Patent ID: 6439137
Filing Date: 2002-08-27
Classification: F16J,F23M

Abstract:
A self-anchoring refractory expansion gap assembly comprising,a) a substantially annular thermal insulating structure formed of compressible refractory material, said annular insulating structure having an inner periphery, an outer periphery, a first predetermined axial thickness when the insulating structure is uncompressed, and a second reduced axial thickness when the insulating structure is compressed a predetermined amount in an axial direction, and b) a coil of rope formed of relatively incompressible refractory material positioned proximate the outer periphery of the annular insulating structure such that the coil of rope is within the outer periphery of the annular insulating structure, whereby said coil of rope and said annular insulating structure can receive an axial force such that said coil of rope is directed axially into an annular channel of an expansion gap with said annular insulating structure to lock the annular insulating structure and the coil of rope into the annular channel and thereby prevent vacuum pullout of the expansion gap assembly from the expansion gap.