Development of high performance refractory fibers with enhanced insulating properties and longer service lifetimes
We have initiated a three phase investigation of the development of high performance refractory fibers with enhanced insulating properties and longer usable lifetimes. This report presents the results of the first phase of the study, performed from Aug. 1989 through Feb. 1991, which shows that significant energy saving are possible through the use of high temperature insulating fibers that better retain their efficient insulating properties during the service lifetime of the fibers. The remaining phases of this program include the pilot scale development and then full scale production feasibility development and evaluation of enhanced high temperature refractory insulting fibers. This first proof of principle phase of the program presents a summary of the current use patterns of refractory fibers, a laboratory evaluation of the high temperature performance characteristics of selected typical refractory fibers and an analysis of the potential energy savings through the use of enhanced refractory fibers. The current use patterns of refractory fibers span a wide range of industries and high temperature furnaces within those industries. The majority of high temperature fiber applications are in furnaces operating between 2000 and 26000{degrees}F. The fibers used in furnaces operating within this range provide attractive thermal resistance and low thermal storage at reasonable cost. A series of heat treatment studies performed for this phase of the program has shown that the refractory fibers, as initially manufactured, have attractive thermal conductivities for high temperature applications but the fibers go through rapid devitrification and subsequent crystal growth upon high temperature exposure. Development of improved fibers, maintaining the favorable characteristics of the existing as-manufactured fibers, could save between 1 and 4% of the energy consumed in high temperature furnaces using refractory fibers.
- Research Organization:
- Manville Sales Corp., Denver, CO (United States); Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FC07-89ID12880
- OSTI ID:
- 6262387
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/ID/12880-1; ON: DE92003050
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
FURNACES
THERMAL INSULATION
REFRACTORIES
SERVICE LIFE
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
FIBERS
PROGRESS REPORT
VERY HIGH TEMPERATURE
VITRIFICATION
DOCUMENT TYPES
320302* - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Industrial & Agricultural Processes- Materials
320303 - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Industrial & Agricultural Processes- Equipment & Processes