Soluble Fiber Blanket
A Soluble Fiber Blanket (often referred to as Low Bio-Persistence or LBP Fiber) is a high-temperature insulation product made from a blend of Calcium Oxide (CaO), Magnesium Oxide (MgO), Silica (SiO2), and Alumina (Al2O3). It is manufactured into a flexible, needled blanket form similar to standard Ceramic Fiber Blanket (RCF). However, the key design difference is its chemical composition, which allows the fibers to dissolve rapidly when exposed to the fluids in the human lung, dramatically reducing their potential health risk compared to RCF.
Main Chemical Compositions & Categories
The added alkaline earth oxides (Ca and Mg) are the key to its solubility.
| CATEGORY | KEY COMPONENTS | TYPICAL MST | PRIMARY ADVANTAGE |
| Soluble Fiber | CaO, MgO, SiO2, Al2O3 | ~1200°C (2192 F) | Low Bio-Persistence (Health & Safety) |
| Standard RCF | Al2O3, SiO2 | ~1260°C to 1540°C | Higher maximum operating temperature |
Key Performance Metrics
| PROPERTY | TYPICAL PERFORMANCE | MECHANISM OF ADVANTAGE |
| Bio-Persistence | LOW (High Solubility) | Fibers break down quickly in physiological fluids. |
| Thermal Conductivity (k) | EXTREMELY LOW | Similar to RCF; excellent insulation from trapped air. |
| Heat Storage | VERY LOW | Enables fast heating and cooling cycles (low thermal mass). |
| Thermal Shock | EXCELLENT | Flexible, low-mass structure resists cracking from rapid T changes. |
Advantages and Key Characteristics
Soluble Fiber Blankets offer comparable thermal performance to RCF in many applications, but are increasingly preferred or required due to enhanced worker safety regulations.
- Improved Health Profile: The defining feature. The fibers are engineered to have a half-life of days in lung fluid, compared to months or years for RCF. This makes them the primary choice in regions with strict health and safety standards.
- Excellent Thermal Performance: Retains the fundamental benefits of ceramic fiber, providing high thermal efficiency and low heat storage, making it ideal for energy-saving furnace linings.
- Flexibility and Ease of Use: Manufactured and installed just like RCF blanket—it is easily cut, wrapped, and anchored, making installation fast and convenient.
- Cost-Effectiveness: While often slightly more expensive than standard RCF, the cost is offset by reduced personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements and lower worker exposure risk during installation and maintenance.
Typical Industries and Applications
LBP Fiber is replacing RCF in many non-extreme-temperature applications:
- Furnace and Kiln Linings: Hot-face and backup insulation for furnaces, ovens, and kilns operating below 1200°C.
- Boilers and Heat Exchangers: Insulation for industrial and commercial boiler walls, flues, and piping.
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Gasketing and Sealing: Used as a flexible gasket material where temperatures are within its operating range.
Key Data Sheet Properties to Consider
Selection is based on temperature limits and compliance requirements:
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Maximum Service Temperature (MST): CRITICAL VALUE. Note that the MST of soluble fiber is generally lower than high-alumina RCF grades. Using it above its limit causes crystallization and loss of solubility/performance.
- Solubility: Should be confirmed via supplier data (e.g., biological solubility index) for compliance.
- Density and Thickness: These determine the insulating value (R-value) and mechanical strength, similar to RCF blankets.
Technical Guidance: Due to its composition, soluble fiber may have slightly different chemical resistance than RCF, particularly in high-steam environments. While the health profile is significantly better, standard dust safety precautions should still be followed during cutting and installation.
✨ 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. |
