Ramming Mass – ZrO₂
Main Chemical Compositions & Categories
ZrO2 Ramming Mass is composed of high-purity Zirconia (ZrO2) aggregate (often fused or sintered), sometimes partially stabilized with MgO or CaO. It is the highest-purity oxide refractory available. The mix includes minimal or no non-oxide binders, relying on vibration and ramming to achieve extreme density and high-temperature sintering for its final strength.
| COMPONENT | CONTENT | CHEMICAL BASE | PRIMARY ADVANTAGE |
| Aggregate | ZrO2 (90% to 99%) | Fused/Sintered Zirconia | Highest refractoriness, chemical inertness |
| Binder | None or Minimal Inorganic | Silicate/Phosphate traces | Achieves density via installation, final strength via sintering |
| VARIANT | STABILIZATION | APPLICATION FOCUS |
| Stabilized Zirconia | MgO or CaO | Used to prevent the destructive phase change at 1000°C |
| Pure Zirconia | Unstabilized | Used only where contamination is unacceptable, despite phase change |
Key Properties and Performance
| PROPERTY | TYPICAL PERFORMANCE | MECHANISM OF ADVANTAGE |
| Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) | MAXIMUM | ZrO2 has the highest melting point of all common oxides (2700°C), ensuring structural integrity at extreme T. |
| Corrosion Resistance | EXCEPTIONAL | Highly resistant to molten glass, specialty slags, and specific metals. |
| Installation Density | EXTREME | Ramming achieves maximum packing density, vital for minimizing porosity and chemical penetration. |
| Erosion/Abrasion | SUPERIOR | The hardness and high density of Zirconia grains resist mechanical wear. |
Advantages and Key Characteristics
ZrO2 Ramming Mass is a premium, high-cost material used only in the most severe, high-value, or ultra-high-temperature zones where no other refractory material can survive.
- Ultra-High Service Temperature: Used in processes operating above the limits of even high-purity Alumina and Magnesia, where its melting point ensures reliable performance.
- Maximum Purity and Inertness: The high purity of the Zirconia is essential in specialty melting (e.g., precious metals or high-grade specialty glasses) where even trace contamination from other refractories is unacceptable.
- Resistance to Specific Molten Materials: Zirconia exhibits superior non-wetting and chemical resistance to molten glass, titanium, and various super-alloys.
- Excellent Erosion Resistance: The high bulk density and hardness achieved during ramming create an extremely dense, low-porosity lining that resists both mechanical erosion and chemical infiltration.
Typical Industries and Applications
This product is highly specialized:
- Glass Industry: Bottom and sidewall construction/repair in electric glass melters for high-quality optical or specialty glass.
- Metallurgical Industry: Linings and crucibles for melting and holding specialty alloys (e.g., reactive metals, super-alloys) where absolute purity is required.
- High-Temperature Furnaces: Hot zones in vacuum furnaces, crystal growing furnaces, and specialized ceramic kilns.
Furnace Areas and Service Zones
They are specified for structural, chemical-wear, and maximum heat zones:
- CRITICAL CRUCIBLE LININGS: The working face in contact with high-value or reactive melts.
- HOT SPOTS/FAILURE POINTS: Used to repair areas in high-temperature furnaces that consistently fail using other materials.
Key Data Sheet Properties to Consider
Selection criteria focus intensely on refractoriness, chemical purity, and stabilization:
- ZrO2 Purity: CRITICAL VALUE. Must be 95%, and often 98% for specialty applications.
- Stabilization State: Determine if the material is fully or partially stabilized with MgO or CaO. Stabilization is necessary to avoid the destructive volume change associated with the monoclinic-to-tetragonal phase transformation of ZrO2 occurring near 1000°C.
- Installation Density: The required Rammed Bulk Density (BD) (e.g., > 4.5 g/cm3) must be confirmed and achieved during installation.
- Slag/Glass Corrosion Rate: Look for specific data demonstrating low corrosion rates against the target melt.
Technical Guidance: Due to the material cost and sensitivity, installation must be absolutely precise, achieving maximum density via ramming. If an unstabilized ZrO2 ramming mass is used, a very slow and carefully controlled temperature ramp through the 1000°C phase transformation point is essential to prevent internal cracking.
✨ 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. |
