Abstract

Almost all industrial processes use or depend on refractory materials that resist the action of hot environments. The many forms, constituent substances, uses, and analyses common to industrial refractories are presented. Uses include linings for furnaces, cement kilns, crucibles, and chemical tanks. A large variety of forming techniques can be used to produce refractories of virtually any conceivable shape. The most common of these techniques are discussed. Historically, refractories were simply naturally occurring stone minerals found to be useful in rudimentary smelting and refining processes. More sophisticated use of raw mineral deposits, beneficiated mineral deposits, and the development of synthetic minerals has led to an array of refractory compositions. The principles governing the performance of refractories have been well established. Reactions with high temperature process liquids, gases, and other refractories is discussed. Sophisticated refractory systems to achieve greater performance characteristics are continually under development.