US 12,135,168 B2
Densification method and apparatus
Kim M. Duhe, Katy, TX (US)
Assigned to HarbisonWalker International Holdings, Inc., Moon Township (PA)
Filed by HarbisonWalker International Holdings, Inc., Moon Township, PA (US)
Filed on Jul. 19, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/867,902.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/223,328, filed on Jul. 19, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0024399 A1, Jan. 26, 2023
Int. Cl. F27D 1/16 (2006.01); F27D 1/00 (2006.01)
CPC F27D 1/1626 (2013.01) [F27D 2001/0046 (2013.01); F27D 2001/0079 (2013.01); F27D 2001/1615 (2013.01)] 27 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of densification of refractory material in a gap between a tap hole sleeve of a furnace and a surround block of the furnace, the surround block surrounding the tap hole sleeve, the method comprising:
positioning a tool in the gap, the tool including a support having opposing surfaces and a sidewall connecting the opposing surfaces, the opposing surfaces having an arcuate shape and defining an arc length, the opposing surfaces extending from a first end of the sidewall located at a first point along the arc length to a second end of the sidewall located at a second point along the arc length spaced from the first end, a plurality of elongated members extending from one of the opposing surfaces, and a connector arranged on the other of the opposing surfaces;
filing the gap with dry material; and
applying vibration to the connector to densify the dry material.