Abstract A method and apparatus that decrease the time normally used in a high-pressure, high-temperature furnace for heating a material to be treated to a desired temperature prior to treatment and cooling that material to low temperatures after the treatment. The material is heated prior to insertion into the furnace and held within a thermally insulated container having a means of communicating with the hot zone of the furnace until insertion is desired and the normal treatment carried out. Subsequent to the treatment the material is again placed within the container and allowed to cool or possibly subjected to further thermal treatments within the container. The use of this holding apparatus allows greater utilization of the high-pressure, hightemperature furnace by freeing it from the function of routine heating and cooling of the treated materials.
An apparatus for loading and unloading a furnace with said apparatus consisting of: a. a first cylindrical shell having an inside diameter substantially the same as the hot zone of said furnace; b. a layer of thermal insulation surrounding said first shell disposed to prevent escape of heat from the cavity within said first shell; c. a second shell surrounding said insulation and said first shell; d. a closure at one end of both shells provided with an access port to said cavity within the shells; and e. a radial protrusion from said shells at the end opposite said closure with said protrusion disposed to support said apparatus when said apparatus is in place over an opening having a diameter greater than that of either of said shells.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
128 words
An apparatus for loading and unloading a furnace with said apparatus consisting of: a. a first cylindrical shell having an inside diameter substantially the same as the hot zone of said furnace; b. a layer of thermal insulation surrounding said first shell disposed to prevent escape of heat from the cavity within said first shell; c. a second shell surrounding said insulation and said first shell; d. a closure at one end of both shells provided with an access port to said cavity within the shells; and e. a radial protrusion from said shells at the end opposite said closure with said protrusion disposed to support said apparatus when said apparatus is in place over an opening having a diameter greater than that of either of said shells.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 1 where said first shell projects below the extremity of said second shell at the end of said second shell opposite said closure and where said radial protrusion emanates from said extremity of said second shell.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 where said cavity contains heating elements disposed to heat material placed within said cavity.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 1 where said closure includes thermal insulation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 4 where said thermal insulation includes a means of preventing heat loss through said access port from said cavity.