Patent ID: 6802711
Filing Date: 2004-10-12
Classification: C21D

Abstract:
A support apparatus for supporting material to be treated in a continuously operated thermal treatment furnace, said apparatus comprising:an elongate gas control element having a central axis and having first and second guide surfaces, and first and second substantially cylindrical support elements of substantially equal diameter D and each having a central axis, the central axis of each support element being parallel to the central axis of the gas control element and being spaced at a distance S from the central axis of the gas control element, and the central axes of the control element and the support elements being disposed in a common plane, wherein the gas control element is located between the support elements with the first and second guide surfaces of the gas control element facing towards the first and second support elements respectively, the guide surfaces are spaced from the support elements to provide a gas flow channel between each support element and the gas control element, the gas control element includes two lobes that extend to opposite respective sides of said common plane, and each lobe extends radially from the central axis of the gas control element to a distance of at least (D/2+S).