Method and apparatus for cooling a CVI/CVD furnace

摘要

The invention relates to method and apparatus for cooling a furnace (90) configured for processing refractory composites. More specifically, the invention is directed to method and apparatus for cooling a furnace more rapidly than prior art methods. According to the invention, a cooling gas (106) is flowed in a closed circuit through the furnace (90), over the refractory composites disposed within the furnace, and over a cooling element (104) disposed within the furnace. The cooling gas may be flowed by natural convection or by force.