Large refractory article and method for making
AssigneeCorning Incorporated
InventorRandy L. Rhoads
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Abstract
A method of sintering large refractory ceramic articles is disclosed. The method includes supporting a green refractory body on a plurality of support plates, the support plates in turn being supported by a plurality of support members having arcuate upper and lower surfaces. A setter material is disposed between the green refractory body to be sintered and the support plates. As the refractory body is sintered, the density of the article increases. Concurrently, the dimensions of the body decrease, which shrinkage, unless otherwise accommodated, may cause fracture of the body. The support plates and the structure of the support members, move to prevent the development of detrimental stresses in the refractory body as it sinters.
Claims21
A method of forming a sintered refractory article, comprising:
- positioning a green refractory body on a plurality of support plates separated by gaps, wherein the support plates are supported by a plurality of support members, each of the support members having an arcuate upper surface of constant radius of curvature and an arcuate lower surface of constant radius of curvature, the radius of curvature of the arcuate upper surface is equal to the radius of curvature of the arcuate lower surface, and each of the support members having a center of gravity displaced from a center of rotation of the support member, there being a layer of setter material disposed between the green refractory body and the support plates;
- heating the green refractory body to form a sintered refractory article;
- and
- wherein during the heating the green refractory body contracts, causing the support plates to translate in response to the contraction of the green refractory body and the support members to rotate in response to the translation of the support plates.
A method of forming a sintered refractory article, comprising:
- positioning a green refractory body on a plurality of support plates in a furnace, wherein the support plates are supported by a plurality of support members and adjacent support plates are separated by gaps, each of the support members being a portion of a cylinder and having a center of gravity displaced from a center of rotation of the support member;
- heating the green refractory body in the furnace to form a sintered refractory article;
- and
- wherein the green refractory body contracts during the heating, causing the support plates to translate in response to the contraction of the green refractory body and the support members to rotate in response to the translation of the support plates.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.