Q: What is refractory?
A: Refractory refers to heat-resistant materials used to line industrial equipment and machinery subjected to high temperatures, such as furnaces, kilns, incinerators, and various processing equipment.
Q: How long do refractories last?
A: The lifespan of refractories can vary significantly depending on the application, installation quality, and operating conditions. However, commercial grade refractories typically last 1-3 years under normal use, while premium grades may last 3-7 years. Proper maintenance can help extend their usable life.
Q: What causes refractories to fail?
A: Common causes of refractory failures include thermal shock, physical damage, corrosion from process materials, and thermal-mechanical wear over extended use. Improper installation, material defects, and excessive operating temperatures can also accelerate degradation.
Q: How can maintenance extend refractory life?
A: Regular inspection and repairs of minor damages, monitoring heat patterns, controlling process variables, cleaning spillages, and re-grouting or patching as needed can all help prolong the usable lifespan of refractories. Timely maintenance prevents small issues from worsening into larger, more costly problems.
Q: What questions should I ask a refractory supplier?
A: Important questions include experience and credentials, suitability of proposed materials, installation methodology, time lines, warranties, maintenance recommendations, safety procedures, environmental compliance, references from similar applications, and comprehensive project budget. An expert supplier can help determine the most suitable and cost-effective solution.
