PRCO America Inc. began production at its refractories manufacturing plant in Mayfield, Ky., in August 2022. At full production, the plant – the company’s first in the United States – will produce 50,000-60,000 tons of resin-bonded refractory products for the steelmaking industry annually and employ approximately 50 people. The facility will produce resin-bonded magnesia carbon, resin-bonded magnesia-alumina-carbon and resin-bonded alumina refractory ceramic shapes used to line steel-processing furnaces.  

The key to reducing or eliminating unscheduled downtime and minimizing the need for scheduled repairs lies in efficient and quality brick installation. By minimizing air gaps, interlocking rings or loose bricks, the life of kiln lining is extended, and unscheduled or emergency maintenance can be drastically reduced.

Keeping a clean workplace is a constant struggle, regardless of industry. For foundries, however, weekly cleaning has traditionally been a very physical process.

The Port-A-Trac refractory pallet transport system is designed for increased efficiency and safety during refractory installation applications.

Refractory material is designed to be very durable, withstand extreme service conditions and defy mechanical abuse in many different types of thermal-processing operations.

HarbisonWalker International (HWI), a supplier of refractory products and services, completed the first phase of a $9 million expansion at its manufacturing operations in White Cloud, Mich. The project will significantly increase warehousing space and add advanced-manufacturing and hydraulic press technologies. HWI’s 110,000-square-foot White Cloud facility currently employs approximately 140 people and produces brick and monolithic refractories utilized by the steel industry.

Air pollution is a hot topic globally and shows no signs of abating. According to EURACTIV, some 40 million people in the 115 largest cities of the EU are exposed to pollution exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guideline values (for at least one pollutant).

A refractory paddle mixer delivers fast mix times while working with mixtures that include aggregates up to 0.5 inches thick.

Redi-Shapes precast shapes are designed to help steel and aluminum makers significantly reduce the time and labor costs required to repair furnace refractory linings.

Thermbond 7200 Series can substantially reduce the cost of most furnace repairs through its ability to provide consistent properties regardless of installation method.