally to yet a further alternative embodiment of a module in accordance with this invention.

[0130] The module 10.8 corresponds generally with the module 10.4 except that the module 10.8 has attachment means comprising three anchor tubes 26, three connection limbs 28.8 and a single fastening limb 30.8 which is connected to the three connection limbs 28.8.

[0131] By increasing the number of anchor tubes 26 and the number of connection limbs 28.8, the resilient tension applied to the mat 12 can be increased as required for various sizes of modules and various applications of the invention.

[0132] In Figure 12 the mat 12 of the module 10J3 has been strengthened to improve its durability.

[0133] The mat has been strengthened by depositing, such as by injection, a suitable resin in the zones 75 between the anchor tubes 26 and the cold face 16.

[0134] The resin in the zones 75 sets to provide reinforced zones 75 which resist elongation of the holes in which the anchor tubes 26 are provided. Thus when the tubes 26 are resiliently biased towards a furnace wall surface, the tubes will effectively compress the insulation material into engagement with the surface.

[0135] The reinforced zones 75 therefore assist in distributing the compression forces of the tubes 26.

[0136] Any suitable resin or weak cement such as, for example, a colloidal silica may be provided in the zones 75.

[0137] It will readily be appreciated that the compression force of the tubes 26 may also be distributed by other means such as, for example, by means of lateral extension from the tubes if desired.

[0138] For ease of handling of modules in accordance with this invention, they may be wrapped in gauze material or paper, or may be bound with strips of paper, elastic material or the like. The wrapping or binding material is preferably a material which will rupture on firing to release the mats 12 and allow the fibers of the mats to expand resiliently.

[0139] With reference to Figures 13 and 14 of the drawings, reference numeral 62.1 refers generally to yet a further alternative embodiment of a module in accordance with this invention.

[0140] The module 62.1 corresponds generally with the module 10.3 and with the module 10.4 of Figures 3 and 4. However, unlike the modules 10.3 and 10.4, the module 62.1 is not a module which is designed to be biased or resiliently compressed against a furnace wall.

[0141] The module 62.1 comprises a mat 63.1 which is a deformable mat of an appropriate insulation material. The module 63.1 has a cold face 64.1, a hot face 65.1 and four sides 66.1.

[0142] The module 62.1 includes attachment means for attaching themat 63.1 to a furnace surface to be insulated. The attachment means 67.1 comprises a plurality of elongated anchor members 68.1 which are tubular. The module 62.1 has two anchor members 68.1 which are laterally spaced relatively to each other, and which are spaced from both the cold face 64.1 and the hot face 65.1. Each anchor member 68.1 therefore has sufficient of the insulation material of the mat 63.1 between it and the cold face to allow the anchor member 68.1 to hold the mat 63.1 in position when attached to a furnace surface. In addition, each anchor member 68.1 has sufficient insulation material between it and the hot face 65.1 to protect the anchor member 68.1 from the heat of the furnace during use.

[0143] The attachment means 67.1 further comprises yoke means 69.1.

[0144] The yoke means 69.1 comprises a fastening

[0145] limb 70.1 which is proximate to cold face 64.1 and extends generally parallel thereto. The yoke means 69.1 further comprises a pair of connection limbs 71.1 which extend normally from opposed ends of the fastening limb 70.1. The connection limbs 71.1 constitute a continuation of the material of the fastening limb 70.1 and are therefore integral therewith.

[0146] Each connection limb 71.1 has its free end bent into a circular or hook formation which slidably engaged with one of the anchor tubes 68.1.

[0147] The fastening limb 70.1 defines a fastener zone 73.1 at its centre. The fastener zone 73.1 is positioned proximate or adjacent to the cold face 64.1, and is positioned where it is spaced inwardly of the sides 66.1 of the module 62.1. Indeed, in Figure 13 of the drawings, the fastener zone 73.1 is positioned centrally of the sides 66.1 of the module 62.1.

[0148] When the fastener zone 73.1 is therefore fastened by means of an appropriate fastening device to a furnace surface, the attachment force with which the fastener zone 73.1 is fastened to such surface, will be distributed through the yoke means 69.1 and through the anchor member 68.1, throughout the effective area of the mat 63.1. This will therefore insure that, by means of a single fastener zone 73.1, the module 62.1 can be readily and effectively located in position against a furnace wall.

[0149] By using a fastener device which is located on or associated with the fastener zone 73.1, access can be had through the center of the mat 63.1 to such fastener device for fixing it to a furnace surface. Thereafter, as described herein, the material of the mat 63.1 will shield not only the attachment means 67.1, but also the fastener zone 73.1 and the fastener device used therewith.

[0150] This provides a substantial advantage for this invention in that by utilizing a single fastener zone provided centrally of the module, the fastener force can be evenly distributed through the deformable insulation material of the mat 63.1.

[0151] It is a further advantage of the embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figure 13, that the attachment means 67.1 will be largely protected from the heat of the furnace by the mat 63.1, with the most vulnerable portion thereof, namely the fastener zone 73.1 and the fastening limb 70.1 effectively protected.

[0152] By varying the extent to which the fastening limb 70.1 projects beyond the cold face 64.1 of the mat 63.1, the spacing between the cold face and a furnace surface to be protected, can be varied as required.

[0153] The attachment 67.1 provides the advantage that where the attachment means 67.1 is most closely positioned to the direct heat of the furnace during use, namely in the zone of the hook formations 72.1, the least stress will be applied directly to the attachment means 67.1. In the zone where the greater stress is applied to the attachment means 67.1, namely at the junction of the connection zones 71.1 and the fastening limb 70.1, the spacing from the hot face is at the furthest possible thereby maintaining the lowest possible temperature in this region. The greatest strength for the attachment means 67.1 therefore occurs in the area where the attachment means is coolest and is therefore the least subject to reduction of resiliency.

[0154] In Figures 13 and 14 of the drawings, the fastener zone 73.1 is constituted by a fastener plate 74.1 which is spot welded to the fastening limb 70.1. The fastgener plate 74.1 defines a bore 76.1 for accommodating a bolt, weld stud or the like, as described herein, for fastening the fastener plate 74.1 to a furnace surface.

[0155] With reference to Figures 15 and 16 of the drawings, reference numeral 67.2 refers generally to an alternative embodiment of attachment means for use in the module 62.1 of Figure 13.

[0156] The attachment means 67.2 corresponds substantially with the attachment means 67.1 except insofar as the fastener zone 73.2 is concerned.

[0157] The fastener zone 73.2 is in the form of a channel section bracket 74.2 which is located on the fastening limb 70.2 by spot welding. The fastening limb 70.2 is a flattened V section in plan view so that the bore 76.2 of the bracket 74.2 is in line with the hook formations 72.2. This can tend to provide a more even distribution of the attachment force with which the fastener zone 73.2 is attached to a furnace wall surface.

[0158] With reference to Figures 17 and 18 of the drawings, reference numeral 67.3 comprises attachment means which corresponds substantially with the attachment means 67.2 of Figures 15 and 16. The attachment means 67.3, instead of having a bent fastening limb 70.2 of general V section, has a fastening limb 70.3 with a semi-circularly curved central portion on which the fastener zone 73.3 is provided. The semi-circularly curved portion again insures that the bore 76.3 of the fastener zone 73.3 is provided in line with the hook formations 72.3.

[0159] With reference to Figures 19 and 20 of the drawings, reference numeral 67.4 refers generally to yet a further alternative embodiment of attachment means in accordance with this invention.

[0160] The attachment means 67.4 has a fastening limb 70.4 formed out of a pair of rods. The rods are located in parallel laterally spaced relationship by U-shaped connection limbs 71.4 which are resistance welded to the members of the fastening limb 70.4. The U-shaped connection limbs therefore define hook formations 72.4 at their opposed ends.

[0161] The members constituting the fastening limb 70.4 are bent at their central zone to define a fastener zone 73.4 for receiving a fastener device or member.

[0162] With reference to Figure 21 of the drawings, reference numeral 67.5 refers to yet a further alternative embodiment of attachment means in accordance with this invention.

[0163] The attachment means 67.5 corresponds substantially with the attachment means 67.1 of Figure 13. The attachment means 67.5 therefore comprises yoke means 69.5 comprising a fastening limb 70.5, connection limbs 71.5 which extend integrally from the fastening limb 70.5, and a fastener zone 73.5.

[0164] At the junction of each connection limb 71.5 with the end of the fastening limb 70.5, the yoke means 69.5, which is formed out of a stainless steel rod, has been flattened to reduce its bending resistance. This therefore more readily permits the connection limbs 71.5 to be bent towards and away from each other in a common plane.

[0165] This particular configuration of the yoke means 69.5 is appropriate especially for those embodiments of the invention where the mat with which the yoke means 69.5 is associated, is adapted to be resiliently compressed to compress the mat against a furnace surface to be insulated. Typically, therefore, the yoke means 69.5 would be located in the mat so that it is recessed inwardly from the cold face of the mat. When the fastener zone is attached to a furnace surface, it will be displaced towards or into contact with the furnace surface to thereby cause resilient bending of the fastening limb 70.5 and thus resilient compression of the material of the mat. During such displacement of the fastening limb 70.5, unless a degree of bending can occur at the junctions of the connection limbs 71.5 with the fastening limb 70.5, the hook formations 72.5 can be displaced towards each other. This can have an undesirable effect on the mat since it can tend to marginally reduce the effective width of the mat. By being able to bend in the flattened zones, such movement of the hook formation 72.5 will tend to be reduced.

[0166] With reference to Figure 22 of the drawings, reference numberal 69.6 refers generally to an alternative embodiment of yoke means in accordance with this invention. The yoke means 69.6 achieves the same objective as the yoke means 69.5. In the yoke means 69.6, the connection limbs 71.6 are hingedly connected to the fastening limb by means of complementary engaging hook formations 77.6.

[0167] With reference to Figure 23 of the drawings, reference numberal 62.7 refers to yet a further alternative embodiment of a module in accordance with this invention. The module 62.7 comprises a mat 63.7 and attachment means comprising a yoke means 69.7, anchor members 68.7 and a fastener zone 73.7. The fastener zone 73.7 is recessed inwardly of the cold face of the mat 63.7 so that, when it is resiliently biased into contact with a furnace surface to be insulated, the attachment force will be distributed throughout the mat 63.7 to resiliently compress the material of the mat 63.7 into firm engagement with the furnace surface.

[0168] The mat 63.7 comprises a composite mat having a first layer 78.7 and a second layer 79.7. Typically the first layer 78.7 would be a higher grade insulation material than the second layer 79.7, and the composite mat 63.7 would be used to reduce the cost of the insulation material where this is possible for a particular furnace environment.

[0169] In forming a composite mat 63.7, the first layer 78.7 would preferably be a layer formed out of ceramic fiber materials which are in edge grain orientation. The second layer 79.7 may likewise be in edge grain orientation or may, if desired, be in blanket form where the fiber planes are generally parallel to the cold face.

[0170] By using the second layer 79.7 in blanket form, it would tend to provide effective resilience between the anchor tube 68.7 and the cold face thereby providing a firm engagement between the composite mat 63.7 and the furnace surface during use. In addition, because of the edge orientation of the fibers in the first layer 78.7, the module 62.7 should not lose its snug effect with adjacent modules during use.

[0171] The composite mat 63.7 may have the first layer 78.7 of a 8 pound density SAUDER Tll ceramic fiber while the second layer 79.7 may be an 8 pound density rock wool blanket. With this configuration, and with the composite mat having a thickness of 125 millimeters, the module 62.7 would be appropriate for use in a furnace where the hot face temperature would be about 1420°F (771°C). The temperature at the interface between the first and second layers 78.7 and 79.7 would be about 950°F (510°C), while the temperature at the cold face would be about 178°F (81°C).

[0172] The composite mat of this invention can provide a substantial saving in cost where a lower grade insulation material can be used adjacent the cold face. It would tend to have particular application, therefore, where lower cold face temperatures than are usual in this industry, are required in specific applications.

[0173] With reference to Figures 24 to 26 of the drawings, reference numeral 62.8 refers to yet a further alternative embodiment of a module in accordance with this invention.

[0174] The module comprises a composite mat 63.8 and attachment means 67.8 which is located within the composite mat.

[0175] The composite mat 63.8 comprise a first layer 78.8 and a second layer 79.8. In this embodiment the first layer is preferably a 6 pound density ceramic fiber available under the trademark SAFFIL, where the second layer 79.8 is preferably an 8 pound density ceramic fiber available under the trademark SAUDER.

[0176] The first layer preferably has a thickness of about 114 millimeters whereas the second layer has a thickness of about 152 millimeters. With this arrangement the module 62.8 would be appropriate for use in a furnace which would provide a temperature at the hot face of about 2400°F (1316°C). This would provide a temperature of about 2000°F (1093°C) at the anchor tubes 68.8, a temperature of about 1733°F (945°C) at the interface of the first and second layers 78.8 and 79.8, and a temperature of about 200°F (93°C) at the cold face.

[0177] Because of the relatively high temperature in the vicinity of the anchor tubes 68.8, the anchor tubes 68.8 as well as the attachment means 67.8 are made out of a high alumina ceramic material.

[0178] The attachment means. 67.8 includes an elongated bolt extending from the fastening limb 70.8 to the fastener zone 73.8.

[0179] In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener zone 73.8 is positioned at the cold face so that, when the module 62.8 is attached to a furnace surface, the mat 63.8 will not be subjected to resilient compression. If resilient compression is required, the fastener zone 73.8 would be recessed inwardly of the cold face. In addition, it would include a laterally extending fastening bracket which is resiliently flexible so that the attachment means 67.8 has a resiliently flexible area spaced the furthest away from the hot face and therefore the least subject to loss of resiliency under increased temperature conditions during use.

[0180] With reference to Figure 27 of the drawings, reference numeral 62.9 refers to yet a further alternative embodiment of a module in accordance with this invention. The module 62.9 corresponds substantially with the module 10.3 illustrated in Figure 3.

[0181] The module 62.9 includes two pairs of anchor tubes 68.9 and 80.9. The anchor tubes 68.9 have yoke means 67.9 connected thereto, whereas the anchor tubes 80.9 have a corresponding yoke means 67.9 connected thereto.

[0182] Each yoke means 67.9 defines a fastener zone 73.9 which is generally centrally positioned of the mat 63.9.

[0183] In the embodiment of Figure 27, by including a plurality of sets of anchor tubes, and a plurality of yoke means, the module 62.9 can be anchored more firmly to a furnace surface, and the anchor force will be distributed more evenly throughout the mat 63.9. This particular arrangement can therefore have application where a more secure attachment and a more secure support of the mat 63.9 is required.

[0184] The module of applicant's invention as illustrated in the drawings, provides the advantage that the module can be constructed in a simple and effective manner from separately manufactured components which can readily be assembled. Once the components have been assembled a module is formed which has the support means and the attachment means for attaching the module, self-contained within the mat of the module. The module can be attached by access through the material of the mat to the fastener zone of the attachment mean.

[0185] The module provides the further advantage that the positioning of the attachment means can be varied to provide the required distribution of attachment force through the mat of the module. In addition, the positioning of the attachment means can be varied to provide for simple attachment to a furnace surface or to provide for resilient compression onto a furnace surface. The attachment means may therefore be positioned so that the fastener zone is at the cold face or projects from the cold face. Alternatively, for resilient compression of the module onto a furnace surface, the attachment means can be positioned so that the fastener zone is recessed inwardly from the cold face and must therefore be resiliently displaced to compress the fibers for attachment to a furnace surface. The degree of compression can be adjusted by adjusting the extent to which the fastener zone is recessed inwardly of the cold face.

[0186] By using a pair of anchor members which are laterally spaced, and by using a generally U-shaped or channel section shaped attachment means, the attachment force can be distributed sufficiently evenly throughout the mat of the module to hold it either effectively in place or effectively in resilient compression against a furnace surface during use and during the normal effective life of the module.

[0187] The particular configuration of the yoke means provides the advantage that the anchor members will be drawn towards the cold face in planes at substantially right angels to the cold face with a limited tendency for the anchor tubes to be displaced laterally within the module. In addition, by providing an attachment or fastener zone centrally positioned in the module, the module can be effectively attached by means of a single attachment point which will be concealed at all times from furnace heat. The single attachment point is sufficient for attachment of the average module and makes the module inexpensive to make and inexpensive to install. By having a centrally positioned attachment or fastener zone, the attachment force can be evenly distributed through the yoke means, through the anchor member and thus through the material of the mat.

Claims

1. An insulation member for insulating a furnace surface, the insulation member comprising:

(a) an insulation mat of resiliently deformable insulation material having a cold face to be positioned against such a furnace surface, and having an opposed hot face; and

(b) attachment means for attaching the mat to such a furnace surface;

(c) the attachment means comprising anchor means which is positioned in the mat in spaced relationship with both the cold face and the hot face to locate the attachment means relatively to the mat, and connection means for attachment to such a furnace surface to attach the member to such a surface; characterized in that:

(i) the connection means is connected to the anchor means to be displaceable relatively thereto;

(ii) in that the connection means is recessed inwardly relatively to the cold face for the attachment means to compress the cold face of the mat against such a furnace surface when force is applied to the connection means to urge it towards such a furnace surface for attachment thereto; and

(iii) in that the anchor means comprises at least one anchor member which is positioned to extend through the mat for distributing force applied to the connection means through the mat for compressing the mat cold face into firm engagement with the furnace surface during use.

2. A member according to claim 1, characterized in that the anchor means comprises a plurality of elongated anchor members.

3. A member according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the attachment means is resiliently deformable for resiliently biasing or urging the mat into contact with a surface to be insulated when the attachment means is attached to such a surface.

4. A member according to claim 2, characterized in that the connection means comprises a yoke having at least one'connecting limb which is connected to the anchor means and extends towards the cold face, and having a fastening limb for attachment to a surface to be insulated.

5. A member according to claim 4, characterized in that the yoke is resiliently deformable by the fastening limb being resiliently flexible for portion thereof to be resiliently deflectable towards a surface to be insulated for attachment to such a surface and for thus resiliently biasing the mat towards such a surface.

6. A member according to claim 5, characterized in that the fastening limb extends transversely to the connecting limb, and in that the fastening limb is positioned proximate the cold face for the material of the mat to protect the resiliently flexible portion from losing its resiliency during use under temperature conditions for which the member is designed.

7. A member according to claim 4, characterized in that the yoke has a pair of connecting limbs which are connected together by means of the fastening limb to provide a channel section configuration for the yoke, and in that the free end portion of each of the connecting limbs is connected to one of the anchor members.

8. A member according to claim 7, characterized in that the anchor means comprises a plurality of elongated anchor tubes which are located in the mat in laterally spaced relationship, in that each one connecting limb connected thereto, and in that the insulation material comprises a fibrous insulation material including fiber planes which are arranged to extend transversely to the cold face of the member, with the fibers of the insulation material being randomly oriented in the fiber planes.

9. A member according to claim 2, characterized in that the connection means includes a fastener device to be attached to a surface to be insulated to attach the connection means to such a surface, the fastener device defining a fastener zone which is positioned generally centrally relatively to the periphery of the cold face, in that the connection means comprises a yoke having a pair of connecting limbs which are connected together by means of a fastening limb to provide a generally channel section configuration for the yoke, in that the free end portions of the connecting limbs are connected to the anchor members, and in that the fastener device is fixed to the fastening limb.

10. A member according to claim 9, characterized in that the fastener device includes a fastener member in the form of a weld stud to be fastened to such a surface by means of an internal welding operation, the weld stud being threaded and including bias means in the form of a nut for biasing the attachment means towards such a surface.

11. A member according to claim 10, characterized in that the fastener device comprises a fastener bracket which is fixed to the connection means, the fastener bracket having a bore through which a fusible portion of the weld stud extends, and having an arc shield which surrounds the fusible portion.

12. A member according to claim 9, characterized in that it includes a fastener member located on the fastener device, the fastener member being adapted to be secured to a surface to be insulated, and the fastener member including bias means for urging the fastener member and thus urging the attachment means towards such a surface to resiliently urge or compress the mat into firm engagement with such a surface.

13. A member according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the attachment means is embedded within the mat, and in which the anchor means is arranged to extend transversely to the fiber planes.

14. A member according to claim 2, characterized in that the elongated anchor members are positioned to extend through the mat for distributing force applied to the connection means through the mat for resiliently compressing the mat cold face into substantially complete conforming engagement with the furnace surface when the connection means is urged towards such furnace surface upon attachment thereto.

15. A member according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the connection means is removably connected to the anchor means.

16. A member according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the anchor means comprises a pair of elongated tubular anchor members each projecting a surface area comprising about 10% of the projected surface of the module in the direction of the cold face.

17. A member according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that it is in the form of an insulation module for attachment in side-by-side relationship with corresponding modules to wall surfaces of a furnace for insulating such walls, and in that the insulation material comprises a ceramic fiber insulation material.

18. A member according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the connection means includes a fastener zone for use in attaching the connection means to a furnace surface to be insulated, and in that the fastener zone is recessed relatively to the cold face of the mat but is positioned nearer to the cold face than the anchor means.

19. A method of providing insulation on a furnace surface, the method comprising attaching a mat of resiliently compressible insulation material which has a cold face to be positioned against such a furnace surface and which has an opposed hot face, to such a surface by means of attachment means which is spaced from both the cold face and the hot face, characterized in that force is applied to the attachment means to displace the attachment means towards the surface and urge the cold face of the mat into engagement with the surface, the attachment means including anchor means which extends through the mat to distribute the applied force through the mat to cause resilient compression of the cold face of the mat against the furnace surface.

20. A method according to claim 19, characterized in that the cold face of the mat is biased into conforming engagement with the surface.

21. A method according to claim 19 or claim 20, characterized in that the attachment means is resiliently displaced towards the furnace surface to resiliently bias the cold face of the mat into engagement with the furnace surface and to eliminate gaps between the cold face and the furnace surface.

22. An insulation member for insulating a furnace surface, the member having a cold face to be directed towards such a furnace surface during use, having an opposed hot face, and having a plurality of sides, and the member comprising a deformable mat of fibrous insulation material and attachment means for attaching the mat to such a furnace surface, the fibrous insulation material including fiber planes which are arranged to extend transversely to the plane of the hot face, with the fibers of the fibrous material being randomly oriented in the fiber planes, and the attachement means comprising a plurality of elongated anchor members which are positioned in the mat to extend transversely to the fiber planes in spaced relationship with both the cold face and the hot face; characterized in that the attachment means further comprises yoke means having a fastening limb and a plurality of connection limbs which extend from the fastening limb, each connection limb having a free end portion connected to one anchor member, and the fastening limb defining a fastener zone which is positioned proximate the cold face and spaced inwardly from the sides of the member for use in fastening the member to such a furnace surface.

23. A member according to claim 22, characterized in that it includes a fastener device on the fastening limb which defines the fastener zone, and includes a fastener member located on the fastener device, the fastener member being adapted to be secured to such a furnace surface to secure the fastener device and thus the insulation member to such a furnace surface.

24. A member according to claim 23, characterized in that the fastener member comprises a weld stud to be fastened to such a surface by means of an internal welding operation, the weld stud being threaded and including a nutfor biasing the attachment means towards such a surface.

25. A member according to claim 24, characterized in that the fastener device comprises a fastener bracket which is fixed to the connection means, the fastener bracket having a bore through which a fusible portion of the weld stud extends, and having an arc shield which surrounds the fusible portion.

26. A member according to any one of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that the anchor means comprises a pair of elongated tubular anchor members each projecting a surface area comprising about 10% of the projected surface of the module in the direction of the cold face.

Ansprüche

1. Ein Wärmedämmteil zum Dämmen einer Ofenfläche, wobei das Wärmedämmteil folgendes umfaßt:

(a) eine Dämmatte aus elastisch verformbarem Dämmaterial mit einer kalten Seite, die an solch eine Ofenfläche gelegt werden soll, und mit einer gegenüberliegenden heißen Seite; und

(b) ein Befestigungsmittel zum Befestigen der Matte an solch einer Ofenfläche;

(c) wobei das Befestigungsmittel ein Verankerungsmittel, das in der Matte in räumlichen Abstand sowohl zur kalten Seite als auch zur heißen Seite angeordnet ist, um das Befestigungsmittel bezüglich der Matte zu fixieren, und ein Verbindungsmittel zur Befestigung an solch einer Ofenfläche umfaßt, um das Teil an solch einer Fläche zu befestigen; dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß:

(i) das Verbindungsmittel mit dem Verankerungsmittel so verbunden ist, daß es bezüglich desselben versetzbar ist;

(ii) das Verbindungsmittel bezüglich der kalten Seite nach innen versenkt ist, damit das Befestigungsmittel die kalte Seite der Matte gegen solch eine Ofenfläche preßt, wenn Kraft auf das Verbindungsmittel ausgeübt wird, um es zur Befestigung daran in Richtung einer solchen Ofenfläche zu drücken; und

(iii) das Verankerungsmittel wenigstens ein Verankerungsteil umfaßt, das so angeordnet ist, daß es sich zur Verteilung der auf das Verbindungsmittel ausgeübten Kraft über die Matte durch die Matte hindurch erstreckt, um die kalte Seite der Matte während des Betriebs in festen Eingriff mit der Ofenfläche zu pressen.

2. Ein Teil gemäß Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Verankerungsmittel mehrere längliche Verankerungsteile umfaßt.

3. Ein Teil gemäß Anspruch 1 oder Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Befestigungsmittel federnd verformbar ist, um die Matte elastisch vorzuspannen oder in Kontakt mit der zu dämmenden Fläche zu drücken, wenn das Befestigungsmittel an solch einer Fläche befestigt wird.

4. Ein Teil gemäß Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Verbindungsmittel einen Bügel umfaßt, der wenigstens ein Verbindungsglied aufweist, das mit dem Verankerungsmittel verbunden ist und sich zur kalten Seite hin erstreckt, und der ein Befestigungsglied zur Befestigung an einer zu dämmenden Fläche aufweist.

5. Ein Teil gemäß Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Bügel dadurch federnd verformbar ist, daß das Befestigungsglied in einem Teilstück desselben federnd verbiegbar ist, um auf eine zu dämmende Fläche zu federnd durchbiegbar zu sein, zur Befestigung an solch einer Fläche und somit zur elastischen Vorspannung der Matte gegen solch eine Fläche.

6. Ein Teil gemäß Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Befestigungsglied sich quer zum Verbindungsglied erstreckt und daß das Befestigungsglied in der Nähe der kalten Seite angeordnet ist, damit das Material der Matte den federnd verbiegbaren Teil davor schützt, seine Spannkraft während des Betriebs unter Temperaturbedingungen, für die das Teil gedacht ist, zu verlieren.

7. Ein Teil gemäß Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Bügel ein Paar Verbindungsglieder aufweist, die mittels des Befestigungsgliedes miteinander verbunden sind, um dem Bügel eine Rinnenprofil-Gestaltung zu geben, und daß das freie Endstück jedes Verbindungsgliedes mit einem der Verankerungsteile verbunden ist.

8. Ein Teil gemäß Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Verankerungsmittel mehrere längliche Verankerungsrohre umfaßt, die in der Matte mit seitlichem Abstand voneinander angeordnet sind, daß jedes ein damit verbundenes Verbindungsglied aufweist, und daß das Dämmaterial ein faseriges Dämmaterial umfaßt, das Faserebenen einschließt, die so angeordnet sind, daß sie sich quer zur kalten Seite des Teils erstrecken, wobei die Fasern des Dämmaterials in den Faserebenen zufällig ausgerichtet sind.

9. Ein Teil gemäß Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Verbindungsmittel eine Befestigungseinrichtung einschließt, die an einer zu dämmenden Fläche befestigt werden soll, um das Verbindungsmittel an solch einer Fläche zu befestigen, wobei die Befestigungseinrichtung eine Befestigungszone festlegt, die im allgemeinen bezüglich des Randbereichs der kalten Seite mittig angeordnet ist, daß die Befestigungseinrichtung einen Bügel mit einem Paar Verbindungsgliedern umfaßt, die mittels eines Befestigungsgliedes miteinander verbunden sind, um dem Bügel eine Rinnenprofil-Gestaltung zu geben, daß die freien Endstücke der Verbindungsglieder mit den Verankerungsteilen verbunden sind und daß die Befestigungseinrichtung am Befestigungsglied befestigt ist.

10. Ein Teil gemäß Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Befestigungseinrichtung ein Befestigungsteil in Form eines Schweißbolzens einschließt, der an solch einer Fläche mittels eines Innenschweißvorganges befestigt wird, wobei der Schweißbolzen mit einem Gewinde versehen ist und ein Vorspannmittel in Form einer Mutter einschließt, um das Befestigungsmittel gegen solch eine Fläche vorzuspannen.

11. Ein Teil gemäß Anspruch 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Befestigungseinrichtung eine Befestigungsklammer umfaßt, die am Verbindungsmittel befestigt ist, wobei die Befestigungsklammer eine Bohrung, durch die sich ein leicht schmelzbarer Teil des Schweißbolzens erstreckt, und ein Tunnelschild aufweist, der den leicht schmelzbaren Teil umgibt.

12. Ein Teil gemäß Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß es ein auf der Befestigungseinrichtung sitzendes Befestigungsteil einschließt, wobei das Befestigungsteil geeignet ist, an einer zu dämmenden Fläche befestigt zu werden, und wobei das Befestigungsteil ein Vorspannmittel zum Drücken des Befestigungsteils und somit zum Drücken des Befestigungsmittels gegen solch eine Fläche einschließt, um die Matte elastisch in festen Eingriff mit solch einer Fläche, zu drücken oder zu pressen.

13. Ein Teil gemäß irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Befestigungsmittel in der Matte eingebettet ist, und in dem das Verankerungsmittel so angeordnet ist, daß es sich quer zu den Faserebenen erstreckt.

14. Ein Teil gemäß Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die länglichen Verankerungsteile so angeordnet sind, daß sie sich zur Verteilung der auf das Verbindungsmittel ausgeübten Kraft über die Matte durch die Matte hindurch erstrecken, um die kalte Seite der Matte elastisch in im wesentlichen vollständigen, anliegenden Eingriff mit der Ofenfläche zu pressen, wenn das Befestigungsmittel bei Befestigung daran gegen solch eine Ofenfläche gedrückt wird.

15. Ein Teil gemäß irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Verbindungsmittel abnehmbar mit dem Verankerungsmittel verbunden ist.

16. Ein Teil gemäß irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 15, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Verankerungsmittel ein Paar längliche, röhrenförmige Verankerungsteile umfaßt, von denen jedes einen Oberflächenbereich überdeckt, der etwa 10% der in Richtung auf die kalte Seite projizierten Oberfläche des Moduls umfaßt.

17. Ein Teil gemäß irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 16, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß es in der Form eines Wärmedämmoduls zur Befestigung Seite an Seite mit entsprechenden Modulen an Wandflächen eines Ofens zum Dämmen solcher Wände vorliegt und daß das Dämmaterial ein keramisches Faserdämmaterial umfaßt.

18. Ein Teil gemäß irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 17, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Verbindungsmittel eine Befestigungszone zur Verwendung beim Befestigen des Verbindungsmittels an einer zu dämmenden Ofenfläche einschließt und daß die Befestigungszone bezüglich der kalten Seite der Matte versenkt ist, aber näher zur kalten Seite als zum Verankerungsmittel liegt.

19. Ein Verfahren zum Bereitstellen einer Wärmedämmung auf einer Ofenfläche, wobei das Verfahren das Befestigen einer Matte aus elastisch komprimierbarem Dämmaterial, das eine an solch einer Fläche anzulegende kalte Seite und eine gegenüberliegende heiße Seite besitzt, an solch einer Fläche mittels eines Befestigungsmittels umfaßt, das sowohl von der kalten Seite als auch von der heißen Seite räumlich entfernt liegt, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß Kraft auf das Befestigungsmittel ausgeübt wird, um das Befestigungsmittel in Richtung der Fläche zu verschieben und die kalte Seite der Matte in Eingriff mit der Fläche zu drücken, wobei das Befestigungsmittel ein Verankerungsmittel einschließt, das sich durch die Matte hindurch erstreckt, um die ausgeübt Kraft über die Matte zu verteilen, damit ein elastisches Andrücken der kalten Seite der Matte gegen die Ofenfläche bewirkt wird.

20. Ein Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 19, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die kalte Seite der Matte in anliegenden Eingriff mit der Fläche vorgespannt wird.

21. Ein Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 19 oder Anspruch 20, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Befestigungsmittel federnd auf die Ofenfläche zu verschoben wird, um die kalte Seite der Matte elastisch in Eingriff mit der Ofenfläche vorzuspannen und um Spalte zwischen der kalten Seite und der Ofenfläche zum beseitigungen.

22. Ein Wärmedämmteil zum Dämmen einer Ofenfläche, wobei das Teile eine kalte Seite, die während des Betriebs gegen eine solche Ofenfläche gerichtet ist, eine gegenüberliegende heiße Seite und mehrere Seitenflächen besitzt, und wobei das Teil eine verformbare Matte aus faserigem Dämmaterial und ein Befestigungsmittel zum Befestigen der Matte an solch einer Ofenfläche umfaßt, wobei das faserige Dämmaterial Faserebenen einschließt, die so angeordnet sind, daß sie sich quer zur Ebene der heißen Seite erstrecken, wobei die Fasern des faserigen Materials in den Faserebenen zufällig ausgerichtet sind, und wobei das Befestigungsmittel mehrere längliche Verankerungsteile umfaßt, die so in der Matte angeordnet sind, daß sie sich quer zu den Faserebenen in räumlichen Abstand sowohl zur kalten Seite als auch zur heißen Seite erstrecken; dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Befestigungsmittel weiterhin ein Bügelteil mit einem Befestigungsglied und mehreren Verbindungsgliedern umfaßt, die sich vom Befestigungsglied weg erstrecken, wobei jedes Verbindungsglied ein freies Endstück besitzt, das mit einem Verankerungsteil verbunden ist, und wobei das Befestigungsglied eine Befestigungszone, die in der Nähe der kalten Seite und vor den Seitenflächen des Teiles in räumlichem Abstand nach innen angeordnet ist, zur Verwendung beim Befestigen des Teiles an solch einer Ofenfläche festlegt.

23. Ein Teil gemäß Anspruch 22, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß es eine Befestigungseinrichtung auf dem Befestigungsglied, die die Befestigungszone festlegt, und ein Befestigungsteil, das auf der Befestigungseinrichtung sitzt, einschließt, wobei das Befestigungsteil geeignet ist, an solch einer Ofenfläche befestigt zu werden, um die Befestigungseinrichtung und somit das Wärmedämmteil an solch einer Ofenfläche zu befestigen.

24. Ein Teil gemäß Anspruch 23, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Befestigungsteil einen Schweißbolzen umfaßt, der an solch einer Fläche mittels eines Innenschweißvorganges befestigt wird, wobei der Schweißbolzen mit einem Gewinde versehen ist und eine Mutter zum Vorspannen des Befestigungsmittels gegen solch eine Fläche einschließt.

25. Ein Teil gemäß Anspruch 24, dadurch gekennzeichnent, daß die Befestigungseinrichtung eine Befestigungsklammer umfaßt, die am Verbindungsmittel befestigt ist, wobei die Befestigungsklammer eine Bohrung, durch die sich ein leicht schmelzbarer Teil des Schweißbolzen erstreckt, und ein Tunnelschild aufweist, der den leicht schmelzbaren Teil umgibt.

26. Ein Teil gemäß irgendeinem der Ansprüche 22 bis 25, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Verankerungsmittel ein Paar längliche, röhrenförmige Verankerungsteile umfaßt, von denen jedes einen Oberflächenbereich überdeckt, der etwa 10% der in Richtung der kalten Seite projizierten Oberfläche des Moduls umfaßt.

Revendications

1. Elément d'isolation destiné à isoler une surface de four, l'élément d'isolation compren- nant:

(a) un mat d'isolation en matériau isolant déformable élastiquement ayant une face froide devant être placée contre une telle surface de four, et ayant une face chaude opposée; et

(b) des moyens de montage du mat sur une telle surface de four;

(c) les moyens de montage comprenant des moyens d'ancrage disposés dans le mat, à distance à la fois de la face froide et de la face chaude, afin de positionner les moyens de montage par rapport au mat, et des moyens de liaison destinés à être montés sur une telle surface de four pour monter l'élément sur cette surface;

caractérisé en ce que:

(i) les moyens de liaison sont reliés aux moyens d'ancrage de manière à pouvoir être déplacés par rapport à eux;

(ii) en ce que les moyens de liaison sont en retrait vers l'intérieur par rapport à la face froide afin que les moyens de montage compriment la face froide du mat contre une telle surface de four lorsqu'une force est appliquée aux moyens de liaison afin de tendre à les déplacer vers la surface du four pour le montage sur celle-ci; et

(iii) en ce que les moyens d'ancrage comprennent au moins un élément d'ancrage qui est disposé de façon à s'étendre à travers le mat afin de distribuer une force appliquée aux moyens de liaison à travers le mat pour comprimer la face froide du mat en contact ferme avec la surface du four pendant l'utilisation.

2. Elément selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les moyens d'ancrage comprennent plusieurs éléments d'ancrage allongés.

3. Elément selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de montage déformables élastiquement afin de solliciter ou de rappeler élastiquement le mat en contact avec une surface à isoler lorsque les moyens de montage sont montés sur une telle surface.

4. Elément selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de liaison comprennent un étrier ayant au moins une branche de liaison qui est reliée aux moyens d'ancrage et s'étend vers la face froide, et ayant une branche de fixation pour le montage sur une surface à isoler.

5. Elément selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que l'étrier est déformable élastiquement par le fait que la branche de fixation peut fléchir élastiquement afin qu'une partie de cette branche puisse être déviée élastiquement vers une surface à isoler pour un montage sur une telle surface et pour rappeler ainsi élastiquement le mat vers cette surface.

6. Elément selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que la branche de fixation s'étend transversalement à la branche de liaison, et en ce que la branche de fixation est placée à proximité de la face froide afin que le matériau du mat protège la partie, étastiquement flexible de toute perte de son élasticité pendant l'utilisation dans des conditions de température pour lesquelles l'élément est conçu.

7. Elément selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que J'étrier comporte deux branches de liaison qui sont reliées entre elles du moyen de la branche de fixation afin de donner à l'étrier une configuration de section en U, et en ce que la partie extrême libre de chacune des branches de liaison est reliée à l'un des éléments d'ancrage.

8. Elément selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que les moyens d'ancrage comprennent plusieurs tubes d'ancrage allongés qui sont disposés dans le mat, de façon à être espacés latéralement les uns des autres, en ce qu'une branche de liaison est reliée à chacun d'eux, et en ce que le matériau isolant comprend un matériau isolant fibreux contenant des plans de fibres qui sont agencés de façon à s'étendre transversalement à la face froide de l'élément, les fibres du matériau isolant étant orientées de façon aléatoire dans les plans de fibres.

9. Elément selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de liaison comprennent un dispositif de fixation devant être monté sur une surface à isoler pour le montage des moyens de liaison sur une telle surface, le dispositif de fixation définissant une zone de fixation qui est placée à peu près centralement par rapport à la périphérie de la face froide, en ce que les moyens de liaison comprennent un étrier comportant deux branches de liaison qui sont reliées entre elles au moyen d'une branche de fixation afin de donner à l'étrier une configuration de section globalement en U, en ce que les parties extrêmes libres des branches de liaison sont reliées aux éléments d'ancrage, et en ce que le dispositif de fixation est fixé à la branche de fixation.

10. Elément selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif de fixation comprend un élément de fixation sous la forme d'un goujon à souder devant être fixé à une telle surface au moyen d'une opération de soudage interne, le goujon à souder étant fileté et comprenant des moyens de rappel sous la forme d'un écrou, destinés à rappeler les moyens de montage vers une telle surface.

11. Elément selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif de fixation comprend une équerre de fixation qui est fixée aux moyens de liaison, l'équerre de fixation présentant un trou dans lequel s'étend une partie fusible du goujon à souder, et comportant un écran d'arc qui entoure la partie fusible.

12. Elément selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un élément de fixation situé sur le dispositif de fixation, l'élément de fixation étant conçu pour être fixé à une surface à isoler, et l'élément de fixation comprenant des moyens de rappel destinés à solliciter l'élément de fixation et donc à solliciter les moyens de montage vers une telle surface pour solliciter ou comprimer élastiquement le mat en contact ferme avec cette surface.

13. Elément selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de montage sont encastrés dans le mat et en ce que les moyens d'ancrage sont agencés de façon à s'étendre transversalement aux plans des fibres.

14. Elément selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que les éléments d'ancrage allongés sont disposés de façon à s'étendre à travers le mat pour distribuer une force appliquée aux moyens de liaison à travers le mat afin de comprimer élastiquement la face froide du mat en contact épousant à peu près complètement la surface du four lorsque les moyens de fixation sont sollicités vers cette surface du four à la suite de leur montage sur elle.

15. Elément selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 14, caractérisé en ce que les moyens la liaison sont reliés de façon amovible aux moyens d'ancrage.

16. Elément selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 15, caractérisé en ce que les moyens d'ancrage comprennent deux éléments d'ancrage tubulaires allongés projetant chacun une aire de surface constituant environ 10% de la surface projetée du module dans la direction de la face froide.

17. Elément selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 16, caractérisé en ce qu'il se présente sous la forme d'un module d'isolation destiné à être monté, dans une disposition côte à côte, avec des modules correspondants sur des surfaces de parois d'un four pour isoler de telles parois, et en ce que le matériau isolant comprend un matériau isolant à fibres de céramique.

18. Elément selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 17, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de liaison comprennent une zone de fixation à utiliser pour le montage des moyens de liaison sur une surface de four à isoler, et en ce que la zone de fixation est en retrait par rapport à la face froide du mat, mais est placée plus près de la face froide que des moyens d'ancrage. -

19. Procédé pour munir d'une isolation une surface de four, le procédé consistant à monter un mat en matériau isolant élastiquement compressible qui présente une face froide devant être placée contre une telle surface de four et qui présente une face chaude opposée, sur une telle surface, à l'aide de moyens de montage qui sont espacés à la fois de la face froide et de la face chaude, caractérisé en ce qu'une force est appliquée aux moyens de montage afin de les déplacer vers la surface et de solliciter la face froide du mat en contact avec la surface, les moyens de montage comprenant des moyens d'ancrage qui s'étendent à travers le mat afin de distribuer la force appliquée à travers le mat pour provoquer une compression élastique de la face froide du mat contre la surface du four.

20. Procédé selon la revendication 19, caractérisé en ce que la face froide du mat est sollicitée en contact avec la surface de façon à l'épouser.

21. Procédé selon la revendication 19 ou la revendication 20, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de montage sont déplacés élastiquement vers la surface du four pour solliciter élastiquement la face froide du mat en contact avec la surface du four et pour éliminer les espaces entre la face froide et la surface du four.

22. Elément d'isolation destiné à isoler une surface de four, l'élément présentant une face froide destinée à être dirigée vers une telle surface de four pendant l'utilisation, une face chaude opposée et plusieurs côtés, et l'élément comprenant un mat déformable de matériau isolant fibreux et des moyens de montage du mat sur une telle surface de·four, le matériau isolant fibreux comprenant des plans de fibres qui sont agencés de façon à s'étendre transversalement au plan de la face chaude, les fibres du matériau fibreux étant orientées de façon aléatoire dans les plans de fibres et les moyens de montage comprenant plusieurs éléments d'ancrage allongés qui sont positionnés dans le mat de façon à s'étendre transversalement aux plans des fibres, à distance à la fois de la face froide et de la face chaude; caractérisé en ce que les moyens de montage comprennent en outre des moyens à étrier comportant une jambe de fixation et plusieurs jambes de liaison qui partent de la jambe de fixation, chaque jambe de liaison ayant une partie extrême libre reliée à un élément d'ancrage, et la jambe de fixation définissant une zone de fixation qui est placée à proximité de la face froide et qui est espacée vers l'intérieur des côtés de l'élément afin d'être utilisée pour fixer l'élément à une telle surface de four.

23. Elément selon la revendication 22, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un dispositif de fixation situé sur la branche de fixation et définissant la zone de fixation, et comprend un élément de fixation situé sur le dispositif de fixation, l'élément de fixation étant conçu pour être fixé à une telle surface de four afin d'assujettir le dispositif de fixation et donc l'élément d'isolation à une telle surface de four.

24. Elément la revendication 23, caractérisé en ce que l'élément de fixation comprend un goujon à souder devant être fixé à une telle surface au moyen d'une opération de soudage interne, le goujon à souder étant fileté et comprenant un écrou destiné à rappeler les moyens de montage vers une telle surface.

25. Elément selon la revendication 24, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif de fixation comprend une équerre de fixation qui est fixée aux moyens de liaison, l'équerre de fixation présentant un trou dans lequel passe une partie fusible du goujon à souder, et comportant un écran d'arc qui entoure la partie fusible.

26. Elément selon l'une quelconque des revendications 22 à 25, caractérisé en ce que les moyens d'ancrage comprennent deux éléments d'ancrage tubulaires allongés projetant chacun une aire de surface constituant environ 10% de la surface projetée du module dans la direction de la face froide.

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