Whitepaper advises on refractory materials

A whitepaper published by Ceram has revealed that refractory failure is frequently the result of poor specification of refractory materials.

Ceram's research highlights areas where refractory failures can occur, and describes the best ways to select materials and implement a comprehensive test programme.

The guidelines in the whitepaper feature examples in the petrochemical industry, but the guidance given is also of relevance to the glass, iron/steel, cement and enviro/energy industries.

'Purchasing Monolithic Refractory Materials' describes the ideal life cycle of a refractory lining and highlights the main categories of premature refractory failure.

It provides best practice guidelines for choosing a materials supplier and placing orders for a refractory replacement project.

It also describes a typical test programme for refractory materials and details how material for the testing procedures should be prepared and how the tests are performed.

Author of the whitepaper, Jan Theron, says: 'Users of refractory materials should be very cautious about what they buy and how they buy it.

'Ceram is often called in when a refractory failure has already occurred and during our investigations we look at all possible causes for failure.

'These post-failure costs are significantly higher than the costs of testing before installation.

'Following the simple guidelines for purchasing and testing refractory materials, as described in the white paper, substantially reduces the likelihood of costly failure following installation.

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