Chemical corrosion is one of the biggest challenges for industrial environments that operate under high temperatures. Refractories help protect your kilns and furnaces from corrosion, but some materials offer better protection than others when it comes to chemical corrosion. Alumina refractories offer excellent resistance to chemical attacks, which is why they’re a preferred option for industries like steelmaking, cement, and more.
The Impact of Chemical Corrosion on Refractories
If your refractories come into contact with aggressive substances like acids, slags, and gases, chemical corrosion is bound to happen. These kinds of harsh substances will degrade the quality of your refractories over time, weakening their structure, reducing thermal efficiency, and, ultimately, causing the lining to fail. These kinds of problems disrupt production and lead to costly downtime or repairs, which is why choosing refractories with a high level of chemical inertness is crucial.
Why Alumina Refractories Are So Effective Against Corrosion
Alumina (aluminum oxide) has a high level of chemical inertness, which means that it does not easily react with most corrosive substances. High-alumina refractories, more specifically, those containing over 70% alumina, offer exceptional resistance to chemical attack from both basic and acidic slags.
In addition to their chemical resistance, alumina refractories are extremely durable and able to withstand the harsh conditions of thermal cycling and mechanical stress that typically accompany chemical exposure. They are able to maintain their structural integrity over time, reducing the frequency at which you need to maintain and replace them, helping you save on operational costs and downtime.
If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of high-alumina refractories or want to discuss your specific operational needs with our team, don’t hesitate to contact our office!