Patent ID: 9085089
Filing Date: 2015-07-21
Classification: B28B

Abstract:
1. A method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure having a circular, oval, or elliptical transverse cross-section comprising the steps of: extruding a plasticized ceramic-forming batch material through a honeycomb extrusion die to form a length of wet honeycomb extrudate having a longitudinal axis and a circumferential surface; transferring the length of wet honeycomb extrudate to a support tray body, the tray body comprising a transverse cross-section along its axial length and an upper surface having a concave portion that is configured to receive the extrudate and that is capable of contactingly supporting greater than one-third of the circumferential surface of the extrudate, the concave portion being configured to match the shape of the circumferential surface and defining a circular, oval or elliptical arc and wherein, subsequent to transferring the extrudate to the support tray body, the concave portion is directly adjacent the circumferential surface of the extrudate over 40% or more of the circumferential surface of the extrudate; transporting the support tray body bearing the extrudate to a dryer wherein, during the transporting of the tray body to the dryer, the extrudate is subjected to a lateral acceleration of greater than 0.25 g, the lateral acceleration being transverse to the longitudinal axis of the extrudate; and drying the extrudate while supported on the support tray body wherein the tray body comprises at least one material selected from bonded alumina and aluminosilicate fibers.