In demanding industries where extreme heat, high pressure, intense wear, and corrosion are daily challenges, safeguarding materials is essential. That’s where refractories play a vital role. These exceptional materials act as a protective barrier, ensuring equipment and structures maintain strength and reliability even in the toughest conditions. Let’s delve deeper into their unique properties.
What are Refractories?
Refractories are ceramic materials designed to withstand the very high temperatures encountered in modern manufacturing processes, often exceeding 1,000°F (538°C). They are more heat-resistant than metals and are used to line the hot surfaces found inside many industrial processes. Refractory is an essential element for the production of petrochemical products, the refining of gasoline, and various other high-temperature industrial operations. They can withstand physical wear, corrosion caused by chemical agents, and thermal stress induced by heat.
As these products are widely used in various industries in advanced manufacturing processes, their demand has risen in recent years. According to Extrapolate, the refractories market is projected to reach a valuation of $29.5 billion by 2028.
Types of Refractories Used in Manufacturing
Refractory materials can be classified into various types based on different characteristics and applications. The main types of them include:
● Monolithic
Monolithic refractories are materials that are used as a suspension and then hardened to create a solid mass. This term is commonly used for all types of unshaped refractories.
● Alumina
These refractory materials have an alumina (Al2O3) content of more than 48% and are primarily made of mullite, corundum, and glass. They are used in the metallurgy sector for various applications, such as building the plug and nozzle of a blast furnace, steel drum, electric furnace roof, hot air furnace, pouring system, and so on.
● Silica Brick
Silica brick is one of the key refractories examples, containing at least 93% SiO2. These refractories bricks have excellent mechanical strength at temperatures approaching their actual fusion point and are mainly used in open-hearth heat storage chambers, high-temperature bearing parts of hot blast stoves, kilns, and vaults.
● Zirconia
Zirconia refractories exhibit outstanding hardness at room temperature and can maintain this hardness up to a temperature range of 15000 degrees Celsius. They have substantially lower thermal conductivity compared to other types of refractory materials. Therefore, they are ideal for use in high-temperature construction materials in glass and metallurgical furnaces.
● Magnesite-Chromite
These products can withstand the highest temperatures and are suitable for service in contact with slags used in steel melting. They have superior spalling resistance compared to chrome-magnesite.
● Carbon
The main constituent of these refractory products is carbon, and they are primarily used in highly reducing environments. They have high refractoriness and resist the action of slags, with high thermal stability.
Role of Refractories in the Ceramic Industry
Refractories play a crucial role in the ceramic industry by providing essential properties and functionalities that enable high-temperature processing applications. They are used to build and furnish kilns, and their significance extends to various manufacturing industries, including the ceramic industry. Refractory materials are highly resistant to thermal stress, physical wear, and corrosion caused by chemical agents, making them essential for the manufacture of petrochemical products and gasoline refinement.
In this field, Nock Refractories LLC and Refractories Inc. are two renowned refractory material manufacturers. They distribute high-quality refractory materials and high-temperature consumable products across the globe. They also offer a wide range of materials, catering to the specific needs of high-temperature-resistant materials in the ceramic industry.
3 Leading Refractory Material Manufacturers in 2024
Below are three top companies known for manufacturing high-quality and heat-resistant refractory materials that you might want to look out for in 2024.
1. Krosaki Harima Corporation
Krosaki Harima Corporation is a leading refractory material manufacturing company. It is a part of the Nippon Steel Group and has been a pioneer in India for over 66 years. The company offers a wide range of products, including basic, dolomite, high-alumina, monolithic, and silica refractories. The company also contributes to the study, design, and manufacturing of refractory molds for product application optimization. With its efforts, the company shows commitment to providing access to the world-class refractory technology required for its long-term growth.
2. Imerys Refractory Minerals
Imerys Refractory Minerals is a key leader in the refractory manufacturing market, with a focus on making high-grade monolithic refractory and refractories bricks for the iron & steel, cement, and petrochemical industries. This strategic move shows Imerys’ commitment to expanding its presence and capabilities in the refractory product sector.
3. Morgan Advanced Materials
Morgan Advanced Materials is a prominent player in the refractory material manufacturing industry, with a rich history and a global footprint. The company offers a wide range of refractory products, including ceramic fiber products, insulating fire bricks, microporous products, refractory ceramics, and heat shields. It focuses on operating sustainably and helping customers improve the sustainability of their products and processes.
To Summarize
Refractories play a crucial role in various industries and other high-temperature industrial processes. They are essential for providing thermal insulation, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength in extreme temperatures and corrosive conditions.
Refractory materials are highly used in advanced manufacturing processes, such as in making glass, furnaces, kilns, and refractory bricks. Its vital role in the ceramic industry makes refractory materials indispensable for the manufacturing of ceramic products. As technology continues to advance, the future of refractories holds promise for further innovation, sustainability, and efficiency, contributing to the continued growth and success of the global industrial sector.
Browse More Posts:-
Industrial Cybersecurity Market
Neurorehabilitation Devices Market
Online Dating Market
Primary Cells Market