Magnesia‑Spinel Brick (Synthetic Spinel)
Main Chemical Compositions & Categories
Synthetic Magnesia-Spinel bricks are composed of high-purity MAGNESIA (MgO) grains and high-purity SYNTHETIC MAGNESIUM ALUMINATE SPINEL (MgO – Al2O3). The synthetic source guarantees a uniform, low-impurity composition and a consistent micro-structure.
| CATEGORY | SPINEL SOURCE | KEY FEATURE | PRIMARY ADVANTAGE |
| SYNTHETIC SPINEL | Chemically synthesized | High purity, controlled micro-structure | Maximum thermal shock and creep resistance |
| NATURAL SPINEL | Mined MgO – Al2O3 Ore | Lower cost, trace impurities | Improved spalling resistance over pure MgO |
Key Properties and Performance
| PROPERTY | TYPICAL PERFORMANCE | MECHANISM OF ADVANTAGE |
| Thermal Shock | EXCELLENT | Controlled, uniform microstructure and spinel’s low CTE provide maximum stress absorption, preventing spalling. |
| Creep in Compression (CISC) | EXTREMELY LOW | High purity and absence of fluxes stabilize grain boundaries, maximizing load-bearing capacity over time. |
| Residual Expansion | MINIMAL | Spinel formation is nearly complete during manufacture, providing superior volume stability during service. |
| Slag Resistance | VERY GOOD | Retains the superior chemical resistance of the MgO base against basic slags. |
Advantages and Key Characteristics
Synthetic Magnesia-Spinel bricks are a premium basic refractory engineered for processes with severe thermal cycling, high structural loads, and strict contamination limits where high-cost investment is justified by the need for guaranteed reliability.
- Maximum Thermal Shock Tolerance: The synthetic production of spinel allows for precise control over grain size and crystal structure. This uniformity maximizes the elastic properties of the matrix, resulting in the best resistance to rapid temperature changes among non-carbon basic refractories.
- Superior Creep Performance: Due to the extremely high purity and uniform distribution of the spinel, the brick exhibits minimum deformation (creep) under sustained load at high operating temperatures, ensuring structural integrity in large furnace structures.
- Volume Stability and Reliability: The use of synthetic raw materials minimizes fluxing impurities (SiO2, Fe2O3), which can form low-melting phases. This guarantees stable volume and consistent performance, reducing the risk of premature failure.
Typical Industries and Applications
This premium brick is used in critical, high-stress, and cyclic operations:
- Ferrous Industry (Steel): Critical safety linings and permanent linings in steel ladles and converters that must endure many thousands of thermal cycles over their campaign life.
- Cement Industry: Burning zones of high-output rotary kilns that operate with tight control and cannot tolerate failure from spalling.
- Continuous Casting: Specialized wear-resistant components requiring both thermal shock resistance and dimensional stability.
Furnace Areas and Service Zones
They are specified for structural zones that bear load under continuous thermal stress:
- LADLE SAFETY LININGS: The most common application, providing a durable, thermal-shock-resistant layer beneath the working lining.
- CEMENT KILN TRANSITION ZONE: Used to withstand the combination of high thermal gradient, chemical attack, and mechanical load.
- EAF/BOF PERMANENT LININGS: Used where pure DBM fails due to spalling but carbon bricks are unsuitable.
Key Data Sheet Properties to Consider
Selection criteria focus on the enhanced stability provided by the synthetic material:
- Spinel Purity: High purity and synthetic origin guarantee minimal contamination.
- Creep in Compression (CISC): CRITICAL VALUE. Must demonstrate extremely low creep rates to confirm superior structural stability.
- Thermal Shock Resistance (Cycles to Failure): Look for the highest cycles-to-failure rating compared to natural spinel or DBM grades.
- Al2O3 Content: Typically in the 10% to 25% range, indicating the amount of spinel added to the MgO matrix.
Technical Guidance: Synthetic Magnesia-Spinel bricks are the highest-cost, highest-performance non-carbon basic refractory available for thermal shock applications. They should be selected when the reliability of the material is critical to preventing catastrophic failure in cyclically operated equipment. The premium cost is offset by the significantly extended campaign life and reduced maintenance downtime.
✨ 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. |
