Fluorspar CaF2 Metallurgical Grade
Fluorspar CaF2 Metallurgical Grade (Calcium Fluoride), in its Metallurgical Grade, is a crucial mineral fluxing agent used globally in the steel, aluminum, and chemical industries. It is prized for its ability to lower the melting temperature and improve the fluidity of slag.
In steelmaking, its primary function is to create a highly liquid slag layer that effectively captures and removes impurities (sulfur, phosphorus) and protects the furnace lining, thus significantly reducing energy consumption and optimizing refining efficiency.
Main Function and Characteristics
The primary function is Slag Fluidity Modification. The Fluorine component disrupts the crystal structure of the slag, lowering its viscosity, which is essential for rapid chemical reactions and impurity removal.
| Characteristic | Value Range | Primary Metallurgical Function |
|---|---|---|
| CaF₂ Content | ~60% to 85% | Determines the effective fluxing power (the remainder is gangue) |
| Liquidus Temperature | SIGNIFICANTLY LOWERS | Decreases the melting point of high-lime slags |
| Sulfur (S) Content | LOW (Target <0.1%) | Prevents sulfur re-introduction into refined metal |
Classification
- Mineralogy Focus: Mineral Flux (Calcium Fluoride)
- Primary Application Focus: Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) and Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Steelmaking
Key Performance Metrics
- Fluxing Power: EXCELLENT — Highly effective in controlling slag viscosity and basicity
- Energy Savings: HIGH — Faster refining due to improved slag/metal kinetics
- Desulfurization Aid: CRITICAL — Enhances the activity of lime (CaO) for impurity removal
Fluorspar CaF2 Metallurgical Grade
1. Mechanism in Steelmaking
Metallurgical Grade Fluorspar is added directly to the slag layer in steelmaking furnaces (both BOF and EAF) to initiate and control the refining process:
- Viscosity Reduction: Slags, particularly those high in Calcium Oxide (CaO), are highly viscous and resist melting. When CaF₂ is introduced, the Fluoride ions act as a powerful flux, dramatically lowering the viscosity and melting temperature of the slag. This creates a liquid, active layer faster.
- Kinetic Enhancement: A fluid slag maximizes the contact area and reaction kinetics between the slag and molten metal, speeding up the transfer of unwanted elements like sulfur and phosphorus from the steel into the slag layer.
- Lining Protection: By ensuring the slag remains fluid and active, Fluorspar prevents sticky slag from adhering to furnace walls, protecting the refractory lining from excessive wear and corrosion.
2. Grades and Quality
Fluorspar is classified by its purity, with the Metallurgical Grade (Metspar) being the most common bulk material for steelmaking:
- Metspar (60–85% CaF₂): Contains higher levels of silica (SiO₂) and other impurities compared to the higher-purity Acid Grade (>97%), which is reserved for chemical industry use (hydrofluoric acid production).
- Consistency is Key: Suppliers must ensure low variability in CaF₂ content and low levels of trace contaminants for predictable furnace operation.
3. Applications
- Electric Arc Furnace (EAF): Facilitates the formation of a fluid foamy slag, improving heat transfer and desulfurization
- Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF): Essential for improving initial melt-down and lime dissolution phases
- Aluminum Production: Used as a constituent in the electrolyte (cryolite bath) for aluminum smelting
- Foundry: Employed in some foundry applications as a minor fluxing agent to improve slag fluidity or casting washes
✨ 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. |
