Refractory Issues

Most refractory issues can be prevented through expert design consultation, proper material selection and stringent quality control during refractory installation, curing and start-up. At REBL, we know this because we have been called in to visit many plants and refineries to inspect refractory problems and find solutions.

The following is a sample of some of the refractory problems we’ve helped solve:

ChemicalMechanicalThermal

Excessive Shrinkage

Cause:

exposure to excessive temperatures

Surface Wear/Erosion

Cause:

mechanical erosion by catalyst

Surface or Internal Cracks

Cause:

repeated thermal cycling

Corrosion

Cause:

chemical corrosion can cause erosion, cracking and disruption of thermal lining

Slag Build-up

Cause:

attack of hot face of refractory lining by alkalis

Thermal Cycling

Cause:

repeated thermal cycling causes cracking at surface of brick

Anchoring System Failure

Cause:

insufficient anchoring to withstand thermal stresses

Thermal Mechanical Spalling

Cause:

excessive thermal expansion at refractory hot face results in pinch spalling at refractory joints
Have a refractory problem and need a solution? Ask REBL