Abstract
Work was performed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), in collaboration with the industrial refractory manufacturer Minteq International, Inc. (MINTEQ), academic research partner Missouri University of Science and Technology (MS&T) and end users to employ novel refractory systems and techniques to reduce energy consumption of refractory lined vessels found in industries such as aluminum, chemical, glass, and pulp and paper. The project aim was to address factors which limit the applicability of currently available refractory materials such as chemical attack, mechanical degradation, use temperature, and installation or repair issues. To this end, new innovative unshaped refractory compositions (gunnables) were developed based on MgO-Al¬2O3 spinel and alumino-silicate based structures utilizing new aggregate materials, bond systems, protective coatings, and phase formation techniques. Development efforts, materials validation, and results to date of current industrial validation trials a discussed.
