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What Are Refractories? Learn the Basics.

May 04, 2018

Refractories are materials designed to withstand extremely high temperatures (exceeding 1,000°F) often encountered in modern manufacturing. More heat-resistant than metals, these ceramic materials are used to line the heated surfaces found in many industrial processes.


Refractories can withstand some of the harshest conditions known to man.
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What Are Refractories

In addition to being resistant to extreme thermal stress, refractories can withstand the physical wear and tear caused by chemical agents. This makes them essential in the manufacturing of petrochemical products and gasoline. They’re also crucial in industries that use extreme heat in manufacturing and production, such as steel and iron, just to name a few.

What Are They Made Of?

Refractories are made from natural and synthetic materials, usually nonmetallic. These are usually a combination of compounds and minerals such as fireclays, bauxite, alumina, chromite, dolomite, magnesite, silicon carbide, and zirconia.

What Do They Look Like?

Refractories come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. They can be pressed or molded for use in floors and walls, or made into interlocking shapes and wedges, They can also be curved to fit the insides of boilers. Some small refractory parts possess a complex and delicate appearance, while others are precast into massive blocks that can weigh several tons. The majority of refractory products are either precast shapes or unformed compositions. Then, there are refractory ceramic fibers, which resemble residential insulation but insulate at much higher temperatures. Refractory may also come in the form of powder, similar to cement, then mixed with water and applied as needed.

What Are They Used For?

From fireplace brick linings to re-entry heat shields for the space shuttles, refractories are used to contain heat and protect equipment from intense temperatures. They’re also used to line boilers and furnaces of all types, including nuclear reactors, ladles, stills, kilns, and more. The iron and steel industry uses approximately 70% of all refractories produced today.

Facing Harsh Conditions

Refractories are chosen according to the conditions they’ll face. Some applications require specific refractory materials. Zirconia is used when the material must withstand extremely high temperatures. Silicon carbide and carbon are two other refractory materials used in some very severe temperature conditions, but cannot be used in contact with oxygen, as exposure will cause oxidation and burning. Many modern technological and scientific advances simply would not have been possible without refractories.

Contact Us to learn more about refractories and their installation.

Common Refractory Installation Mistakes
By Paul Fisher 17 May, 2023
When it comes to refractory installation, there are many things that can go wrong. Refractories are a crucial part of many industrial processes, and even small installation mistakes can lead to significant problems down the line. That’s why it’s essential to get it right the first time. Here is a look at some of the most common refractory installation mistakes and how to avoid them.
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By Paul Fisher 19 Apr, 2022
The East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) Wastewater Treatment Plant, located on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, provides service for an estimated 740,000 people in the greater Oakland, California area. In addition to traditional wastewater treatment, the plant also collects and treats solid waste from Bay Area food and animal processing facilities, restaurants, and wineries, diverting this waste stream away from landfills. The methane gas that is generated from the decomposition of this solid waste is then used internally as a renewable source of energy to help supply the treatment plant’s energy needs. When EBMUD began looking for a way to upgrade the failing brick refractory lining in their emergency digester gas flare structure, they turned to TFL, Incorporated. TFL developed an innovative precast refractory shape system that would offer dependable performance, structural integrity, and ease of installation. The unique system of floating wall panels is held in place using tongue-and-groove tieback shapes, bolted to the existing concrete structure. The individual panels in the system can absorb thermal and mechanical stresses independently. Given the location, potential seismic loading was also considered in the development of the system. The existing flare containment building is an oval-shaped concrete structure, with inside dimensions of 17’ wide by 47’ long. The refractory lined upper section of the structure is just over 21’ tall. The refractory wall thickness is 4-1/2”. A 2” air gap between the refractory wall and the concrete wall allows for airflow and ventilation. The refractory wall system consists of 514 precast shapes of four basic types, all manufactured in TFL’s Houston, Texas facility. The shapes were cast using Plicast HyMOR 3000 KK, a low-cement castable refractory manufactured by Plibrico Company. Stainless steel needle fibers were used for added reinforcement and to improve resistance to thermal shock and cracking. The shapes were fired to 1250o F prior to shipment, optimizing strengths and allowing the flare structure to be immediately operational, without the need for a field dry out of the refractory. NTK Construction, Inc. of San Francisco, California, was the installation contractor for EBMUD.
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By Paul Fisher 15 Jun, 2021
Over the years, the refractory industry has faced many challenges. Precast-shape technology has helped us overcome some of them. The technology is used across different industries to produce better results and save money. If you choose to work with refractory castables, the process needs to be perfect. The physical properties of the material are sometimes weakened during the manufacturing stages by several factors. It’s even more crucial to get it right when the complexity increases to secure the performance of the lining. You can take full advantage of a castable’s physical properties by casting precast shapes in a controlled environment with experts overseeing the whole process. When it comes to drying and firing a refractory castable, you want the best lining production. Precast shapes allow you to ensure that the bake-out schedule recommended by manufacturers is followed to the tee since they can be fired in a digitally-controlled furnace. The shapes can also be fired from all sides, reducing moisture and giving off a uniform look that diminishes cracks. Additionally, the lining is less susceptible to stress, and its performance is more predictable. Precast-shape technology has many benefits, and you should take advantage of it. If you’re ready to use precast shapes to optimize your next project, contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
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Minimize Downtime And Increase Performance With Precast Refractory Solutions from TFL!  Precast Refractory Shapes can be used for a wide range of applications and industries ranging from foundry and boiler applications to petrochemical and refinery industries. Regardless of your industry or application, we have the expertise necessary to custom-manufacture durable precast shapes to meet your […] The post Durable Precast Refractory Shapes Manufactured To Your Exact Specifications. appeared first on Refractory Materials, Precast Shapes, and Custom Solutions.
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With Proper Attention to Dimensional Tolerances, Field Fit-up Problems With Precast Shapes Go Away   The manufacture of precast refractory shapes inherently requires the use of some type of mold or pattern to form the castable into the desired shape. Some precast applications may require extremely tight dimensional tolerances, while others require less. The level of […] The post TFL Uses Custom Molding Techniques to Make Precast Refractory Shapes With Extremely Tight Tolerances appeared first on Refractory Materials, Precast Shapes, and Custom Solutions.
By Mansfield 07 Apr, 2021
The Rewards of Being a Part of “The Hidden Industry” The modern refractory industry dates back to the 1860s in the United States and has left an indelible mark on our society. About 34 years ago, the American Ceramic Society commissioned the publishing of the book “REFRACTORIES: The Hidden Industry, A History of Refractories in […] The post Refractories Play a Pivotal Role in Virtually Every Industrial Process appeared first on Refractory Materials, Precast Shapes, and Custom Solutions.
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