A thermal shielding system for thermally shielding a batch space of high-temperature furnaces includes at least one shielding element. The shielding element has an encasing wall formed of refractory metal sheet(s) and a ceramic material accommodated in the wall. The ceramic material is present in a particulate and/or fibrous structure and it is based on zirconium oxide (ZrO.sub.2)

Crucible compositions and methods of using the crucible compositions to melt titanium and titanium alloys. More specifically, crucible compositions having extrinsic facecoats comprising a rare earth oxide that are effective for melting titanium and titanium alloys for use in casting titanium-containing articles. Further embodiments are titanium-containing articles made from the titanium and titanium alloys melted in the crucible compositions. Another embodiment is a crucible curing device and methods of use thereof.

A furnace stave comprising a plurality of internal channels or conduits for circulating cooling fluid through the stave; an inlet and an outlet channel associated with each internal channel or conduit; wherein one of the internal channels or conduits is disposed in a protrusion from the stave.

Disclosed is a heating system for molten metal handling devices, examples of which are troughs, launders and other vessels. The heating system may include a refractory containment body, heater assembly, a containment shell and a thermal inducing interface between the heater assemblies and the containment shell and/or refractory body.

A container for heat treatment of a positive-electrode active material for a lithium-ion battery to the present invention is characterized by having a base portion containing 60 to 95 mass % of alumina, and a surface portion containing 20 to 80 mass % of spinel and formed integrally with the base portion. Moreover, a production method of the present invention is characterized by comprising a step of placing an alumina-based powder, a step of placing a spinel-based powder above the alumina-based powder, a step of forming a compact by compressing the powders and a step of firing the compact.

A method for producing a retort for a nitriding furnace, in which metallic workpieces are heat-treated in a pre-determined atmosphere, includes pickling at least the surfaces of the retort, which are configured to come into contact with the pre-determined atmosphere while the nitriding furnace is operating, by using a pickling agent. The pickled surfaces may then be electropolished and passivated. A retort may be produced according to this method and the retort may be used in a nitriding furnace.

A refractory ring structure for forming a section of an inner wall or liner of a metallurgical vessel is provided. The refractory ring structure comprises a continuous top surface; a continuous bottom surface; a continuous arcuate inner surface extending from the top surface to the bottom surface and defining a cavity; a continuous arcuate outer surface opposite the inner surface and extending between the top surface and the bottom surface; and a continuous protrusion or a plurality of protrusions extending from the inner surface for lifting the ring structure. The refractory ring structure comprises a heat resistant, refractory material suitable for use in the inner wall of a metallurgical vessel. Also provided herein are a metallurgical vessel comprising a refractory ring structure as disclosed herein, and a method for providing or replacing all or a section of a refractory inner wall or liner of a metallurgical vessel.

A refractory insert is provided, including a main body part having a first surface defining a first sidewall, an opposed second surface defining a second sidewall, and an outer peripheral surface separating the first and second surfaces, and a mechanical mating member provided on at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface thereof. The mechanical mating member includes a retention mechanism for controlling and retaining a position of a corresponding mating member in connection therewith.

The invention relates to a refractory dry vibratable mix which sets at room temperature when water is added, for use in metallurgical vessels and comprising a refractory main component, a binder and a retarder.

A unitary refractory ring having a sidewall surrounding and spaced from a center axis, and one or more lifting lugs distributed around the center axis. The lifting lugs extend from an inner face of the sidewall towards the center axis, and are located between lower and upper axial faces of the sidewall. Each lifting lug has a lower lug face extending radially towards the center axis from the inner face of the sidewall, and a backing structure extending upwards along an axial direction from the lower lug face towards the upper axial face of the sidewall. An assembly of refractory rings, and methods for making and assembling refractory rings are also provided.