US20050120654A1

US20050120654A1 - Wall and/or ceiling structure, wall modules and fastening arrangements therefor and use therof

Info

Publication number: US20050120654A1
Application number: US10/954,394
Authority: US
Inventors: Thorsten Ommerborn
Original assignee: BURWITZ FEUERUNGSBAU GmbH
Current assignee: BURWITZ FEUERUNGSBAU GmbH
Priority date: 2003-10-28
Filing date: 2004-09-30
Publication date: 2005-06-09
Also published as: DE502004007655D1; DE10350115A1; EP1528344B1; ATE402382T1; EP1528344A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a wall and/or ceiling structure, in particular for a heat treatment installation, wherein the wall structure (1) contains individual wall modules (2, 12) and a fastening arrangement (3) for at least a portion of the modules (2) is provided, wherein the fastening arrangement (3) includes first retaining elements (15, 16) which, together with second retaining or fastening devices (17) of a support structure (4) of the heat treatment installation, maintain the module (2) on the support structure, wherein the first and second retaining devices (15, 16, 17) have corresponding locking devices (28, 35, 50) for a locking connection, as well as wall modules (2, 12) and fastening arrangements (3) therefor.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a wall and/or ceiling structure, in particular for a heat treatment installation, to a wall module and a fastening arrangement for the wall structure, as well as to the use of the wall and/or ceiling structure, the wall modules and the fastening arrangement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A cassette-shaped lining for industrial furnaces is known from DE 37 14 753 A1. This fireproof lining consists of a prefabricated furnace frame with cassettes, which are constructed in the shop and filled with fireproof layers and suspended from the frame. In accordance with one embodiment, anchors are applied to a continuous support plate at the surface facing the furnace interior, which keep a single- or multi-part fireproof layer in place, wherein holders are attached to the other surface of the support plate, by means of which the cassettes are fastened to the furnace frame. It is said that by means of this design it is possible to attach the cassettes by simple means, for example a lifting crane, quickly and dependably to the furnace frame. The transport of the cassettes at the construction site can also take place without problems. The cassettes are prefabricated at lengths of 2 to 3 m or more in a shop. It is disadvantageous with this embodiment that the construction is elaborate and expensive and that, in spite of the cassette construction, a considerable time requirement still exists.
A heat insulation element is known from DE 37 00 126 C1. The heat insulation element consists of a heat-resistant fiber mat component, which is maintained on a support element. The heat insulation element consists of several fiber mats, which have been folded once into a U-shape, several of which are placed on top of each other and are fastened at their open ends by means of spiked tapes and fastened to a plate made of a metal mesh. Fastening means are furthermore provided for mounting the heat insulation element in a simple way on a wall or to remove it from the wall. The heat insulation element is intended to be arranged by means of a screw connection on the wall of a furnace or the like, wherein the head of the screw is introduced into a rail and can be displaced on the wall along this rail. It is disadvantageous here that for mounting and dismounting the insulation elements must possibly be displaced over the entire length of the furnace chamber. It is moreover disadvantageous that in connection with rapid mounting systems for fiber elements, the same as with fiber elements in general, environmental protection problems exist in regard to the wearing off of fibers. These fibers are known to enter the lungs and are cause for concern regarding health.
Heat insulation elements are furthermore known, which consist of fiber mats and are screwed to the inside of the furnace chamber by means of appropriate retaining clamps.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to create a wall and/or ceiling structure, in particular for a heat treatment installation which, in contrast to brick or monolithic linings, provides a reduction of assembly time, is rapidly available, and can be assembled particularly simply.
It is a further object to create a wall module for the wall and/or ceiling structure.
It is still a further object to create a fastening arrangement for the wall and/or ceiling structure.
The use of the wall and/or ceiling structure, the module, and the fastening arrangement is another object of the invention.
The wall and/or ceiling structure in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention is embodied in particular in the form of several layers of a lightweight refractory brick on the inside of the furnace and of adjoining heat insulation layers, wherein these heat insulation layers are bordered by a support structure of the furnace and the light refractory brick layer on the side of the fire box. The wall and/or ceiling structure is formed of individual wall modules, and a fastening device for the module is provided. At least a portion of the modules has first retaining devices which keep the module together and act together with second retaining devices arranged on a support structure of the heat treatment installation. The modules are lockingly fastened on the support structure by means of the first and second retaining devices. Because of the lockable connection in accordance with the invention between the first and second retaining devices, the modules can be fastened on the support structure in a particularly simple manner by “clipping” the module to the support structure. It is possible in this case to use modules which are identically constructed.
However, it is also possible to use two or more different forms of modules, wherein a portion of the modules is designed as support modules, which support two or several identically or differently formed filler modules on the wall, so that the modules or the wall structure are maintained on the support structure with a reduced assembly outlay.
It is advantageous in connection with the invention that the assembly times, and therefore also the idle times, are reduced by up to 70% compared with brick or monolithic linings. Furthermore, the modules can be universally employed in all heat treatment installations with temperatures up to 1200° C., in particular in the chemical and petrochemical industry, in steel and iron production and the heavy clay industry. Moreover, the advantages of the ceramic fiber modules (assembly time) and the conventional lightweight construction (no health risks because of free fibers) are connected with each other in an advantageous manner. In addition, no consoles for supporting the brick lining are required.
The invention will be explained by means of examples in the drawings showing several drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a wall structure in accordance with the invention in a horizontal projection from the furnace interior.
FIG. 2 shows a structure in accordance with FIG. 1 in section along the height of the wall structure.
FIG. 3 shows a structure in accordance with FIG. 1 in longitudinal section along the length of the wall structure.
FIG. 4 represents the fastening in accordance with the invention of a module according to FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a horizontal projection of a further embodiment of the invention with identically constructed modules.
FIG. 6 is a section through the wall structure in accordance with FIG. 5 along the wall height.
FIG. 7 is a section through the wall structure in accordance with FIG. 5 along the linear extension of the wall.
FIG. 8 is a horizontal projection of a further embodiment of the wall structure of the invention.
FIG. 9 is a section through the wall structure of the invention in accordance with FIG. 8 along the wall height.
FIG. 10 is a section through the wall structure of the invention in accordance with FIG. 8 along the wall length.
FIG. 11 shows a first embodiment of a module in accordance with the invention for embodying a wall structure in accordance with FIG. 1 in a first sectional view, in particular along the length of a furnace.
FIG. 12 shows a module in accordance with FIG. 11 in a second sectional view.
FIG. 13 shows a module in accordance with FIG. 11 in horizontal projection of the side facing away from the furnace chamber with a retaining plate.
FIG. 14 is a further embodiment of a module in a lateral view.
FIG. 15 shows a module in accordance with FIG. 14 in a lateral view rotated by 90°.
FIG. 16 shows a module in accordance with FIG. 14 in a horizontal projection of the module side facing away from the furnace chamber.
FIG. 17 shows a module for a wall structure in accordance with FIG. 8 in a lateral view.
FIG. 18 shows a module in accordance with FIG. 17 in a lateral view rotated by 90°.
FIG. 19 shows a module in accordance with FIG. 17 in a horizontal projection of the rear facing away from the furnace chamber.
FIG. 20 represents an embodiment of a retaining anchor in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 21 is a schematic horizontal projection of a retaining plate in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 22 is a cross-section through a retaining plate in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 23 is a horizontal projection of a further embodiment of a retaining plate in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 24 shows a cross-section through the retaining plate in accordance with FIG. 23.
FIG. 25 is a horizontal projection of a locking device of the retaining plate in accordance with FIG. 23.
FIG. 26 represents the retaining device in accordance with the invention in an assembled state in a plan view from a side of the furnace wall.
FIG. 27 shows a retaining device in accordance with FIG. 26 in a lateral view.
FIG. 28 shows the retaining device in accordance with FIG. 26 in a view rotated by 900 with respect to FIG. 27.
FIG. 29 represents a fastening arrangement in accordance with the invention in a lateral view.
FIG. 30 shows the arrangement in accordance with FIG. 29 in a lateral view rotated by 90°.
FIG. 31 is a horizontal projection of the arrangement in accordance with FIG. 29.
FIG. 32 is a greatly schematized exploded view of a portion of the wall structure in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The wall structure 1 in accordance with the invention contains a number of wall modules 2, which are arranged by means of fastening arrangements 3 on a support structure 4 of a furnace or other heat treatment unit. The wall modules (FIGS. 11 to 18) are suitably constructed in multiple layers and have a first layer 5 on the side of the furnace interior or heat side, and at least one second layer 6 adjoining it and facing away from the furnace interior.
The first layer 5 suitably is a layer made of a solid rigid material, and in particular a brick layer made of a material which is at least heat-resistant. The heat-resistant material, or its chemical-mineralogical composition, its temperature resistance, as well as the thickness of the layer 5 are arbitrary and are a function of such requirements as temperature, furnace atmosphere, etc. In one embodiment, the first layer consists of a so-called light refractory material, or light refractory brick. Light refractory material is a heat-resistant material of a relatively porous and therefore light structure. However, in case of greater demands made on the temperature resistance, a fire-proof stone material can be used.
The second layer 6 suitably is an insulating layer. The insulating layer is composed of a heat-insulating material. For example the insulating layer may be formed of calcium silicate plates customary in the construction of furnaces or fire boxes, or microporous insulating plates. A further insulating layer 7 and, if desired, further layers can be arranged following the second layer 6. The insulating layer 7 and the possibly further layers can also be embodied as calcium silicate plates or porous or microporous insulating plates. In particular, the porosity of the layers can increase from the layer 6 to the subsequent layers 7 in order to increase the insulating output. Furthermore, the layer 7 and possible further layers can be embodied as fiber mats or fiber plates, in particular made of a nonwoven material and/or a rigid solid fiber plate material.
In a horizontal projection, the wall modules may have a four-cornered, in particular square or rectangular, cross-section. Other cross-sections, which permit as nip-free as possible an arrangement with respect to each other, are also possible, for example triangular, hexagonal, or octagonal cross-sectional shapes.
In the simplest case, a wall module 2 therefore has a front wall 5 a, a first sidewall 5 b and a second sidewall 5 c, as well as a rear wall 5 d of the first layer 5, a front wall 6 a, a first sidewall 6 b and a second sidewall 6 c, as well as a rear wall 6 d of the second layer 6, and, if desired, a front wall 7 a, a first sidewall 7 b and a second sidewall 7 c, as well as a rear wall 7 d of the third layer 7. If further layers are provided, their arrangement corresponds to the above mentioned layers.
The layers 5, 6, and 7, and possibly further layers, can be arranged to be aligned with each other and to extend in sequence with each other, so that the wall module 2 has a cube-like or cuboid shape.
In a further advantageous embodiment (FIGS. 5 to 7), the first sidewalls 5 b, 6 b, 7 b of the layers 5, 6, 7 are aligned, wherein the layers have a step-shaped offset in such a way that the second sidewalls 5 c, 6 c, 7 c are arranged offset with respect to each other. Thus, when arranging these wall modules 2 next to each other, joints 9 extend straight along the wall thickness and joints 10 extend in steps. With a plurality of layers it is also possible to have two layers aligned and to embody only one layer with an offset (FIGS. 14 to 16).
In a further advantageous embodiment (FIGS. 8 to 10, 17 to 19), the layers have a step-like offset in such a way that the offset extends diagonally over a corner of adjoining sidewalls.
Thus, with this embodiment all joints 9, 10 extend stepped in the same way. Therefore, in accordance with the wall structure in accordance with the invention, the wall modules 2 mesh with each other, so that with this embodiment the joint length over the depth of the wall structure, and therefore also the path of the joints, is extended. Furthermore, the support structure 4 is dependably protected against temperatures even in case of slight displacements.
In a firther advantageous embodiment of the wall structure 1 of the invention, two different types of wall modules 2, 12 are provided. In this case the modules 2 are embodied as retaining modules 2, and the modules 12 as filler modules 12, which are alternatingly arranged in the total structure. In cross-section, for example along a longitudinal furnace axis (FIG. 3), the retaining modules 2 are designed in such a way that they are widened in steps from the layer 7 to the layer 5. In this case the layer 5 can also include an additional step 13. In a cross-section transverse with respect to the previously described section, each of the modules 2 has a step-shaped offset with, for example, three steps, extending from layer to layer, or in the layer 5 (FIG. 2).
The filler modules 12, which are arranged alternatingly with the retaining modules 2, have a shape corresponding to that of the retaining modules 2, which permits a positively connected arrangement of the filler modules 12 and the retaining modules 2. Thus, in a cross-section in accordance with FIG. 3, a filler module 12 tapers in steps in the way the retaining modules 2 are widened. In a cross-section perpendicular with this, the filler modules 12 have the same cross-section as the retaining modules 2. In connection with the filler modules 12, the individual layers 5, 6, 7 are maintained against each other in a suitable manner, in particular the layers are glued together or plugged into each other by means of corresponding elements.
The stepped offset can also include an oblique path 14 (FIGS. 11, 12, 17, 18) which, in particular in the area of the layer 5, avoids sharp delicate step edges. Furthermore, the steps or offsets can also be embodied to be irregular (FIGS. 11, 12).
The modules 2 are arranged on the support structure 4 by means of the fastening arrangement 3.
The fastening arrangement 3 is embodied in several parts and contains at least a retaining device 15, a retaining plate 16 and a fastening device 17.
The retaining device 15 is used for retaining the modules 2 on a retaining plate 16 and for arranging the layers 5, 6, 7 against each other. For this purpose the retaining device 15 has an anchor element 18 and a shaft element 19. For example, the anchor element 18 is designed with two or more arms 21 extending away from a center 20. Furthermore, the shaft element 19 is arranged acting on the center 20. The shaft element 19 is embodied in a rod shape. On its free end 22 it has a screw thread 23. The arms can extend away vertically with respect to the shaft element 19, or can form an acute angle with the shaft element.
Alternatively, instead of an embodiment with arms 21, the shaft element 19 itself can be embodied as a spiral or corrugated rod (not represented) in place of the arms 21. The retaining device 15 is made of a ceramic material or heat-resistant metal, for example special steel, and in particular of steel of the grades inconel, 1,4828, 1,4841 and/or 1,4845.
The retaining plate 16 (FIGS. 21, 22) is a flat level component. The retaining plate 16 is embodied in particular as a punched sheet metal element made of steel, for example St37 or V4A (1,4301 or similar), or also of a heat-resistant metal like the above mentioned heat-resistant steel. The plate 16 can have a square or polygonal, for example octagonal, basic shape or base area. The retaining plate 16 contains a centered trough 25 in particular. At least one receiving opening 24 is provided adjacent to the trough 25 in the retaining plate 16, wherein the number of receiving openings 24 is substantially a function of the number of retaining devices 15.
The trough 25 is laterally bordered by a step-shaped wall 26 or a shoulder 26, wherein the trough 25 has a level trough bottom 27. The trough 25 can have any arbitrary basic shape. Preferably it is embodied in such a way that the wall 26 extends corresponding to the basic shape of the plate 16, for example octagonally. At least one first locking device 28 is provided on the trough bottom 27. The first locking device 28 is, for example, a locking opening 28. The locking opening 28 is embodied to be rectangular, wherein a circumferential flange 29 extends upward in a direction out of the trough bottom 27 and laterally borders the locking opening 28. The flange 29 protrudes, for example at approximately right angles, from the trough bottom 27 at the narrow side edges 30 of the locking opening 28. At the long side edges 31 of the locking opening 28, the flange 29 forms an obtuse angle 32 with the trough bottom 27, which narrows the locking opening 28 away from the trough bottom 27. The angle 32 is approximately 120°, for example.
However, the flange 29 can also protrude from the narrow side edges 30, as well as from the long side edges 31, at a different angle. This depends in the end on the shaping process. For example, the flange 29 can narrow the locking opening also at the narrow side edges 30 and form an obtuse angle with the trough bottom 27, for example also 120°.
The fastening device 17 (FIGS. 29 to 31) is embodied for cooperating in a fastening manner with the retaining plate 16. The fastening device 17 contains a locking device 35 corresponding to the first locking device 28. The fastening device 17 has a flat base plate 34, which is designed to be approximately rectangular. Spring shackles 37 are connected in one piece with the long side 36 of the base plate 35. In cross-section, the spring shackles 37 extend in an approximate S-shape, wherein they extend from the long side 36 with a first bow 38 converging toward each other and, following a straight portion, which forms an obliquely extending spring shackle wall 39, they extend away from each other toward the outside and form an undercut protrusion 41 by means of a bow 40. The height H of the spring shackles 37 from the base plate 35 to the underside of the undercut protrusion 41 substantially corresponds to the height of the flange 29. The spring shackles 37 form an angle with the base plate 35 which is approximately 1200 or slightly greater, particularly slightly greater than the angle 32 of the flange 29.
The base plate 35 has a preferably centered fastening opening 42, through which a screw bolt or clinch bolt can be pushed and can be secured by a nut (not shown), if required, in order to fasten the fastening device 17 on a support structure 4. The opening 42 can be centrally located in a dome-shaped rise 45.
In a further advantageous embodiment (FIGS. 23 to 25), at least one first locking device 50 is provided in the trough bottom 27, wherein the locking device 50 consists of two punched-out locking tongues 51, which are located on the level of the trough bottom and point toward each other. The locking tongues 51 are fastened along a longitudinal edge 52 of the trough bottom. The locking tongues 51 can taper in the direction toward a free longitudinal edge 53 and to this extent can be embodied in the form of a trapezoid. Between themselves, the free longitudinal edges 53 define a locking joint 54. A corresponding second locking device (not represented) for acting together with the locking device 50 is a locking protrusion (not represented) arranged on the fastening device 17 or the support structure 4, for example in the form of a locking plate. Such a locking plate has a thickness which is greater than the locking joint 54, and is approximately of the length of the locking joint 54. The locking plate can have channels or grooves extending parallel with the locking tongue edges 53 for the secure fastening of the locking tongues 51, and in particular their engagement with the locking plate. Furthermore, the locking plate can taper towards its free end in order to be more easily inserted into the joint 54.
It is of course possible to provide any possible type of locking, for example by means of resilient locking hooks, which extend behind an opening edge, on the plate 16, and correspondingly at the fastening device 17.
The opening 28 can in particular also be embodied to be round, so that the flange 29 is formed as a circumferential conical collar. The respective device 35 is accordingly also designed as a radially circumferential flange (not represented) with individual resilient flange segments, which are separated by slits from each other and otherwise correspond in cross-section to the spring shackles 37. Such an embodiment is also possible with a square or polygonal opening 28, wherein the flange is also designed as a circumferential conical collar. The device 35 is correspondingly embodied as a circumferential flange with individual resilient flange segments, which are separated from each other by slits arranged in the corners in particular, and otherwise correspond in cross-section to the spring shackles 37.
The wall modules 2 and the fastening device work together and thus are used in the following manner (FIG. 32).
The anchor element 18 of the retaining device 15 is seated in the layer 5. For this purpose, the anchor element 18 can be cast, cemented, or stuck or pushed into the layer 5.
In a preferred embodiment of the anchor element 18 with the extending arms 21, the layer 5 is divided in the center and embodied with a cross joint 5 e (FIG. 12) in such a way that the arms are inserted into corresponding bores 5 e in the layer halves or oppositely located layer half walls. A semicircular groove 5 f is provided for the shaft element 19 and extends away from the layer 5 and penetrates the rear wall 5 d in each one of the layer half walls 5 g of the layer or brick halves. The shaft element 19 extends through the further layers 6 and 7 and projects sufficiently far out of the rear wall 7 d of the last layer so that the free end 22 of the shaft element 19 can be inserted into the receiving opening 24 of the retaining plate 16 and fastened on its back. Fastening can be provided by screwing a nut on the thread 23 or by other suitable means, such as welding, locking, etc. In the final assembled state, the retaining plate 16 rests against the rear wall 7 d of the last layer with its entire surface, except for the trough 25, and is preferably pressed against it. The layers 5, 6, 7 and the retaining device 15, as well as the retaining plate 16, constitute a wall module 2.
To arrange such a wall module 2 on a support structure 4, first the fastening devices 17 are placed on the support structure 4 at the prearranged locations, for example by screwing and riveting or welding a bolt through the opening 42. A locking connection analogous to the locking connection between the plate 16 and the fastening device 17 is possible between the support structure 4 and the fastening device 17. If filler modules 12 are provided between the wall modules, the distance between the fastening devices is approximately doubled.
In connection with a further advantageous embodiment, the fastening device 17 is embodied as a rail or grid of rails (not represented), wherein the locking means, such as locking tongues for example, are formed out of or on the rail.
For assembly, the locking opening 28 is placed on the spring shackles 37, wherein the undercut protrusions 41 are supported on the oblique walls of the flange 29. By means of the application of pressure to the modules 2, the protrusions 41 slide along the flanges 29 and are pressed inward in the process. Once the undercut protrusions 41 extend past the free end edges of the flange 29, they spring or snap outward, so that the protrusions 41 extend behind the flange 29. Thus, the module 2 is fixedly locked by means of the fastening device 17 against the support structure. A subsequent wall module 2 is placed next to the first wall module 2 in such a way that a positive connection, in particular between the steps of the layers, is achieved. If filler modules 12 are laid in addition, they are maintained by the wall modules 2 on the support structure by the corresponding, positively connecting step shape without being themselves locked to the support structure.
An air gap is created in the area of the retaining plate 16 between the wall modules 2 and the support structure which, if required, is filled with suitable materials, for example filled with fed-in or poured-in material.
Expandable felt pads (not represented) or other joint-filling materials laid out to be appropriately fire-proof can be arranged between the wall modules 2 and/or 2 and 12.
The locking elements, or the tolerances between the length of the spring shackles and the length of the locking openings, are preferably selected to be such that there is a slight displacement capability in order to be able to optimally match the wall structures to each other.
The locking devices 28 and 35 are interchangeable to such an extent that the second locking device 35 can also be arranged on the retaining plate 16 and the first locking device 28 on the fastening device 17.
If only one anchor element 18 extends through a module 2, the receiving opening 24 is preferably provided centered on the plate 16, if desired on a rise in a trough, and one or several locking devices (28, 50) are provided in this trough or in separate troughs 25 remote from the center.
In connection with the wall structure in accordance with the invention it is advantageous that the assembly times are reduced up to 70% in comparison with brick or monolithic linings. Along with this, the down times are quite considerably shortened and an increase in the production by the operator of the installation is achieved. By means of standardizing the elements as uniform elements 2 or two element shapes 2 and 12, the elements are rapidly available and the outlay for logistics is considerably lowered. Still, a variation of the layers, and along with this a variation of the insulating output and/or the temperature resistance permits an individual structure of the wall layers in accordance with the requirement profile of the furnace also in a single furnace installation over the length and/or the wall.
Moreover, the wall structure in accordance with the invention can be universally employed in all heat treatment installations, in particular up to 1200° C., and is usable for cylindrical, as well as rectangular furnace layouts. It is furthermore advantageous that in corner and joint areas where walls meet, the corners, possibly also with joints with an offset, can be produced by simply cutting the modules 2 or 12.
In addition, it is advantageous that, if the layer facing the fire is embodied in the form of light refractory brick, the possibly provided fiber components of successive insulating layers are shielded to such an extent that the danger to health by flying fiber components during the operation of the furnace and/or the soiling of the fired materials by fibers is prevented. This effect is of course increased if the second and/or further layers comprise calcium silicate plates or microporous insulation plates.
Furthermore, it is advantageous that no consoles for supporting the brick lining are required, so that the production costs are also considerably reduced.
Typical fields of application of the invention are, for example, in the chemical and petrochemical industry, in particular in cracking installations, thermal exhaust air cleaning, strip annealing, chamber furnaces, roller hearth furnaces, heat treatment furnaces, annealing hoods in the steel or iron processing industry, but also in the heavy clay field, in the fields of pusher furnaces, pusher furnace bogies, roller furnaces, bogie hearth furnaces, and hood-type furnaces.

Claims

1. A wall and/or ceiling structure for a heat treatment installation, wherein the wall structure comprises:

a plurality of individual wall modules; and

a fastening arrangement for at least a portion of the modules, the fastening arrangement including retaining elements which, together with fastening devices of a support structure of the heat treatment installation, maintain the wall modules on the support structure;

wherein the retaining elements and the fastening devices have corresponding locking devices for a locking connection.

2. The wall structure in accordance with claim 1, wherein in a horizontal projection the wall modules have a cross-section permitting a nip-free arrangement with each other.

3. The wall structure in accordance with claim 1, wherein the wall structure is formed from two different types of wall modules, wherein a first module type is embodied as a retaining module and a second module type is embodied as a filler module, which are alternatingly arranged in the total structure.

4. The wall structure in accordance with claim 3, wherein the filler modules, which are arranged alternatingly with the retaining modules, have a shape corresponding to that of the retaining modules, so that a positively connected arrangement of the filler modules and the retaining modules is provided in the wall structure.

5. The wall structure in accordance with claim 3, wherein a joint is formed between the retaining modules and the filler modules, which is filled with fed-in or poured-in material.

6. A wall module for a wall and/or ceiling structure in a heat treatment installation, the wall module comprising multiple layers;

wherein a plurality of the wall modules are combined with a fastening arrangement to form the wall and/or ceiling structure, and the fastening arrangement includes retaining elements which, together with fastening devices of a support structure of the heat treatment installation, maintain the plurality of wall modules on the support structure, and the retaining elements and the fastening devices have corresponding locking devices for a locking connection.

7. The module in accordance with claim 6, wherein the wall module has a first layer on the side of a furnace interior or heat side, and at least one second layer adjoining the first layer and facing away from the furnace interior, and additional insulating layers can be arranged following the second layer.

8. The module in accordance with claim 7, wherein the first layer comprises a layer made of a solid rigid material that is at least heat-resistant or fire-proof.

9. The module in accordance with claim 8, wherein the heat-resistant or fire-proof material has a chemical-mineralogical composition, a temperature resistance, and a thickness, each of which is a function of such requirements as temperature and furnace atmosphere.

10. The module in accordance with claim 7, wherein the first layer is a so-called light refractory material, or is designed as light refractory brick;

the at least one second layer is an insulating layer, wherein the at least one second layer is formed of at least one of the group consisting of a calcium silicate plate, a microporous insulating plate, and a fiber material which is customary and suitable for furnace or fire box construction;

an insulating layer following the at least one second layer and any further insulating layers following the at least one second layer comprise one or several plates selected from the group consisting of calcium silicate plates, microporous insulating plates, a fiber material, a compressed solid fiber material in the form of nonwoven material, and a rigid fiber plate; and

the porosity of the layers can increase from the at least one second layer to the insulating layer in order to increase the insulating output.

11. The module in accordance with claim 6, wherein, in a horizontal projection, the wall modules have a cross-section that permits a nip-free arrangement of the wall modules with respect to each other.

12. The module in accordance with claim 7, wherein the wall module comprises:

a front wall, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a rear wall of the first layer;

a front wall, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a rear wall of the second layer; and

any additional insulating layers comprise a front wall, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a rear wall;

wherein the first layer, the at least one second layer, and any additional insulating layers are arranged to be aligned with each other and in sequence with each other, so that the wall module has a cube-like or cuboid shape.

13. The module in accordance with claim 12, wherein the first layer, the at least one second layer, and any additional insulating layers are designed with a stair- or step-shaped offset with respect to each other;

the first sidewalls of each of the first layer, the at least one second layer, and any additional insulating layers are aligned;

each of the layers has a step-shaped offset in such a way that the second sidewalls of each of the first layer, the at least one second layer, and any additional insulating layers are arranged offset with respect to each other;

when arranging these wall modules next to each other, first joints extending straight along the wall thickness and second joints extending in steps result; and

the wall modules mesh with each other.

14. The module in accordance with claim 7, wherein of the first layer, the at least one second layer, and any additional insulating layers, two of the layers are aligned and one of the layers has an offset with respect to the remaining layers.

15. The module in accordance with claim 7, wherein the first layer, the at least one second layer, and any additional insulating layers have a step-like offset in such a way that the offset extends diagonally over a corner of adjoining sidewalls, so that all joints extend stepped in the same way.

16. The module in accordance with claim 7, wherein each wall module is embodied as a retaining module or as a filler module, and a module embodied as a retaining module is designed in a first cross-section in such a way that it widens in steps from a layer remotest from the furnace to a layer closest to the furnace.

17. The module in accordance with claim 16,wherein the layer closest to the furnace includes an additional step, such that the layer closest to the furnace widens in a stepped manner at least toward one side.

18. The module in accordance with claim 16, wherein the wall module is embodied in such a way with respect to a second cross-section, which extends perpendicular in relation to the first cross-section, that it widens in steps from the layer remotest from the furnace to the layer closest to the furnace, and the wall module widens in steps symmetrically or asymmetrically in relation to the first or second cross-section.

19. The module in accordance with claim 18, wherein, in its second cross-section transverse to the first cross-section, the wall module is laterally offset with a step-shaped offset from layer to layer, or in a layer itself.

20. The module in accordance with claim 16, wherein the filler module has a shape corresponding to the retaining module, so that a positively connected arrangement of the filler modules and the retaining modules is formed in the wall structure.

21. The module in accordance with claim 16, wherein the filler module tapers in steps in the first cross-section corresponding to the retaining modules, and, in a second cross-section perpendicular to the first cross-section, the filler module has the same cross-section as the retaining module, such that the filler module either tapers in steps corresponding to the retaining module, or has a step-like offset corresponding to the retaining module.

22. The module in accordance with claim 21, wherein individual layers of the filler module are maintained against each other and the step-shaped offsets and/or widenings include an oblique path which, in particular in the area of the layer closest to the furnace, avoids sharp delicate step edges.

23. The module in accordance with claim 7, wherein the layer closest to the furnace is divided in the center in such a way that oppositely located layer half walls are formed, wherein a semicircular groove that extends away from the layer and penetrates a rear wall of the layer is provided in each one of the layer half walls.

24. A fastening arrangement for a wall and/or ceiling structure in a heat treatment installation, the fastening arrangement comprising:

at least one retaining element which, together with at least one fastening device of a support structure of the heat treatment installation, maintains at least one wall module on the support structure, and the at least one retaining element and the at least one fastening device have corresponding locking devices for a locking connection;

wherein the fastening arrangement is combined with a plurality of wall modules to form the wall and/or ceiling structure.

25. The fastening arrangement in accordance with claim 24, wherein the at least one retaining element is used for maintaining the at least one wall module on a retaining plate and holding layers of the at least one wall module together.

26. The fastening arrangement in accordance with claim 25, wherein the at least one retaining element comprises an anchor element and a shaft element;

the anchor element is designed with two or more arms extending away from a center;

the shaft element is arranged to act on the center, and the shaft element is a rod shape and has a screw thread on a free end.

27. The fastening arrangement in accordance with claim 26, wherein the arms extend away vertically or angled with respect to the shaft element, and form an acute angle with the shaft element.

28. The fastening arrangement in accordance with claim 24, wherein the at least one retaining element is formed from a shaft element, which is a spiral or corrugated rod.

29. The fastening arrangement in accordance with claim 24, wherein the at least one retaining element comprises a ceramic material and/or a heat-resistant metal.

30. The fastening arrangement in accordance with claim 26, wherein the retaining plate is a flat level component, which is a punched sheet metal element made of steel and/or a heat-resistant metal, wherein the retaining plate contains a centered trough, and at least one receiving opening is provided adjacent to the trough in the retaining plate, wherein the number of receiving openings is a function of the number of retaining elements.

31. The fastening arrangement in accordance with claim 30, wherein the trough is laterally bordered by a step-shaped wall or a shoulder;

the trough forms a level trough bottom and at least one first locking device is provided on the trough bottom, and the first locking device is a locking opening;

a circumferential flange extends upward in a direction out of the trough bottom and laterally borders the locking opening, and the locking opening is rectangular;

at narrow side edges of the locking opening the flange protrudes at approximately right angles from the trough bottom or forms an obtuse angle with the trough bottom;

at long side edges of the locking opening the flange forms an obtuse angle with the trough bottom and narrows the locking opening away from the trough bottom;

the locking opening is round or polygonal; and

the flange is a circumferential conical collar.

32. The fastening arrangement in accordance with claim 25, wherein the at least one fastening device is embodied for cooperating in a fastening manner with the retaining plate, and the at least one fastening device comprises a locking device.

33. The fastening arrangement in accordance with claim 31, wherein the at least one fastening device has a flat base plate, which is designed to be approximately rectangular, polygonal or round, and spring shackles are connected in one piece with a long side of the base plate.

34. The fastening arrangement in accordance with claim 33, wherein in cross-section, the spring shackles extend from the long side of the base plate in an approximate S-shape with a first bow converging toward each other and, following a straight portion, which forms an obliquely extending spring shackle wall, the spring shackles extend away from each other toward the outside and form an undercut protrusion by way of a second bow; and

a height of the spring shackles from the base plate to the underside of the undercut protrusion substantially corresponds to the height of the flange, and the spring shackles form an angle with the base plate which is slightly greater than the angle between the trough bottom and the flange at the long side edges of the locking opening.

35. The fastening arrangement in accordance with claim 33, wherein the base plate has a fastening opening through which a screw bolt or clinch bolt can be pushed and can be secured by a nut.

36. The fastening arrangement in accordance with claim 31, wherein the first locking device comprises two punched-out locking tongues that are located on the level of the trough bottom and point toward each other;

the locking tongues are fastened along a longitudinal edge of the trough bottom, and taper in a direction toward a free longitudinal edge and to this extent form a trapezoid, with the free longitudinal edges defining a locking joint between each other;

a corresponding second locking device for acting together with the first locking device is a locking protrusion in the form of a locking plate arranged on the fastening device or the support structure;

the locking plate has a thickness which is greater than the locking joint, and is approximately of the length of the locking joint;

the anchor element of the retaining device with the outward extending arms is seated in a first layer, and the outward extending arms can be inserted into corresponding bores in each of the layer halves or layer half walls;

the shaft element is seated in a semicircular groove extending away from the first layer and penetrating a rear wall in each one of the layer half walls; and

the shaft element passes through additional layers and projects out of a rear wall of a last layer sufficiently far so that a free end of the shaft element can be inserted into a receiving opening of the retaining plate and fastened.

37. The fastening arrangement in accordance with claim 36, wherein in a final assembled state, the retaining plate rests against the rear wall of the last layer.

38. The fastening arrangement in accordance with claim 34, wherein for arranging a wall module on the support structure, the fastening devices are placed on the support structure at prearranged locations;

the fastening devices are secured on the support structure and, if filler modules are provided between the wall modules, the distance between the fastening devices approximately corresponds to the distance between two wall modules and a filler module located between them;

the fastening devices are embodied as a rail or grid of rails, wherein the spring shackles are formed out of or on the rail at the predetermined distances;

the locking opening is designed in such a way that for assembly it can be placed on the spring shackles;

the undercut protrusions are supported on the oblique walls of the flange and can glide by way of the application of pressure to the modules along the flanges, and the undercut protrusions can extend past the free end edges of the flange and thereafter spring outward, so that the protrusions extend behind the flange, and the module is fixedly locked against the support structure by way of the fastening device.

39. The wall and/or ceiling structure in accordance with claim 1, wherein the wall and/or ceiling structure is use as a furnace wall or furnace ceiling, in at least one of the group consisting of cracking installations, thermal exhaust air cleaning, strip annealing, chamber furnaces, roller hearth furnaces, heat treatment furnaces, annealing hoods, pusher furnaces, pusher furnace bogies, roller furnaces, bogie hearth furnaces, hood-type furnaces, and other heat treatment units.