SiC Push Plate
A Silicon Carbide (SiC) Push Plate is a large, flat, rectangular refractory slab used as a conveyor surface in pusher-type kilns and furnaces. It is designed to be placed directly on the kiln hearth and loaded with products or saggers. Hydraulic or mechanical rams periodically push the entire plate (and its load) forward through the high-temperature zone. SiC is the preferred material due to its exceptional hot strength, resistance to deformation (creep), high thermal conductivity, and superior resistance to thermal shock under heavy loads.
Main Chemical Compositions & Categories
SiC Push Plates are dense, high-performance ceramic components engineered for structural stability and precision flatness at extreme temperatures.
| MATERIAL BASE | BINDING TYPE | TYPICAL MST | PRIMARY ADVANTAGE |
| Recrystallized SiC (R-SiC) | Self-bonded (purest form) | ~1650°C to 1700°C | Maximum purity and creep resistance for ultra-high T applications. |
| Nitride Bonded SiC (N-SiC) | Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) | ~1400°C to 1600°C | High strength-to-weight ratio and good thermal shock resistance. |
Key Properties and Performance
| PROPERTY | TYPICAL PERFORMANCE | MECHANISM OF ADVANTAGE |
| Hot Strength/Creep | MAXIMUM | Withstands constant compressive load from the ramming force and the weight of the product at peak T without slumping. |
| Thermal Conductivity | EXTREMELY HIGH | Rapidly transfers heat from the kiln hearth to the product, enabling shorter soaking times. |
| Thermal Shock | SUPERIOR | Resists cracking when pushed into the hot zone, or during furnace upsets. |
| Flatness | CRITICAL | Maintained dimensional stability prevents jamming and uneven support of products. |
Advantages and Key Characteristics
SiC Push Plates are fundamental to the operation of continuous pusher kilns, providing reliable material handling that ensures production consistency and high throughput.
- Structural Integrity under Load: Push plates carry the entire production load through the furnace. The superior RUL (Refractoriness Under Load) and creep resistance of SiC ensure the plates remain flat and stable, preventing product damage or furnace jamming that is common with less rigid materials.
- Efficient Heat Transfer: The high thermal conductivity of SiC ensures uniform heating of the plate itself, and consequently, a uniform temperature profile for the products placed on it. This results in consistent firing and reduced temperature gradients.
- High Throughput and Automation: Pusher kilns are highly automated, and SiC plates enable this efficiency. They can be pushed continuously and rapidly, maximizing the amount of product processed per day compared to batch kilns.
- Long Service Life: The hardness and resistance to thermal fatigue mean that SiC plates provide a long operational life, minimizing replacement frequency and associated downtime.
Typical Industries and Applications
This component is specialized for continuous thermal processing:
- Advanced Ceramics: Sintering electronic components, substrates, technical ceramics, and insulators in high-volume production.
- Powder Metallurgy: Conveying metal powders, carbide parts, and magnetic materials through high-temperature sintering furnaces.
- Specialty Chemicals: Calcination processes requiring continuous, controlled advancement through a hot zone.
Selection and Maintenance
Selection is based on the required operational temperature and load:
- R-SiC is required for the highest loads and temperatures (> 1600°C) where dimensional stability (anti-creep) is critical.
- Plate Dimensions: Must be manufactured to precise tolerances to ensure smooth movement on the kiln hearth and to fit the ramming system.
Technical Guidance: Proper alignment of the pusher system is critical; uneven ramming force can lead to chipping or cracking of the plate edges. The kiln hearth on which the plate slides must be kept clean of debris to prevent excessive friction or jamming. Plates used above 1600°C must be protected from high oxygen concentrations to prevent surface oxidation.
✨ 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. |
