GB2111657A - Insulation and the provision thereof - Google Patents

Description

1 GB 2 111657 A 1

SPECIFICATION

Insulation and the provision thereof This invention relates to insulation and the provi- 70 sion 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 insula- tion 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.

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. Historical- ly, 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.

The disadvantages of brick linings, coupled with the need for more effective and higher temperature 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.

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.

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.

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-linearwith the direction of formation of the blanket itself, although a consider- able 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.

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

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.

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 desired width.

Naturally, the 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.

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.

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.

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 blank- et 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.

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 is not only wasteful but leads to the formation of undesirable hot spots in the furnace walls.

Where insulation material is used in strip form, the strips may be secured to a 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 wires or the like which extend through the fiber strips. 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 thatthe handling of the strips is tedious and laborious.

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.

While this modular approach provides a number of advantages, it still presents the problem of effectively mounting the insulation material onto the 2 GB 2 111657 A 2 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, howev er, cumbersome and expensive. In addition, it is not particularly effective where the backing sheets are in the form of less rigid sheet material.

The most promising solution which has heretofore been suggested, has been to mount the insulation material onto a backing sheet by utilizing a tempera ture resistant adhesive. This solution has been relatively successful for many applications. Howev er, 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 innerwalls of the furnace. 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.

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.

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 sulfur ous 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 acids to form.

Therefore, in the very zone where the insulation 105 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 the acids in the interface zone of the insulation material and the furnace casing to produce ferric sulfates which corrode the ceramic fiber.

The life of such insulation is therefore limited since the adhesive or cement eventually becomes des troyed and/orthe 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 system.

It is accordingly an object of this invention to 125 provide a method of attaching insulation to a surface, and an insulation member for attachment to a surface to reduce or overcome the disadvantage of the prior known methods.

Applicant has postulated that because of the 130 heating effect in a furnace, heated air will tend to rise and create an 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 walls of the furnace.

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

Applicants believe thatthis airflow will be encouraged by air gaps between insulation material and furnace 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.

Even if prior art insulation materials are firmly attached to a furnace wall or casing, during temperature variations in the wall or casing the casings tend to deflect. Casing regions may therefore change from a concave to a convex configuration and so on. Therefore even if prior art insulation materials or modules are attached firmly to casing surfaces, gaps can be created during deflection of the casings.

Applicant believes, therefore, that itwould be advantageous in many applications to have insulation 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.

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.

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 about 1,600OF (about 870'C) and preferably in the range of about 1,600OF (about 870'C) to about 2,800'F (about 1540'C) or more.

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

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" (Carborundurn Co.), "Lo-Con" (Carborundum Co.), "Cero-Felt" (Johns-Manville Corp.) and "SAFFIL" O.C.Q. While most of these ceramic fiber blankets have an indicated maximum operating temperature of about 2,300'F (about 12600C), the end or edge fiber exposure provided by reorientation of fiber strips can provide for effective operation up to about -X 1 3 GB 2 111657 A 3 2,800"F when the appropriate grade of fiber is used. An appropriate grade would, for example, be SAFFIL alumina fibers.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided an insulation member for insulating a surface, the insulation member comprising: (a) an insulation mat which has a cold face to be positioned against such a surface, which has an opposed hot face, and which comprises a deformable insulation material; and (b) attachment means for attaching the member to such a surface, the attachment means comprising anchor means 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 connected to the anchor means for attachmentto such a surface to attach the member to such a surface, the connection means being recessed inwardly of the cold face for the attachment means to compress the cold face against such a surface when the connection means is urged towards such a surface for attachment thereto.

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 relationship with corresponding modules or blocks to form an insulating lining.

The insulation member may therefore convenient- ly 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 furnace environments for which the insulation member is designed.

The insulation material of the mat may be any suitable insulation material which will provide a required degree of heat insulation and which is at least partly deformable, preferably with at least a limited degree of resiliency, to allowthe matto be resiliently biased into engagement with a furnace surface.

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 at least partially deformable, and preferably at least partially resiliently deformable, to permit the material of the mat to be resiliently biased or resiliently urged into engagement with a surface to be insulated.

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.

This blanket type arrangment 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 1,600F (about 870'C), the fibrous insulation material is preferably a material which includes fiber planes which are arranged to extend transversely to a cold face of the member, with the fibers being randomly oriented in the f iber planes.

The attachment means may be displaceable by the attachment means or substantially the whole of the attachment means being formed out of a suitable resiliently deformable or displaceable material.

In this embodiment of the invention difficulties can be experienced at higher operating temperatures unless the attachment means is formed out of a resiliently deformable material which is capable of withstanding such higher temperatures without losing its resiliency andlor unless the attachment means is positioned in the mat such that it is protected from temperature conditions where it would tend to lose its resiliency.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, therefore, the attachment means may be resiliently deformable by having a resiliently deformable por- tion which is positioned proximate the cold face of the mat or member during use. In this way the thickness of the mat can serve to protect the resiliently deformable portion from being overheated during use, thereby insuring that the resiliently deformable portion will retain its resilient characteristics during use to maintain a biasing action during use.

The attachment means may, for example, cornprise anchor means associated with the mat, and yoke means extending from the anchor means for attachment to a surface to be insulated. In this embodiment of the invention the yoke means preferably comprises or includes the resiliently deformable portion of the attachment means.

The anchor means may be any appropriate means which is capable of being associated with the insulating mat of the member of this invention, and which may then be attached to a surface to be insulated to thereby attach the insulation member to such a surface.

The anchor means may, for example, comprise one or more elongated rods, bars or tubes which are located in the mat. In an alternative example of the invention, the anchor means may be in the form of a closed figure or in the form of a grid which is located within the mat. In yet a further example of the invention, the anchor means may be in the form of an elongated, non-linear, member which is located within the mat.

While the anchor means may itself be resiliently deformable or deflectable, the anchor means may preferably be of a rigid material so that tension applied to the anchor means would tend to be distributed throughout the anchor means for there- by applying a biasing effect to the material of the mat.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, therefore, the anchor means may comprise a plurality of anchor tubes which are arranged in laterally spaced relationship to extend through the mat in a plane generally parallel to the plane of the cold face, to thereby distribute any tension applied to the anchor means through the mat.

Where the mat has fiber planes which extend transversely or usually normally to the cold face, the 4 GB 2 111 657 A 4 anchor tubes are preferably positioned to extend generally parallel to the cold face but transversely to the fiber planes to thereby provide for effective location of the anchor tubes within the mat. 5 In an embodiment of the invention a reinforcing material may be located within the mat to reinforce the mat in the vicinity of the anchor means to better distribute the biasing force applied to the anchor means during use. 10 The reinforcing material may comprise a mesh structure, a deposit of adhesive material, or the like. The yoke means may be of any appropriate configuration for engagement with the anchor means and for attachment to a surface. 15 In one embodiment of the invention the yoke means may comprise a connecting limb which is connected to or engaged with the anchor means to extend towards the cold face, and a resiliently I deformable or displaceable fastening portion for attachment to a surface to be insulated to be resiliently displaced and to thus resiliently bias or urge the connection limb, and thus the anchor means and the mat of the insulation member towards such surface.

In one embodiment the resiliently deformable fastening portion may be in the form of a spring member or the like to provide the urging or biasing action. It may therefore, for example, be in the form of a helical spring, a leaf spring orthe like.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the resiliently deformable fastening portion may be in the form of a fastening limb which extends transversely to the connection limb.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the inven- tion, the yoke means comprises a pair of connection 100 limbs which are connected together by means of a fastening limb to provide a channel section configuration for the yoke means, with each connection limb having a free end which is engaged with or connected to the anchor means.

The attachment means is preferably located within the mat such that the resiliently deformable portion thereof is recessed inwardly of the cold face of the mat. The resiliently deflectable portion may there- fore be resiliently displaced out of the mat towards a 110 surface to be insulated for attachment thereto and for thus resiliently biasing the attachment means and thus the mat towards such surface during use.

The attachment means may include a fastener device for use in fastening the attachment means to a surface to be insulated.

In one embodiment of the invention the fastener device may define a bore for receiving a bolt, screw, weld stud or the like to fasten the fastener device to such a surface.

The fastener device may be an integral part of, or a continuous extension, of the material of the yoke means. Alternatively, for example, the fastener device may be in the form of a separate fastener device which is fixed to the yoke means of the attachment means.

The fastener device may include fastener member for example in the form of a weld stud which is located thereon to extend into the mat, with the weld stud having a fusible portion extending through the 130 bore of the fastener device. In this embodiment the fastener device may include an arc shield which is positioned to surround the fusible portion of the weld stud to permit attachment thereof to a surface to be insulated by internal welding.

The attachment means may further include bias means for biasing the fastener device towards a surface to be insulated once the fastener device has been fastened to that surface. The bias means may, for example, be provided by a nut which may be threaded onto a stud, bolt or the like to draw the fastener device and thus the resiliently deformable fastening portion towards the surface to be insulated and thereby provide the resilient biasing effect.

The invention further extends to a method of providing insulation on a furnace surface, the method comprising attaching a mat of deformable insulation material which has a cold face to be positioned against such a furnace surface and an opposed hot face, to such a furnace surface by means of attachment means which is spaced from the hot face, and displacing the attachment means towards the furnace surface to bias the cold face of the mat into engagement with the surface.

The method may preferably comprise resiliently biasing the mat into conforming engagement with the surface.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method comprises maintaining the bias action dur- ing use to urge the mat to remain biased into conforming engagement with the surface during use despite deflection of the surface as a result of temperature variation.

The method may comprise attaching resiliently deformable attachment means which is associated with the mat, to the furnace wall to thereby attach the matto the furnace wall surface, and then biasing the attachment means resiliently towards the surface to maintain a bias engagement between the 105 mat and the surface.

The invention further extends to attachment means for attaching a mat of insulation material to a furnace surface, the attachment means comprising anchor means for location in such a mat, and yoke means to be extended from the anchor means towards such a surface for attachment thereto, the attachment means being resiliently deformable for biasing such a mat towards such a surface.

If the attachment means is rigid, then the bias action will be provided by compression or resilient compression of the material of the mat. On the other hand, if the attachment means includes a resiliently deformable or displaceable portion, which is preferably provided by the connection means, then the bias or urging action can be provided by the resilient displacement of the connection means, or by both the resilient displacement of the connection means and the compression, or resilient compression, of the material of the mat.

The invention further extends to 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 g 3 material and attachment means for attaching the mat to such a furnace surface: (a) 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 (b) the attachment means comprising: (i) 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; and (ii) 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.

In a preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the fastener zone is positioned centrally of the module, the anchor members are positioned in the mat, and the connection limbs are connected to the anchor members for an attachment force when applied to the fastener zone to be distributed generally or preferably fairly evenly throughout the module for holding the mat in position on such a furnace surface during use.

The connection limbs conveniently extend from opposed ends of the fastening limb.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the attachment means comprises two, or at least two anchor members which are laterally spaced, and the yoke means is of generally channel section con- figuration.

In one example of the invention, the connection limbs may constitute a continuous extension of the material of the fastening limb. Alternatively, the fastening limb may have the connection limbs hingedly connected to its opposed ends.

In certain aspects of the invention, the insulation material of the mat may comprise a composite insulation material made up of a plurality of different types of insulation materials. In this aspect of the invention, a combination of high temperature and lower temperature insulation materials can be employed to arrive at the best economically and practically viable combinations for particular environments and temperature conditions.

While this invention is particularly appropriate and 115 effective for use in providing high temperature insulation for furnaces, it will be appreciated that the invention can equally have application in securing otherforms of insulation to surfaces where firm engagement between the insulation material and the 120 surface to be insulated is required or preferred. Such alternative applications of the invention are therefore also within the scope of this invention. However, in the preferred applications of the invention, the invention would be employed in high temperature furnaces since these applications are the ones in which the prior art systems have the major drawbacks and in which this invention can therefore provide major advantages.

Embodiments of the invention are now described 130 GB 2 111 657 A 5 by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic oblique view of one embodiment of aninsulation 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 similar view of a module similar to that of Figure 3, except 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 VINI 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.

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, 6 GB 2 111657 A 6 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 resilient ly biasing the mat 12 into conforming engagement with such a furnace surface.

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.

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.

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 85 delamination and should be more resistant to devit rification and cracking.

In addition, the natural resiliency of the ceramic fiber will result in effective cover and thus conceal ment of the attachment means in the mat. The attachment means will thus be protected by the fiber againstthe furnace heat.

The attachment means 14.1 comprises anchor means 22 and yoke means 24.1.

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

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.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawing, the anchor tube 26 is spaced about 2 inches from the cold face 16.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 which130 will be resistant to corrosion and which, with proper design and location, will remain resiliently deflectable during use in the required zone.

The yoke may, for example, be made out of 3/16 inch (about 9 mm) diameter rod. The anchor tubes may, for example, be made out of 12 inch long (about 300 mm) ceramictube having a 1/2 inch (about 12 mm) outside diameter and a 1/4 inch (about 6 mm) inner diameter.

The thickness of the mat 12 between the hot and cold faces 18 and 16 will of cou rse 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.

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 forwhich 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.

The yoke means 24.1 is engaged with the anchor tube 26 and 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.

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.

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 about 1/2 inch (about 12 mm) and 1 inch (about 25 mm) from the cold face 16.

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.

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 44 in engagement with the fastening limb 30.1. The gripping flange 44 may be in gripping engagementwith the limb 30.1 may be crimped thereto, may be welded thereto, or may otherwise be connected thereto.

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.

As can be seen particularly in Figure 2 of the drawings, the module 10.1 includes a fastener 11 7 GB 2 111 657 A 7 member 48 which is associated with the fastener device 34 for fastening it to the surface 36.

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.

Bias means in the form of a nut 56 is located on the threaded shank 52.

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 washer (not shown) which has radially inwardly extending fingers to engage with a groove (not shown) in the stud tip 54.

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 weiding operation, and as a torque device.

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 therewith.

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.

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 crosssectional area, burns away and thus starts and arc. The arc will be protected by the arc shield 58.

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

As the welding operation continues, the intense heat of the are will burn away the radial fingers of the retainer flange, 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.

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, 120 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 56 125 operates as a bias means to bias the fastening limb 30.1 resiliently out of the mat 12 towards the surface 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.

During resilient displacement of the limb 30.1, the yoke means 24.1 will apply tension to the anchor tube 26. Since the anchortube 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.

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

Because the fastening limb 30.1 is positioned proximate the cold face 16 of the 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 forthe yoke means 24.1 to maintain its resilience during use.

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 biassing 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.

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 air-flow 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.

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.

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 thereforeform.

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 ceramicfiber should remain in place and should provide substantially the same insulation 8 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.

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.

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.

The module 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.

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.

The module 10.1 providesthe 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 under the action of gravity. This should therefore again reduce the tendency for significant gaps to form between adjacent modules.

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

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

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 115 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.

With reference to Figure 3 of the drawings, reference numeral 10.3 refers generally to an 120 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.

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 maybe GB 2 111657 A 8 employed with a single connection limb 28.1 and fastener30.1 forthe yoke means 24.1.

The module 10.3 illustrated in Figure 3 is more a module of regularsize 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.

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

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.

The tubes 26 each have a length of about 11 or 12 inches and a diameter of about 1/2 an inch. Each tube therefore projects an area of almost 6 square inches in the direction of the cold face 16 of the mat 12. The mat 12 itself projects an area of about 144 square inches 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 anchortubes 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 the 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.

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.

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.

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.

The fastening limb 30.3 is recessed about 1/2 inch inwardly of the cold face 16, is parallel to the cold face 16, and is resiliently bendable or deflectable towards the cold face 16 for attachment to a casing or furnace wall surface to thereby resiliently bias the 9 GB 2 111657 A 9 anchor tubes 26 and thus the mat 12 into conforming engagement with the surface.

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.

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.

With reference to Figures 4 to 7 of the drawings, reference numeral 10.4 refers generally to a high temperature furnace insulation module which cor responds substantially with the module 10.3. Corres ponding parts are therefore indicated by corres ponding reference numerals.

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.

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 flange 64 has 100 been shown in position in Figure 6. These retainer flange 64 has its outer periphery cooperating with the arc shield 58 to retain the arc shield in position.

The retainer flange 64 has radially inwardly extend ing fingers which frictionally engage the stud tip 54. 105 When these fingers melt during the welding opera tion they release the shank 52 thereby permitted the remaining part of the tip 54 to be welded onto the surface 36.

In Figure 7 of the drawings the module 10.4 is 110 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 120 anchor tubes 26 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.

With an appropriate degree of resilient compress ion, 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.

With reference to Figure 8, reference numeral 10.5 refers generally to yet a further alternative embodi- ment 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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

In Figure 12 the mat 12 of the module 10.8 has been strengthened to improve its durability.

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.

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. 5 The reinforced zones 75 therefore assist in distributing the compression forces of the tubes 26. Any suitable resin or weak cement such as, for example, a colloidal silica may be provided in the zones 75. 10 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 extensions from the tubes if desired. For ease of handling of modules in accordance with this invention, they may bewrapped 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.

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.

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 fur- nace wall.

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.

The module 62.1 includes attachment means for attaching the mat 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.

The attachment means 67.1 further comprises yoke means 69.1.

The yoke means 69.1 comprises a fastening limb 70.1 which is proximate the 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.

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

The fastening limb 70.1 defines a fastener zone GB 2 111657 A 10 73.1 at its center. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 forthe 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.

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 fastener 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.

With reference to Figures 15 and 16 of the drawings, reference numeral 67.2 refers generally to r T 11 an alternative embodiment of attachment means for use in the module 62.1 of Figure 13.

The attachment means 67.2 corresponds substan tially with the attachment means 67.1 except insofar as the fastener zone 73.2 is concerned.

The fastener zone 73.2 is in the form of a channel section bracket 74.2 which is located on the fasten ing limb 70.2 by spot welding. The fastening limb 70.2 is of 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.

With reference to Figures 17 and 18 of the 80 drawings, reference numeral 67.3 comprises attach ment 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. 90 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.

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 resist ance welded to the members of the fastening limb 70.4. The U-shaped connection limbs therefore de100 fine hook formations 72.4 at their opposed ends.

The members constituting the fastening limb 70.4 are bent at their central zone to def ine a fastener zone 73.4 for receiving a fastener device or member.

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.

The attachment means 67.5 corresponds substan tially 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.

At the junction of each connection limb 71.5 with 115 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 120 a common plane.

This particular configuration of the yoke means 69.5 is appropriate especiallyfor those embodi ments of the invention where the mat with which the yoke means 69.5 is associated, is adapted to be 125 resiliently compressed to compress the mat against a furnace surface to be insulated. Typically, there fore, 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 then attached 130 GB 2 111 657 A 11 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.

With reference to Figure 22 of the drawings, reference numeral 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.

With reference to Figure 23 of the drawings, reference numeral 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.

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.

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.

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.

The composite mat 63.7 may have the first layer 78.7 of an 8 pound density SAUDERrm 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 appropri- 12 GB 2 111657 A 12 ate for use in a furnace where the hot face temperature would be about 1420F (771'C). The temperature at the interface between the first and second layers 78,7 and 79.7 would be about 950'F (51 VC), while the temperature at the cold face would be about 178'F (81 C).

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.

With reference to Figures 24 to 26 of the drawings, reference numeral 62.8 refers to yet a further 80 alternative embodiment of a module in accordance with this invention.

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

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, while the second layer 79.8 is preferably an 8 pound density ceramic fiber available under the trademark SAUDER.

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 2000OF (10930C) at the anchor tubes 68.8, a temperature of about 1733'F (945C) at the interface of the first and second layers 78.8 and 79.8, and a temperature of about 200OF (93C) at the cold face.

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.

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

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 120 therefore the least subject to loss of resiliency under increased temperature conditions during use.

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 Figure3.

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.

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

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.

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 compo- nents 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.

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 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.

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.

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 angles to the cold face with a limited tendency forthe anchor tubes to be displaced laterallywithin the module. In addition, by providing an attachment orfastener 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 inex- IF p 4 13 GB 2 111657 A -13

Claims (43)

pensive to install. By having a centrally positioned attachment orfastenerzone, the attachmentforce 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 surface, the insulation member comprising:

(a) an insulation mat which has a cold face to be positioned against such a surface, which has an opposed hot face, and which comprises a deformable insulation material; and (b) attachment means for attaching the member to such a surface, the attachment means comprising anchor means 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 connected to the anchor means for attachment to such a surface to attach the member to such a surface, the connection means being recessed inwardly of the cold face for the attachment means to compress the cold face against such a surface when the connection means is urged towards such a surface for attachment thereto.

2. A member according to claim 1, in which 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.

3. A member according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which 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 any one of claims 1 to 3, in which 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, in which 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, in which the fastening limb extends transversely to the connect- ing limb, and in which the fastening limb is posi- tioned 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 anyone of claims 4to 120 6, in which the yoke has a pair of connecting limbs which are connected together by means of the fastening limb to provide a channel section con figuration for the yoke means, and in which the free end portions of the connecting limbs are connected to the anchor means.

8. A member according to claim 7, in which the anchor means comprises a plurality of elongated anchor tubes which are located in the mat in spaced relationship, and in which each has one connecting limb connected thereto.

9. A member according to anyone of claims 1 to 8, in which 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.

10. A member according to claim 9, including 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 biasing the attachment means towards such a surface to resiliently bias the mat into firm engagement with such a surface.

11. A member according to anyone of claims 1 to 10, in which the attachment means is embedded within the mat.

12. A member according to claim 7, in which the yoke is flattened at the junction zone of each connecting limb with the fastening limb to reduce bending resistance in the junction zone to allow bending of the connecting limbs towards and away from each other.

13. 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:

(a) 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 (b) the attachment means comprising:

(i) 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; and (ii) 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.

14. A member according to claim 13, including a fastener device which is fixed to the fastening limb and which defines the fastener zone.

15. A member according to claim 14, including 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 memberto such a furnace surface.

16. A member according to claim 10 or claim 15, in which 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 nut for biasing the attach- ment means towards such a surface.

14 GB 2 111657 A 14

17. A member according to claim 16, in which 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.

18. A member according to anyone of claims 10, 15,16 or 17, in which the fastener member is located in the mat prior to installation of the member.

19. A member according to claim 7 or claim 13, in 75 which the connecting limbs constitute a continuous extension of the material of the fastening limb at opposed ends of the fastening limb.

20. A member according to any one of claims 1 to 19, in which the anchor means comprises a pair of 80 elongated tubular anchor members each projecting a surface area comprising about 10% of the pro jected surface of the module in the direction of the cold face.

21. A member according to anyone of claims 1 to 20, in which the mat comprises a composite mat having a plurality of layers of different insulation materials.

22. - A member according to any one of claims 1 to 21, which is in the form of an insulation module 90 for attachment in side-by-side relationship with corresponding modules to wall surfaces of a furnace for insulating such walls, and in which the insulation material comprises a ceramic fiber insulation mate rial.

23. A method of providing insulation on a fur nace surface, the method comprising attaching a mat of deformable insulation material which has a cold face to be positioned against such a furnace surface and an opposed hot face, to such a furnace surface by means of attachment means which is spaced from the hot face, and displacing the attach ment means towards the furnace surface to bias the cold face of the mat into engagement with the surface.

24. A method according to claim 23, which comprises displacing the attachment means towards the furnace surface to compress the material of the mat against the furnace surface between the attach ment means and the furnace surface.

25. A method according to claim 24, in which the cold face of the mat is biased into conforming engagement with the surface.

26. A method according to anyone of claims 23 to 25, in which 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.

27. An insulation member substantially as de scribed with reference to and as shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.

28. An insulation member substantially as de scribed with reference to and as shown in Figures 3 to 7 of the accompanying drawings.

29. An insulation member substantially as described with reference to and as shown in Figure 8 of the accompanying drawings.

30. An insulation member substantially as described with reference to and as shown in Figure 9 of the accompanying drawings.

31. An insulation member substantially as described with reference to and as shown in Figures 10 and 11 of the accompanying drawings.

32. An insulation member substantially as de- scribed with reference to and as shown in Figure 12 of the accompanying drawings.

33. An insulation member substantially as described with reference to and as shown in Figures 13 and 14 of the accompanying drawings.

34. An insulation member substantially as described with reference to and as shown in Figures 15 and 16 of the accompanying drawings.

35. An insulation member substantially as described with reference to and as shown in Figures 17 and 18 of the accompanying drawings.

36. An insulation member substantially as described with reference to and as shown in Figures 19 and 20 of the accompanying drawings.

37. An insulation member substantially as de- scribed with reference to and as shown in Figure 21 of the accompanying drawings.

38. An insulation member substantially as described with reference to and as shown in Figure 22 of the accompanying drawings.

39. An insulation member substantially as described with reference to and as shown in Figure 23 of the accompanying drawings.

40. An insulation member substantially as described with reference to and as shown in Figures 24 to 26 of the accompanying drawings.

41. An insulation member substantially as described with reference to and as shown in Figure 27 of the accompanying drawings.

42. A method of providing insulation on a fur- nace surface, substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

43. Every novel feature and every novel combination of features disclosed herein.

Printed for Her MalestVs Stationary Office by The Tweeddale Press Ltd., Berwick-upon-Tweed, 1983. Published atthe Patent Office, 25 Southampton Buildings, London,WC2A 1AY, from which copies may be obtained.

W, 1 -A