Refractory Article With Phase Change Material For Thermal Shock Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ceramic processing for refractory articles, such as kiln furniture, is time-consuming and inefficient due to the high temperatures and lengthy heating processes required, which demand improved support structures during high-temperature transformations.
Innovation Solution
The development of refractory articles with specific designs, including a central opening, coupling protrusions, and depressions, made from materials like silicon carbide, which facilitate efficient assembly, rotation, and reduced strain during heating and cooling processes, enhancing productivity and structural stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional kiln furniture is used during high-temperature heating processes, then structural support is provided, but the heating process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The refractory article incorporates a phase change material that undergoes phase transition at temperatures between 100°C and 200°C during the heating process. This phase change absorbs excess thermal energy, regulating the temperature rise rate and preventing thermal shock to the green body, thereby enabling more efficient and controlled heating processes
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change material acts as a thermal intermediary between the heating source and the green body. It mediates the heat transfer process by absorbing and releasing thermal energy during phase transition, protecting the green body from thermal shock while maintaining productive heating rates
2Manufacturing precision
If high temperatures are used to transform green body to ceramic body, then desired composition and microstructure are achieved, but the process duration increases to hours or days
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material enables precise control of temperature parameters during heating. By undergoing phase transition at specific temperature ranges (100°C-200°C), it creates optimal heating conditions that achieve desired ceramic composition and microstructure more quickly than conventional heating processes
3Reliability
If conventional refractory support structures are used, then green body is supported during heating, but thermal shock causes damage to the green body
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material serves as a thermal intermediary that buffers thermal shock. During the heating process, it absorbs excess heat during phase transition, preventing rapid temperature changes that would otherwise cause thermal shock damage to the green body
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change material is incorporated into the refractory article beforehand to provide thermal cushioning. When the heating process begins, the phase change material is already in position to absorb thermal energy and protect the green body from thermal shock before damage can occur
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
These refractory articles improve the efficiency of ceramic processing by allowing for independent rotation and relative movement, reducing downtime, and enhancing the stability of high-temperature structures, thus improving the overall productivity and performance in high-temperature environments.
Implementation Method 1
The article may include a phase change material embedded within the body or in the central opening. The phase change material may undergo a phase change at a temperature between about 100° C. and about 200° C. during the heating process
Data Source
AI summary
A refractory article including a body having central opening extending through at least a portion of the body, the central opening having a receiving surface having a convex curvature. In an embodiment, the body can include a coupling protrusion extending from a portion of an upper surface of the body and a coupling depression on a portion of a bottom surface of the body.