Increased production pressures have sparked a rise in inquiries regarding rapid dry-out materials. Often, the inquirer wants to use a rapid-fire material to reduce the downtime of their furnace equipment. However, businesses looking for a good balance of refractory properties should consider plastic refractories. They are proven performers and may provide a better cost solution.
Plibrico’s line of plastic refractories and Exo-Set products, by comparison, might be the choice to make. While the project manager must determine the cost comparison between installing a reduced dry-out material versus a plastic material, often the plastic refractory remains a solid choice. It gives a balance of good properties along with the benefit of reduced dry-out times. The result is the best of all worlds.
Plastic refractories are useful in many applications, including repairs. They install easily, and Phos-bonded plastics bond well to existing refractory. They have good thermal shock resistance and can be fired immediately at a rate of 100 degrees F per hour.
Plibrico’s Exo-Set Uno gun mixes offer material higher placement rates, no curing time required, and a 50 degree per hour ramp up to 1,000 F. These rates are comparable to most reduced dry-out castables.
Other advantages over fast dry-out alternatives include:
- No cure time vs. reduced cure time.
- 95+ percent of water is removed by 212 degrees F.
- Higher permeability, which allows for better pressure release during de-watering.
- Higher porosity – thermal shock resistance.
- Low conductivity.
- Good abrasion resistance.
In the end, Plibrico plastic refractories and Exo-Set products emerge as a clear solution due to their properties, refractory contractor product familiarity, and ease of installation.
Plibrico Co. LLC, www.plibrico.com
