Abstract
Several years ago, J T Thorpe Company embarked on a search for the ideal refractory lining. The primary design consideration was the development of a refractory lining system that was cost effective, met furnace design conditions (cold face temperature, heat loss, velocity, etc.), and was free of operation failures. These efforts produced the Z-BLOK* Module Refractory Fiber Lining, which was first installed in an operating furnace in April, 1975. After obtaining a patent for this unique modular refractory lining system, Thorpe transferred the patents to Johns-Manville and became the Johns-Manville licensed distributor/fabricator for the Southwest area.
Kleeman, L. A.; Mewhinney, T. R.; Proctor, S. J. (1979). Energy Conservation Through the Use of Modular Refractory Fiber Linings - An Unexpected Divided. Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu). Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /93793.