Refractory Project Tips Every Plant Manager Needs

Tips Every Plant Manager Needs for a Successful Refractory Project

A refractory project may be the least of your concerns, but it can keep your whole operation intact

With that in mind, a proper refractory installation keeps your business running longer.

So, whether it is a new refractory project or refractory repair, a plant manager must have the right skills for a successful refractory project.

What is refractory service?

A refractory project or refractory service involves refractory materials that can withstand extreme heat, pressure, or chemical damages.

Hence, successful refractory installation services can maintain their structure and strength even under harsh environments.

Typically, refractory products are applied in furnaces, incinerators, kilns, and reactors where heat is intense.

Refer: Refractory 101

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What makes a good plant manager?

Being a plant manager has a lot of responsibilities. With so many things on your mind, you’ll need all the help you can get.

So, hire a refractory engineering company with skilled refractory installation contractors before you install your refractory.

Here are some basic refractory tips for plant managers you should know when managing construction or repairs.

1. What are the chemical properties of refractory?

Basically, there are different types of refractories for different applications. Subsequently, refractory materials will depend on the refractory application as there is no one-fits-all solution.

Acidic Refractory

Acidic refractory includes refractory materials that are unaffected by acidic materials under extreme heat.

Moreover, acidic refractory materials contain alumina, silica, and ceramic which is commonly used for brick refractory.

Basic Refractory Project

Basic refractory includes refractory materials that are stable to alkali but reactive towards acidic materials.

This refractory service commonly consists of magnesite but also includes dolomite and magnesia-chrome materials.

Neutral Refractory

Neutral refractory includes refractory products that can resist both acid and alkali chemical attacks under high temperatures.

Its most common materials contain alumina, carbon, and chromium oxide.

For more information on refractory types, go to Types of Refractory & Its Application.

2. Common causes of refractory project failure

Although refractory castables are made to withstand high temperatures, heat may not be the only threat.

Thus, the materials such as high alumina cement, fire clay bricks, and insulation bricks must also withstand chemicals.

This is because when heat is applied, the chemical reaction between the refractory application and byproducts can cause failure.

Suggested read: Common Refractory Installation Failures and How to Fix Them

3.  Cracks in the refractory lining

Once the refractory work is complete, there is the possibility of small cracks in the refractory lining.

Hence, you will need an experienced refractory bricklayer that offers inspections and repairs in their refractory services.

This is to help avoid any released heat which can damage the chemical process and the insulating fiber. Thus disrupting the whole operation.

4. How to install refractory

Every plant manager must know that a successful refractory depends on the proper refractory installation by a team of trained workers.

Generally, complete refractory construction services include the following sequence:

1. Installation
2. Curing
3. Temperature Control
4. Water removal
5. Drying out

However, following the correct steps requires the right materials and expertise.

So, consult a reliable refractory engineer to guide you to completion.

For more information, go to Technical Steps to Refractory Installation. 

5. Each refractory project is unique

It is known that one refractory solution may not work for another type of refractory. Hence, your plant may need a customized refractory installation to avoid any failures in the near future.

Thus, to guarantee a successful refractory, it is best to refer to a refractory company that has the right materials and capabilities to meet your plant’s conditions.

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Manage a Successful Refractory Project

Since you now know the basic requirements for a refractory project, you can now contact a trusted and experienced refractory works contractor.

So if you’re planning for a new plant construction or for refractory repairs, look no further than SLP engineering, the leading refractory company in Malaysia.