# US 8,784,943 B2 · Process for guniting refractory mixes using conventional dry gunning equipment and refractory mixes for use in same > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 8,784,943 B2 - Document ID: US8784943B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 13/120,130 - Filed: 2010-03-11 - Published: 2011-09-15 - Granted: 2014-07-22 - Earliest claimed: 2009-03-11 - Assignees: Reno Refractories, Inc. - Applicants: James Benson; Robert Pattillo; Heidi Zinn - Inventors: James Benson; Robert Pattillo; Heidi Zinn - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8784943B2 ## CPC - B28C 5/026: {Mixing guns or nozzles; Injector mixers (applying plaster by gas pressure E04F21/12; both conveying and distributing concrete E04G21/04; conveying concrete B65G53/32; accelerating or decelerating material flow in troughs or tubes B65G53/58)} - B28C 5/06: the mixing being effected by the action of a fluid (in combination with driven mechanical means, producing cellular concrete B28C5/38) - E04F 21/12: acting by gas pressure, e.g. steam pressure - F27D 1/1642: {using a gunning apparatus} - B28C: PREPARING CLAY; PRODUCING MIXTURES CONTAINING CLAY OR CEMENTITIOUS MATERIAL, e.g. PLASTER (preparing material for foundry moulds B22C5/00) - E04F: FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS (windows, doors E06B) - F27D: DETAILS OR ACCESSORIES OF FURNACES, KILNS, OVENS OR RETORTS, IN SO FAR AS THEY ARE OF KINDS OCCURRING IN MORE THAN ONE KIND OF FURNACE ## Abstract A dry refractory mix and a method for apply the dry refractory mix to a surface. One aspect of the invention utilizes gunning mixes without cement. The dry refractory mix also may include a setting agent that is homogeneously blended with the refractory mix. In operation, when used with pneumatic systems, dry refractory material is fed into a hopper of a gunnite machine, introduced into an air flow, and conveyed by air through one or more hoses to a nozzle. A liquid binder is introduced into the air flow for mixing with the suspended dry refractory material at or before the nozzle. A fitting, such as a water ring with holes, may be used for injecting the binder into the air flow containing the dry refractory material. The mixed refractory/binder material is discharged through the nozzle for application to a surface. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A process for applying dry refractory mixes to a surface using a gunite machine having a nozzle, comprising the steps of: providing dry refractory material containing a setting agent into a storage area for the gunite machine; introducing the dry refractory material into an air flow generated within the gunite machine; subsequent to the step of introducing the dry refractory material into the air flow, introducing a liquid binder into the air flow generated within the gunite machine, wherein the liquid binder is mixed with the dry refractory material to form a mixture at or proximate the nozzle; and discharging the mixture through the nozzle for application to the surface to be coated with the refractory mix. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The process of claim 1 wherein the setting agent is homogeneously blended into the dry refractory material. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The process of claim 1 wherein the step of introducing a liquid binder includes the step of providing a fitting for injection of the binder into the air flow containing the dry refractory material. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The process of claim 3 wherein the fitting is a water ring with holes sized for compatibility with the liquid binder used. ### Claim 5 (depends on 3) The process of claim 3 which further comprises a plurality of high pressure jets operatively associated with the fitting to discharge the liquid binder under pressure. ### Claim 6 (depends on 3) The process of claim 3 which further comprises a needle valve to control the amount of liquid binder. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The process of claim 1 wherein the step of introducing a liquid binder includes the step of providing a fitting based on a water ring for injection of the binder into the air stream containing the dry refractory material. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The process of claim 1 wherein the step of introducing a liquid binder includes the step of injection of the binder into the air flow containing the dry refractory material at a location before the nozzle. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The process of claim 1 which further comprises a pump that pressurizes the binder. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The process of claim 1 which further comprises means to pressurize the binder. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The process of claim 1 wherein the liquid binder is discharged under a minimum of 20 psi differential pressure to the material transport hose. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The process of claim 1 which further comprises a nozzle extension. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The process of claim 1 wherein the nozzle is a double bubble nozzle. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The process of claim 1 wherein the liquid binder includes colloidal silica. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The process of claim 1 wherein the liquid binder is sodium silicate. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The process of claim 1 wherein the liquid binder is potassium silicate. ### Claim 17 (depends on 1) The process of claim 1 wherein the liquid binder is a nouvalac resin. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) The process of claim 1 wherein the liquid binder is a phenolic resin. ### Claim 19 (depends on 1) The process of claim 1 wherein the liquid binder is a phosphate solution. ### Claim 20 (depends on 1) The process of claim 1 wherein the liquid binder is an aqueous polymer. ### Claim 21 (depends on 1) The process of claim 1 wherein the liquid binder is a non aqueous polymer. ### Claim 22 (depends on 1) The process of claim 1 wherein the liquid binder is composed of dispersed colloidal particles.