Al₂O₃‑SiC‑C Composite Brick – Runner
Main Chemical Compositions & Categories
The Runner Brick is a dense, high-performance refractory made from a matrix of high-purity ALUMINA (Al2O3), SILICON CARBIDE (SiC), and CARBON (C) (usually graphite). The composite is resin-bonded and unfired (or lightly fired) to maintain carbon content.
| COMPONENT | FUNCTION | ADVANTAGE GAINED |
| ALUMINA (Al2O3) | Structural Strength / Hot Resistance | Provides the backbone and load-bearing capacity. |
| SILICON CARBIDE (SiC) | Thermal Conduction / Abrasion | Increases resistance to thermal shock and physical wear. |
| CARBON (C) | Non-Wetting / Oxidation Resistance | CRITICAL: Prevents molten metal/slag from adhering to the running surface. |
Key Properties and Performance
| PROPERTY | TYPICAL PERFORMANCE | MECHANISM OF ADVANTAGE |
| Non-Wetting | EXCELLENT | CARBON (graphite) has very low surface energy, causing molten steel and slag to bead up and run off easily. |
| Erosion Resistance | VERY GOOD | High hardness of Al2O3 and SiC resists the scouring action of the flowing metal/slag mixture. |
| Thermal Shock | VERY GOOD | Low thermal expansion of the carbon phase and high conductivity of SiC minimize internal stress. |
| Slag Resistance | GOOD (to neutral/acidic) | The carbon component slows chemical attack, offering better life than oxide-only refractories. |
Advantages and Key Characteristics
Al2O3-SiC-C Runner Bricks are essential for maintaining smooth, controlled flow of molten metal, ensuring both operational safety and metal quality.
- Minimizes Buildup and Free Flow: The non-wetting property of the carbon ensures that metal and slag do not “freeze” or adhere to the channel walls, maintaining a consistent runner diameter and flow rate. This is critical for processes like torpedo ladle tapping and transfer.
- Contamination Control: The high purity of the composite minimizes the introduction of unwanted inclusions into the metal stream, which is vital for producing high-grade steel.
- Safety and Integrity: Excellent TUL and thermal shock resistance prevent cracking and catastrophic failure in the runner, which could lead to dangerous metal breakouts.3
- Longevity: Designed to handle the combined high-velocity flow, thermal cycling, and chemical attack common in runner systems, offering extended service campaigns.
Typical Industries and Applications
These runners are used throughout the metallurgical industry where molten metal transfer is continuous or highly critical:
- Ferrous Industry: Main runner systems from the blast furnace to the torpedo ladle; casting floors and transfer troughs for ladles and tundishes.4
- Foundry: Large transfer ladles and pouring spouts for high-volume iron and steel casting.
Furnace Areas and Service Zones
They are specified for all areas conveying high-temperature molten metal/slag:
- Trough/Runner Main Channel: Used as the working lining along the entire path of molten metal flow.
- Taphole Areas: Used near the furnace taphole where heat, velocity, and slag-metal contact are most severe.
- Dam/Weir Sections: Used to build specialized structures within the runner to separate slag from the metal stream.
Key Data Sheet Properties to Consider
Performance is measured by wear resistance and non-wetting characteristics:
- Bulk Density (BD): Must be high (e.g., > 2.8 g/cm3) for maximized erosion resistance.
- Carbon Content: CRITICAL VALUE. Must be high enough (e.g., 5% to 15%) to ensure effective non-wetting properties.
- Oxidation Resistance: Look for suppliers that utilize anti-oxidation additives (e.g., Al or Si) to protect the carbon from burning out in service.
- Apparent Porosity (AP): Should be minimized to prevent penetration.
Technical Guidance: Due to the carbon content, these bricks are susceptible to OXIDATION if exposed to air at high temperatures. They must be installed correctly, minimizing joints, and may require a protective wash coating to maximize life. Specify this product when controlling metal flow, preventing buildup, and minimizing erosion are the primary goals, outperforming high-alumina runners in these critical areas.
✨ Customization Services
We offer product customization services, allowing you to tailor the appearance, dimensions, or specific markings of items like refractory shapes or bricks. This includes options for incorporating specific geometric requirements to ensure seamless integration into your process systems.
🔬 Sampling for Testing & Validation
Free product samples are available for thorough testing and validation. This allows you to confirm the quality, compatibility, and performance of our materials—such as specific bricks, castables, or raw materials—before committing to a full order.
💡 Expertise in Refractory Solutions
Leverage our deep expertise to receive detailed, application-specific refractory solutions. We move beyond just selling products by providing comprehensive plans that encompass material selection, installation guidance, and performance optimization to maximize the lifespan and efficiency of your high-temperature processes.
Rabatec products are exclusively manufactured in facilities that have achieved rigorous ISO certifications across Quality (ISO 9001), Environmental Management, and Occupational Health & Safety. This commitment ensures every product, from refractory bricks to specialized equipment, meets the highest global benchmarks for performance, sustainability, and workplace safety.
📦 Logistics Excellence: Shipping, Packaging, and Marking
Minimizing Risk: We manage all logistics to minimize handling touchpoints and transit shock. Our carriers are pre-vetted for their experience in transporting heavy, fragile, and sensitive industrial materials.
Traceability: Every shipment includes comprehensive documentation and tracking information, providing end-to-end visibility and ensuring precise delivery coordination for your site.
Protection is Paramount: Our packaging strictly follows industry standards to prevent damage, corner chipping, and moisture absorption—especially critical for materials like Basic Refractory Bricks and Refractory Mortars & Mixes.
Robust Palletization: Products are secured on fumigated, high-strength export pallets (e.g., 1100x950mm or similar sturdy dimensions) using heavy-duty strapping and durable protective wrapping (polyethylene sheeting, cardboard, etc.) to withstand long-distance travel and multiple loadings.
Moisture Control: Sensitive materials are protected with appropriate sealing and, where necessary, desiccants or moisture-vapor proof enclosures to maintain the product's integrity until installation.
Clear Identification: All outer packaging is clearly marked on multiple sides with large, legible text for immediate identification and safe handling.
Full Traceability: Markings include all essential data points: Product Name, Quality Grade, Batch Number, Quantity, Net/Gross Weight, Order Number, and the Final Destination/Construction Area. This ensures every pallet can be accounted for and correctly staged upon arrival.
Safety & Compliance: We adhere to all regulatory requirements for marking, labeling, and placarding—especially for any items classified as Dangerous Goods—to ensure full compliance with international and domestic transport regulations.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question | Elaborated Answer |
Q: What is the Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) of your refractories? | A: Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) is a critical property that defines the maximum temperature our materials can withstand while under compressive stress before deforming (softening). Since we offer a wide range of materials—from Alumina-Silicate Bricks to high-performance Silicon Carbide Bricks—the RUL varies significantly. For specific product data, please refer to the product data sheet or submit a quote request for the material you are interested in. |
Q: Where are the Rabatec refractories and materials produced? | A: Our products are primarily sourced from specialized manufacturing plants in China. Crucially, these facilities have all undergone rigorous audits and achieved comprehensive ISO certifications (Quality, Environment, and Safety), ensuring that production adheres to the highest global standards for consistency and performance. |
Q: What refractory materials does the company offer? | A: We supply a comprehensive portfolio of advanced refractory solutions, including: Shaped Products: Alumina & Silica Bricks, Basic & Specialized Bricks (e.g., Magnesia), SiC & Structural Ceramics, and Precast Shapes. Monolithic Products: Refractory Castables, Mixes & Mortars. Insulation: Insulation Fibre and High-Performance Insulation Products. |
Q: How should I choose the appropriate refractory material for my application? | A: Selecting the correct refractory is paramount to process efficiency. The choice depends on three key factors: 1. Operating Environment: Maximum process temperature and thermal cycling (shock). 2. Chemical Attack: Type of slag, molten metal, or corrosive gas being handled (acidic, neutral, or basic). 3. Mechanical Stress: Abrasion, erosion, and static load requirements. We recommend utilizing our detailed refractory solutions service to consult with our engineers for an optimized, application-specific recommendation. |
Q: Which monolithic material should I choose when patching an existing lining? | A: For patching and minor repairs, the ideal monolithic material depends on the parent lining material, the patching depth, and the need for a rapid return to service. Common choices include: Refractory Mortars & Mixes (for minor joints/surfaces) or Plastic Refractories (for areas requiring physical compaction). Always choose a patch material chemically compatible with the existing lining to ensure proper bonding and service life. |
Q: Can I receive product samples before placing a major order? | A: Yes. We gladly provide product samples for your internal testing and validation purposes. This ensures you can confirm the quality, composition, and fit of the material—such as our Refractory Castables or Alumina-Silicate Bricks—in your specific operational environment before committing to a bulk purchase. |
Q: Do you provide certifications to verify material quality? | A: Absolutely. We provide product-related inspection certificates and quality assurance documentation upon request. This verifies that your order has passed all internal quality control checks and meets the required material specifications and industry standards. |
Q: What measures are taken for product protection during transport? | A: We ensure quick, reliable transport by using robust, industrial packaging that strictly follows industry standards. This includes high-strength palletization, heavy-duty strapping, and weather-resistant wrapping to protect fragile items like bricks and mixes from corner chipping, mechanical damage, and moisture during transit. |
