A significant concern when manufacturing aluminum metal is the practical service life of the furnace. The service life is largely driven by the refractory lining’s ability to resist the various operating conditions within the furnace, such as high temperature, temperature variation, chemical corrosion and mechanical abrasion.

Ultra-Temp 390PS pressure-sensitive ceramic tape wraps around pipes and equipment for thermal and electrical insulation up to 2300°F.

Insulating castable refractories Plicast LWI 24 HS and aluminum-resistant Plicast Al-Tuff LWI 24 HS are both a safe choice for lightweight refractory linings inside high-temperature furnaces, incinerators boilers.

After much analysis, feedback from attendees and the uncertainty of COVID-19, the MTI Board of Trustees has approved transition to a virtual format for Furnaces North America 2020. Attendees will be able to experience the virtual exhibit hall for free. For those wanting to view the three live panel discussions and 35 technical sessions, FNA is offering a special for attendees of $199 for each of the first two registrants from a company and $49 for every person after that. To qualify, everyone must register on the same online registration form. 

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced that PRCO America Inc., a manufacturer of specialty refractory brick for the steel industry, plans to open its first U.S. production facility next year in Graves County. The nearly $5.5 million investment is expected to create up to 32 full-time jobs. The facility will produce custom-sized resin-bonded magnesia graphite refractory brick, which steel mills use to line furnaces and transfer ladles. The company plans to install the latest hydraulic pressing and automation technology to ensure high productivity. The 35,000-square-foot facility could begin production by the end of 2020.

It is estimated that up to 40% of refractory-lining failures can be attributed to a problem with the design of the anchor system or improper installation. This is a significant number.

BNP Media has announced the launch of the Process Heating & Cooling Show, an interactive conference and exposition where executives and engineers from various industries – including oil and gas, electronics, pharmaceuticals, food, beverages, packaging and plastics – will learn from thought leaders and discover new technologies and trends exclusively for the process heating and cooling sectors. This new event will be held June 16-17, 2021, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill.

Good linings require the best attachment methods. Challenges exist, but developments are overcoming the challenges.

The Industrial Heating Equipment Association (IHEA) has several educational opportunities available for members and non-members alike throughout 2020.

RHI Magnesita, a global supplier of high-grade refractory products and systems, acquired Missouri Refractories Co. Inc. (MORCO). Based in Pevely, Mo., MORCO produces over 400 high-quality monolithic mixes that serve a range of industries, including steel. The employees also have the expertise to provide refractory material for the petrochemical industry.