High Alumina Runner Brick
High Alumina Runner Bricks are specialized refractory channel blocks used to line the main or auxiliary troughs (runners) that convey molten metal—primarily iron or steel—from the taphole of a furnace (such as a blast furnace or converter) to the transfer ladle. Their high alumina content, typically ranging from 70% to 90%, provides exceptional resistance to erosion and corrosion caused by fast-flowing, extremely hot liquid metal and the covering slag layer.
These bricks are crucial for ensuring safe, reliable, and non-contaminating transfer of molten metal throughout the casting process.
Main Function and Characteristics
The primary function is Metal and Slag Erosion Protection. High alumina minimizes reaction with slag and molten metal, while the dense, pre-fired structure provides high mechanical strength to resist abrasive flow.
| Characteristic | Value Range | Primary Refractory Function |
|---|---|---|
| Alumina Content | 70% to 90% | Provides refractoriness and excellent chemical stability |
| Shape | Pre-formed Channel/Trough Block | Designed for easy, precise installation in continuous channels |
| Abrasion Resistance | HIGH | Resists scouring action of molten metal and turbulent slag |
Classification
- Material Focus: Flow Control & Specialized Shapes
- Primary Application Focus: Dense Alumina Block → Blast Furnace Troughs, Steelmaking Runners, Transfer Launder Linings
Key Performance Metrics
-
- Erosion Resistance: SUPERIOR — Critical for resisting high-velocity flow and turbulence of molten metal
- Refractoriness Under Load (RUL): VERY HIGH — Maintains shape under immense hydrostatic load
- Volume Stability: EXCELLENT — Minimal shrinkage after reheating prevents joint openings and metal penetration
High Alumina Runner Brick
1. The Role in Metal Transfer
Runner bricks form the continuous conduit that channels molten metal from the furnace to the next processing stage (usually the ladle). This is a severe service environment due to:
- High Flow Velocity: Creates abrasive erosion as liquid scours the refractory surface
- Corrosive Slag Layer: Highly reactive slag chemically attacks the refractory at the metal/slag interface
- High Temperature: Must withstand molten metal temperatures (up to ~1500°C for iron and ~1650°C for steel) without softening or creeping
2. Material and Manufacturing
To counter these stresses, runner bricks are engineered for density and refractoriness:
- High Alumina Composition: Based on sintered bauxite or corundum aggregates for chemical inertness against iron/steel and slags
- Dense, Low Porosity: Pressed at high pressure and fired at high temperature to prevent metal and slag penetration
- Pre-formed Shapes: Tongue-and-groove or interlocking designs minimize mortar use and create tight, leak-proof channels
3. Applications
-
- Blast Furnace Troughs: Main and secondary troughs carrying hot metal and slag
- Steel Ladle/Casting Runners: Smaller troughs and launders in secondary steelmaking and continuous casting
- Non-Ferrous Processing: Launder systems for copper and nickel smelting requiring high-purity, erosion-resistant channels
✨ 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. |
