Refractory Technical Datasheets Don’t Tell the Whole Story
Refractory technical datasheets are important. They provide relevant data that should be considered in the overall process of selecting a particular refractory for a specific application. Technical datasheets list the refractory’s physical properties and the pertinent testing results, as well as the chemical makeup of the material. While they are important, technical datasheets should never be considered as a stand-alone…Read More ›
Refractories Primer: 3 Things Every Plant Manager Should Know
If you’re new to refractories, there are a few important things to know before you begin making product selections or installation decisions. The Basics The term “refractory” refers to a variety of materials that are non-metallic and heat resistant. Refractories are used in a number of heat processes and in different types of industrial equipment, including boilers, furnaces, ovens, kilns,…Read More ›
Case Study: Using No-Cement Castable Instead of Firebrick to Prevent Rapid Expansion in Rotary Kiln
Firebrick is a versatile product, but since refractories are not a commodity, there are applications where firebrick is effective… and applications where it’s ineffective. Recently, a project was completed to correct damage caused by the failure of firebrick installed by another refractory contractor. Our client’s process was super-heating EAF dust to extract the pure zinc that’s contained in the dust….Read More ›
Deciding Between a Sole Proprietor or Full-Service Refractory Contractor
If you’re a plant engineer at a large multi-national industrial manufacturer, you probably have the expertise and bandwidth on staff to manage all of the maintenance for your heat processing equipment. It’s common, however, for small to mid-size manufacturers to lack the resources or knowledge to take on maintenance and repair projects by themselves. Because cost is always an issue,…Read More ›
Preventative Maintenance Checklist for Your Refractory Linings
We all know that it’s a good idea to perform routine maintenance on important machinery – both in our manufacturing facility and in our personal lives. You change the oil in your car, right? I know that not everybody changes their oil every 3,000 miles, but for those of you that were driving back in the 1970s and 1980s, did…Read More ›