High Alumina Runner Brick
- MAIN CHEMICAL COMPOSITIONS AND CATEGORIES
- High Alumina Runner Bricks are dense products composed of ALUMINA (AL2O3), typically from bauxite or sintered alumina, and a minor SILICA (SIO2) content. The high AL2O3 content directly improves resistance to molten metal erosion.
- ALUMINA CONTENT: 60% to 85%
- KEY FUNCTION: Safe, high-integrity channeling of corrosive molten metal and slag.
- PRIMARY ADVANTAGE: Superior resistance to erosion and chemical attack compared to Fireclay runners.
- KEY PROPERTIES AND PERFORMANCE
- PROPERTY: EROSION AND WEAR RESISTANCE
- TYPICAL PERFORMANCE: VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT.
- VARIATION: IMPROVES as the ALUMINA content and Bulk Density (BD) INCREASE, leading to lower porosity and a stronger crystalline structure.
- PROPERTY: TEMPERATURE UNDER LOAD (TUL)
- TYPICAL PERFORMANCE: HIGH. Maintains structural stability at the high temperatures of steel and non-ferrous tapping.
- VARIATION: TUL INCREASES significantly with ALUMINA content.
- PROPERTY: METAL PENETRATION
- TYPICAL PERFORMANCE: MINIMAL.
- VARIATION: Resistance is maximized with low Apparent Porosity (AP) and high BD.
- PROPERTY: THERMAL SHOCK
- TYPICAL PERFORMANCE: GOOD. Adequate for the rapid temperature change during tapping, though slightly less resilient than some Fireclay grades.
- PROPERTY: EROSION AND WEAR RESISTANCE
- ADVANTAGES AND KEY CHARACTERISTICS
- HIGH EROSION RESISTANCE: The dense, high-ALUMINA composition makes the brick highly resistant to physical wash-out and abrasion caused by the high-velocity stream of molten metal and slag.
- MINIMAL CONTAMINATION: Lower levels of impurities (e.g., iron oxide) compared to Fireclay, reducing the risk of non-metallic inclusions contaminating high-grade metals.
- HOT STRENGTH AND INTEGRITY: Maintains superior structural strength at high temperatures, critical for preventing run-outs or channel deformation during extended tapping sequences.
- BETTER SLAG RESISTANCE: Offers better resistance to the mixed/neutral slags often present in runners, providing longer life near the taphole area.
- TYPICAL INDUSTRIES AND APPLICATIONS
- FERROUS INDUSTRY: Tapping and runner systems for electric arc furnaces (EAF) and basic oxygen furnaces (BOF), continuous casting tundish furniture, and specialized ladles.
- FOUNDRY: High-grade steel and specialty alloy casting where minimal refractory erosion is mandatory.
- NON-FERROUS INDUSTRY: Runners and spouts for copper, lead, and zinc, especially when temperatures are high or fluxes are aggressive.
- FURNACE AREAS AND SERVICE ZONES
- TAPHOLE AND RUNNER BASE: Used in the immediate area of the taphole and along the main runner channel where velocity and slag contact are highest.
- HIGH-VELOCITY CHANNELS: Anywhere the molten metal or slag flow is fast and turbulent, causing high physical wear.
- NOZZLE AND SLEEVE BRICKS: Used for precision flow control components requiring maximum dimensional stability and erosion resistance.
- KEY DATA SHEET PROPERTIES TO CONSIDER
- BULK DENSITY (BD): CRITICAL VALUE. Must be high (e.g., 2.7 to 3.0 g/cm3) to ensure a dense, non-porous structure.
- APPARENT POROSITY (AP): MUST be minimized (e.g., under 18%) to prevent penetration of molten metal and slag.
- ALUMINA CONTENT: Confirms the chemical purity and intrinsic refractory strength.
- COLD CRUSHING STRENGTH (CCS): Must be very high to resist mechanical damage during installation.
- TECHNICAL GUIDANCE
- High Alumina Runner Bricks are the standard choice for demanding, high-temperature tapping processes where product quality (contamination control) and safe operation are prioritized over initial cost.
- For maximum resistance to severe slag (especially basic slag) or oxidation, High Alumina runners may be substituted with specialized MAGNESIA or CARBON-CONTAINING materials, but High Alumina offers the best balance for general high-temperature erosion.
✨ 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. |
