Fluorspar CaF2 Acid Grade
Fluorspar CaF2 Acid Grade
Fluorspar (also known as Fluorite) is the mineral form of Calcium Fluoride (CaF2). It is primarily valued in industrial metallurgy and chemistry for its fluorine content and its exceptional properties as a fluxing agent. Acid Grade Fluorspar is the highest commercial purity level, containing a minimum of 97% effective CaF2, and is the starting material for the production of hydrofluoric acid (HF) and various specialty chemicals.
Main Composition and Grade
The high purity of the Acid Grade is necessary for both chemical synthesis and demanding metallurgical applications.
| COMPONENT | CHEMICAL FORMULA | PROPERTY HIGHLIGHT |
| Calcium Fluoride | CaF2 | Excellent flux, low melting point (~1418°C), chemically stable. |
| Purity | 97% effective CaF2 | Required for the chemical industry and premium metallurgical use. |
| CLASSIFICATION | MELTING POINT | PRIMARY APPLICATION FOCUS |
| Acid Grade | ~1418°C | Chemical synthesis (HF) and high-performance slag fluidization. |
Key Performance Metrics
| PROPERTY | TYPICAL PERFORMANCE | MECHANISM OF ADVANTAGE |
| Fluxing Power | EXTREME | Significantly lowers the melting point and viscosity of slag, allowing for rapid chemical reactions and easier impurity removal. |
| Slag Fluidity | SUPERIOR | The F ion breaks up the polymeric structure of silicate slags, making them highly fluid. |
| Chemical Source | ESSENTIAL | The primary commercial source for all fluorine-containing compounds. |
1. Chemical Industry (Primary Acid Grade Use)
The vast majority of Acid Grade Fluorspar is consumed to produce Hydrofluoric Acid (HF), which is the precursor for virtually all organic and inorganic fluorochemicals:
HF and its derivatives are critical in the production of refrigerants, propellants, aluminum fluoride, synthetic cryolite, and uranium processing.
2. Metallurgical Flux (Slag & Fluxing Agent Use)
In the steel, iron, and ferroalloys industries, Fluorspar is a powerful slag conditioner:
- Slag Fluidization: It is added to the slag in Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF) and Basic Oxygen Furnaces (BOF).12 The CaF makes the highly viscous lime (CaO) and alumina (Al2O3) rich slags more fluid at lower temperatures.
- Impurity Removal: This increased fluidity promotes better contact between the slag and the molten metal, accelerating the transfer of impurities (like sulfur and phosphorus) from the metal into the slag, thereby cleaning the metal more efficiently.
- Refractory Protection: By reducing slag viscosity, it helps the slag stay liquid and prevents it from sticking to the furnace walls, reducing mechanical wear on the refractory lining.
Typical Industries and Applications
- Chemical Manufacturing: Production of HF, fluorocarbons, and aluminum fluoride.
- Steel Industry: Fluxing agent in EAF and BOF steelmaking, and in ladle metallurgy.
- Aluminum Industry: Used in the production of synthetic cryolite and AlF3 which are essential components of the Hall-Héroult electrolytic bath.
- Cement Production: Used as a mineralizer to accelerate the formation of cement clinker.
Technical Guidance
- Grade Selection: While Acid Grade (97%) is essential for the chemical industry, Metallurgical Grade (Metspar, $60% to 85% CAF2) is often used for bulk fluxing in steelmaking due to its lower cost, as the process can tolerate higher levels of impurities like silica (SiO2).
- Environmental Concerns: The use of fluoride-containing fluxes must be carefully managed, as the release of gaseous fluorides can be an environmental issue, requiring proper control and scrubbing of exhaust gases.
✨ 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. |
