Insulation Package for Use in High Temperature Furnaces

An insulation package for protecting the wall of a high temperature furnace from the internal heat generated during the melting of a material, said furnace being comprised of a vessel having a wall which defines an internal chamber, heating means within said chamber, and a crucible for holding the material to be melted;

• said insulation package comprising:
• a support means adapted to be mounted in said chamber below said crucible;
• a sleeve of insulation material adapted to be supported on said support means and extending upward between said wall of said vessel and said heating means when in an operable position;
• a catch tray adapted to be mounted on said support means whereby said catch tray will receive any material which may leak from said crucible during melting;
• and
• a top layer of insulation adapted to extend over the top of said sleeve to thermally isolate said crucible within said insulation package when said insulation package is assembled within said chamber.

A method for installing an insulation package in a furnace to protect the wall of said furnace;

• said furnace comprising a vessel having said wall which defines a chamber which in turn has heating means therein;
• said method comprising:
• positioning a support ring having a central opening within said vessel;
• positioning a sleeve of insulation on said support ring whereby said sleeve extends upward between said heating means and said wall of said vessel;
• and
• positioning a catch tray within said central opening in said support ring to catch any material which might leak during operation of said furnace.