Furnace refractories are materials used to line the interior of high-temperature furnaces, boilers, and other thermal processing equipment to protect the structure from the extreme heat and chemical corrosion. Refractories are typically made from non-metallic minerals such as clay, alumina, and silica, and can withstand temperatures of up to 1800 C.
There are several types of refractory materials used for furnace linings, including:
Fireclay: Made from clay and other minerals, fireclay is a common refractory material used in low-temperature furnaces.
Silica: Silica refractories are made from silica sand and can withstand temperatures of up to 1700 C. They are used in glass-making furnaces, steel-making furnaces, and other high-temperature applications.
Alumina: Alumina refractories are made from aluminum oxide and can withstand temperatures of up to 1800 C. They are used in furnaces for making ceramics, glass, and steel.
Magnesia: Magnesia refractories are made from magnesium oxide and can withstand temperatures of up to 2000 C. They are used in high-temperature furnaces for making iron, steel, and other metals.
Carbon: Carbon-based refractories are made from graphite or carbon black and can withstand temperatures of up to 3000 C. They are used in electric arc furnaces for melting steel and other metals.
The choice of refractory material depends on the specific furnace application, operating temperature, and other factors such as thermal shock resistance and chemical compatibility with the process materials.