Magnesia‑Spinel Brick Natural Spinel
Magnesia‑Spinel Brick are composed primarily of high-purity MAGNESIA (MgO) grains and NATURAL MAGNESIUM ALUMINATE SPINEL (MgO – Al2O3). The spinel content is typically between $10% and 30%.
| CATEGORY | SPINEL SOURCE | KEY FEATURE | PRIMARY ADVANTAGE |
| NATURAL SPINEL | Mined MgO – Al2O3 Ore | High density, lower cost than synthetic | Improved spalling resistance over pure MgO |
| SYNTHETIC SPINEL | Chemically synthesized MgO – Al2O3 | High purity, controlled micro-structure | Maximum creep and corrosion resistance |
Key Properties and Performance
| PROPERTY | TYPICAL PERFORMANCE | MECHANISM OF ADVANTAGE |
| Thermal Shock | VERY GOOD | Spinel’s lower thermal expansion coefficient and higher elasticity effectively absorb stress, minimizing spalling. |
| Creep in Compression (CISC) | VERY LOW | Spinel formation at grain boundaries stabilizes the MgO matrix, maximizing resistance to deformation. |
| Slag Resistance | EXCELLENT (to BASIC Slags) | Retains the chemical stability of the MgO base while offering resistance to basic slags. |
| Volume Stability | EXCELLENT | Spinel formation ensures the brick maintains its structural integrity over repeated thermal cycles. |
Magnesia‑Spinel Brick
Advantages and Key Characteristics
Magnesia-Spinel bricks are primarily used to overcome the poor thermal shock resistance that is the major weakness of pure Magnesia (DBM) bricks, thereby significantly extending campaign life in cyclically operated vessels.
- Superior Spalling Resistance: The introduction of the spinel phase is the key benefit. Spinel’s inherent thermal stability and lower thermal expansion, when blended with MgO, create a structure that is far more resilient to the rapid heating and cooling cycles typical of industrial furnaces.
- Enhanced Hot Strength: Spinel acts to stabilize the grain boundaries of the MgO crystals, reducing the amount of low-melting-point silicate phase that compromises the hot strength, thus improving Creep in Compression (CISC).
- Refined Chemistry: Natural spinel often contains trace amounts of impurities. However, the blending and firing process is controlled to ensure the final brick retains the necessary high-temperature stability and chemical inertness required for basic service.
Typical Industries and Applications
This brick is used in high-stress applications requiring resistance to thermal cycling alongside basic slag:
- Ferrous Industry (Steel): Safety linings of steel ladles, ladle bottom/impact zones, and permanent linings of converters that undergo frequent charging and tapping cycles.
- Cement Industry: Burning zones of rotary kilns (specifically MgO-Spinel is a standard solution here) where chemical attack and severe thermal gradients combine.
Furnace Areas and Service Zones
They are specified for critical zones that experience mechanical load and thermal stress:
- STEEL LADLE BOTTOM/IMPACT ZONE: Subject to high impact force and rapid temperature changes during tapping.
- CEMENT KILN BURNING ZONE: The lining must resist corrosive clinker and intense thermal gradients and mechanical rotation.
- PERMANENT LININGS: Used behind MgO working linings to provide thermal protection and structural stability.
Key Data Sheet Properties to Consider
Selection criteria focus on thermal stability and spinel content:
- Spinel Content (MgO – Al2O3): CRITICAL VALUE. Must be verified ($10% to 30%) as it dictates the degree of thermal shock improvement.
- Thermal Shock Resistance (Cycles to Failure): Look for supplier data demonstrating a significant increase in the number of cycles to failure compared to pure DBM.
- TUL and CISC: Must be high to confirm the brick’s suitability for structural support under load.
- Apparent Porosity (AP): Should be low to moderate ($8% and 15%) to balance density (for slag resistance) with elasticity (for shock resistance).
Technical Guidance: Magnesia-Spinel bricks are the preferred choice when a Magnesia lining is failing due to thermal spalling in an application that cannot be converted to MgO-C (e.g., due to specific chemical or process requirements). The use of natural spinel makes this variant a more cost-effective option than synthetic spinel grades.
✨ 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. |
