Method for making a radial flow ceramic rotor for rotary type regenerator heat exchange apparatus: and attendant ceramic rotor constructions

Abstract

Novel methods for the continuous manufacturing of radial flow ceramic matal rotor bodies for rotary type regenerator heat exchange apparatus, and novelly constructed rotor bodies made by and reflecting the characteristics of the novel methods. The novel methods basically comprise preferably the continuous assembling of predetermined numbers of axially arranged, sequential, radially grooved layers of unfired ceramic media, with sequentially touching layers coacting to collectively form outwardly flaring fluid gas passageways, disposed in a 360.degree. continuous radially oriented manner extending uniformly around the open center passageway through the rotor body. Respective steps of some of the novel methods include using tapered pairs of coacting corrugating rollers, and tapered pairs of groove-embossing rollers, both forms of which the apparatus and procedures collectively impart a spiral-like or helical path to the media material from which the rotor bodies are constructed, and thereafter continuously helically collecting the respective corrugated and grooved media alone or in combination with other media until a predetermined length of rotor body is built-up. The unfired assembled bodies are subsequently fired to achieve the finished hardness of usable rotor bodies. As a result of the firing step, the sequential body layers and any ancillary similar ceramic material components integrally fuse into basically a one piece rotor body which when in operative service is much better able to withstand rapidly fluctuating high temperature range changes with minimal distortion.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.