Ceramic Tubes Alumina Mullite
Ceramic Tubes Alumina Mullite made from Al2O3 (Alumina) and Mullite (3Al2O3-2SiO2) are high-purity, refractory structural components used in high-temperature industrial and laboratory applications. They are valued for their extreme refractoriness, mechanical strength at heat, dimensional stability, and resistance to chemical attack in harsh environments.
Main Chemical Compositions & Categories
The primary difference is the chemical purity and the resulting temperature limit. Both materials are sintered oxide ceramics.
| MATERIAL BASE | Al2O3 Content | TYPICAL MST | PRIMARY ADVANTAGE |
| Mullite Tube | 60% to 75% | ~1700°C | Excellent thermal shock resistance and high creep resistance. |
| High Alumina Tube | 99.7% to 99.9% | ~1800°C to 1900°C | Maximum refractoriness, purity, and mechanical strength at ultra-high temperatures. |
Key Properties and Performance
| PROPERTY | MULLITE TUBE | HIGH ALUMINA TUBE | APPLICATION NOTE |
| Purity/Inertness | Moderate | Extreme | $99.7% Al2O3 is nearly non-reactive with most process gases. |
| Thermal Shock | Excellent | Good | Mullite handles rapid T changes better due to its microstructure. |
| Hot Strength | High | Maximum | High-Alumina maintains strength close to its MST. |
| Gas Tightness | Moderate | Excellent | High-Alumina tubes can be made completely gas-tight for vacuum or controlled atmosphere work. |
Ceramic Tubes Alumina Mullite
Advantages and Key Characteristics
Ceramic tubes offer superior performance over metal tubes in high-temperature oxidizing or corrosive atmospheres. They provide high mechanical rigidity and volume stability where metal alloys would soften, oxidize, or flux.
- High Refractory Protection: They are the ideal material for protecting sensitive components, such as thermocouple elements, from the high heat, chemical vapors, and physical erosion present in the furnace chamber.
- Structural Components: Used as rigid structural elements that must operate under load at extreme temperatures, such as furnace support posts, element carriers, or work tubes in continuous processes.
- Controlled Atmosphere Work: High Alumina tubes, in particular, can be manufactured to be non-porous and gas-tight, allowing them to be used as work tubes to maintain high vacuum or specific inert/reducing atmospheres for critical processing (e.g., sintering advanced ceramics).
- Chemical Inertness: The purity of the 99.7 % AL2O3 material ensures minimal volatile contamination of the furnace atmosphere or chemical reaction with process materials.
Typical Industries and Applications
These tubes are essential across all high-temperature processing sectors:
- Thermal Processing: Used as furnace elements and radiant tubes in electric or gas-fired high-temperature kilns and furnaces.
- Metallurgy: Thermocouple protection tubes in molten metal baths (steel, non-ferrous), tundish nozzles, and continuous casting components.
- Measurement & Control: Used to sheathe thermocouples, provide sight glasses for optical pyrometers, and house gas sampling probes.
- Research and Development: Work tubes for laboratory tube furnaces, high-purity chemical reactors, and synthesis processes.
Selection and Maintenance
Selection depends on balancing thermal shock needs and maximum temperature requirements:
- Choose Mullite when excellent thermal shock resistance is the priority (e.g., frequent cycling, rapid temperature changes, contact with fluctuating molten metal levels).
- Choose High Alumina when the requirement is for maximum MST, high mechanical strength under load, and high chemical purity/gas-tightness (e.g., continuous sintering, vacuum furnaces).
Technical Guidance: When installing tubes, ensure they are properly supported and insulated at the cold face, as the ceramic material is brittle and susceptible to failure from excessive mechanical stress (bending or shearing) and rapid, localized heating.
✨ 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. |
