What is Refractory High Alumina Cement?
Refractory high alumina cement is made by grinding alumina and calcareous material such as lime through sintering or fusing.
Also known as calcium aluminum cement, it is a common and popular refractory material because of its benefits and refractory cement uses.
So in this article, we reveal why it is the best refractory material.
Where is Alumina Refractory Cement from?
In general, a cement maker in the United Kingdom named Lafarge developed alumina cement in 1925.
However, they found that high alumina concrete could withstand chemical hazards mainly in marine construction. Years passed and engineers found other qualities such as its easy production and rapid strength gain.
Composition of High Alumina Refractory Cement
Below are the high alumina cement composition essential for refractory projects.
Composition | Percentage |
---|---|
Silica | 3-8% |
Alumina | 37-41% |
Lime | 36-40% |
Iron Oxide | 9-10% |
Titanium | 1.5-2% |
Magnesium | 1% |
Insoluble Residues | 1% |
Suggested read: How to Choose the Right Refractory Material
How is High Alumina Cement Made?
Basically, manufacturing alumina refractory cement differs from the production of ordinary concrete. This is because it essentially uses bauxite and lime as the raw material.
They are mixed following the set amounts which will be grounded into 100mm fragments. Then, the fragments enter a kiln to heat up to its fusion point (1600°C).
The molten product is then transferred down a steel plate to cool in a rotary kiln. Afterward, it is finely grounded into tube mills until the product is at 2250cm²/gram.
High Alumina Refractory Cement Properties
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- Generally has a low pH level
- Basically a high refractive index
- Also durable in sulfuric acid
- Similarly fast cement hardening
- Acts as bonding material when added in refractory castables (forms ceramic bond at high temperatures)
Uses of High Alumina Cement Concrete for Refractory
Generally, this refractory product is widely used in sewer infrastructure and marine construction.
Besides, high alumina cement is used because furnaces, boilers, kilns, and chimneys need refractories. This is due to its strength to withstand very high temperatures with proven durability.
Benefits of Refractory High Alumina Cement
High alumina refractory cement concrete has many advantages due to its large-scale properties.
Furthermore, its heat resistance is useful for industries dealing with high temperatures even direct fire.
Moreover, it has high compressive strength and is very reactive. Also worth mentioning is its low frost action as there is more heat evolved during the setting process.
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Know your Refractory Materials
Learning about different refractory materials benefits your project
Although this refractory cement has many good qualities, it is important to note that it also has its disadvantages.
As previously mentioned, the cement fineness is not less than 2250cm²/gram which is very fine. Thus, workers who handle it may have it enter their eyes, mouth, or inhaled.
Therefore, you must consult a trusted refractory contractor. So you know the refractory options before starting your refractory installation.
Suggested read: 7 Foolproof Ways to Reduce Total Refractory Installation Costs
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