Improved explosion resistance of low cement refractory castables using drying agents

Abstract

Abstract Low cement castables (LCCs) containing different types of drying agents (polymer fibers and EMSIL‐DRY™) have been studied both in laboratory‐ and industrial‐scale. Our study shows that the type of drying agent has a profound impact on the flow/workability of the fresh castables and that EMSIL‐DRY™ ensures the best workability. The thermal behavior of 300 mm cubes (approximately 80 kg) was studied using a unique macro‐thermo‐balance (macro‐TGA). Compared to the polymer fibers, EMSIL‐DRY™ reduces the temperature level for maximum dewatering rate and will effectively help prevent explosions during heat‐up. The LCC with EMSIL‐DRY™ showed excellent explosion resistance, as demonstrated by the production of a perfect 400 kg block that was fired to 850°C at a rate of 75°C/h.

Keywords

• dry‐out behavior
• EMSIL‐DRY™
• fibers
• low cement castable (LCC)
• macro‐TGA
• microsilica