For Continuous Casting
Continuous casting is a critical process in steel production, where molten metal is solidified into semi-finished shapes such as slabs, billets, and blooms. Refractories play a vital role in ensuring the efficiency, durability, and quality of the casting process by providing thermal insulation, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength.
- Categories:
Types of Refractories Used in Continuous Casting
Tundish Refractories: Insulating boards, high-alumina castables – maintain molten steel temperature and cleanliness.
Submerged Entry Nozzles (SEN): Zirconia-based refractories – control steel flow into the mould.
mould Fluxes: Provide lubrication and thermal insulation for uniform solidification.
Slide Gate & Stopper Rods: Alumina-carbon refractories – regulate molten steel flow.
Refractory Bricks
Types: Fireclay bricks, High alumina bricks, Magnesite bricks, Silica bricks
Composition: Silica (60-96%), Alumina (2-36%), Magnesia (5-15%)
Density: 2,400–2,800 kg/m³
Maximum Operating Temperature: Up to 1,800°C
Cold Crushing Strength: 30–100 MPa
Applications: Kilns, furnaces, incinerators, steel plants
Castables & Mortars
Types: Low cement castables, Gunning mixes, Refractory mortars, Self-flow castables
Composition: Alumina (40-90%), Silica (5-30%), Calcium oxide (2-5%)
Cold Crushing Strength: 30–100 MPa
Thermal Conductivity: 1.5–3.5 W/mK
Maximum Operating Temperature: Up to 1,700°C
Applications: Boiler linings, ladles, rotary kilns, cement plants
Ceramic & Fiber Products
Types: Ceramic fiber boards, blankets, modules, Calcium silicate insulation blocks
Density: 64–160 kg/m³
Thermal Conductivity: 0.03–0.08 W/mK
Maximum Operating Temperature: Up to 1,400°C
Applications: Insulation for high-temperature equipment, furnaces, power plants
Specialty Refractories
Types: Graphite crucibles, Silicon carbide products, Zirconia refractories
Composition: Carbon (80-99%), Silicon carbide (70-90%), Zirconium oxide (ZrO₂)
Thermal Shock Resistance: Excellent
Maximum Operating Temperature: Up to 2,000°C
Applications: Foundries, metal casting, glass industries, aerospace
Monolithic Refractories
Types: Ramming masses, Plastic refractories, Gunning materials
Composition: Alumina (50-90%), Silica (5-30%), Magnesia (5-15%)
Cold Crushing Strength: 20–80 MPa
Maximum Operating Temperature: Up to 1,750°C
Applications: Furnace linings, ladles, tundishes, steel plants
Key Functions of Refractories in Continuous Casting
1. Thermal Resistance: Withstand temperatures exceeding 1,600°C.
2. Chemical Stability: Resist corrosion from molten steel and slag.
3. Flow Control: Ensure smooth metal flow and prevent contamination.
4. Wear Resistance: Protect against erosion and mechanical stress.
