Fire Sleeve (High-Temp Protection)
A Fire Sleeve is a non-combustible, flexible tube designed to protect hoses, cables, wires, and hydraulic lines from the hazards of extreme heat, open flame, molten metal splash, and welding spatter. Made typically from a woven fiberglass yarn that is coated with a thick layer of high-grade silicone rubber, the sleeve creates a robust thermal and physical barrier.
Main Components and Structure
The two-part construction provides both thermal insulation and physical protection.
| COMPONENT | MATERIAL | FUNCTION |
| Inner Braid | Woven Fiberglass Yarn | Provides the primary thermal barrier and mechanical structure. |
| Outer Coating | Silicone Rubber (Iron Oxide Red) | Repels molten splash, provides abrasion resistance, and acts as a secondary heat insulator. |
Key Performance Metrics
| PROPERTY | TYPICAL PERFORMANCE | MECHANISM OF ADVANTAGE |
| Continuous Temp (T) | ~260°C (500 F) | Handles continuous exposure to high ambient heat. |
| Short-Term Exposure | ~1090°C (2000 F) | Resists short blasts of radiant or convective heat. |
| Molten Splash | ~1650°C (3000 F) | The silicone coating sheds molten metal, preventing burn-through. |
| Flexibility | EXCELLENT | Allows installation on pre-bent, rigid lines and hose assemblies. |
Advantages and Key Characteristics
Fire Sleeves are crucial for preventing catastrophic failures in essential process lines that run near heat sources, protecting both the equipment and the surrounding environment.
- Asset Protection: By insulating the underlying hose or cable, the sleeve maintains the operating temperature and integrity of fluids (e.g., preventing hydraulic oil from thinning and losing pressure) or insulating wires from short-circuiting.
- Safety and Accident Prevention: Preventing flammable hydraulic fluids or oils from overheating and rupturing near a hot surface eliminates a major fire or explosion risk. The outer silicone coating also protects personnel from incidental contact with very hot lines.
- Abrasion Resistance: The thick silicone layer provides a durable buffer against friction and constant rubbing that can occur in tight machine spaces.
- Moisture and Contamination Resistance: The non-porous silicone repels moisture, oil, and chemicals, protecting the braided fiberglass underneath and prolonging the life of the enclosed hose or cable.
Typical Industries and Applications
This product is specialized for harsh, high-heat industrial and mobile environments:
- Foundries and Metallurgy: Protecting hydraulic and cooling lines near furnaces, ladles, and casting equipment from splashes of molten steel, iron, or aluminum.
- Welding and Cutting: Shielding torch lines and power cables from slag, sparks, and localized radiant heat.
- Heavy Equipment: Protecting critical hydraulic lines, fuel lines, and wiring harnesses in the engine compartments of construction, mining, and railway equipment.
- Manufacturing: Insulating and bundling high-temperature wires and cables in ovens, kilns, and heat-treating operations.
Selection and Installation
Selection is based on the diameter of the hose/cable and the severity of the heat environment.
- Diameter: Sleeves are specified by their internal diameter (ID) and must be slightly larger than the component being protected for easy sliding.
- Closure Type: Standard sleeves are slid on before hose assembly. For retrofit on existing equipment, sleeves with a hook-and-loop closure (often called Fire Wrap) are used, although these often have a lower liquid-splash rating due to the seam.
Technical Guidance: When exposed to continuous high T near its limit, the organic silicone may slightly discolor or harden over time, but the underlying fiberglass will continue to provide the required thermal barrier. Always ensure the fire sleeve extends slightly past the area requiring protection to ensure a complete seal.
✨ 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. |
