Silica Quartzite Sand
Silica Quartzite Sand in the form of high-purity Quartzite (a hard, metamorphic rock) or high-purity Silica Sand (a granular form), is one of the most abundant and economically important raw materials used in the high-temperature industry. It is a highly acidic oxide.
It is used primarily as a refractory aggregate, a fluxing agent, and the key ingredient in Silica Refractories and Glass Production. The grade is determined by the form (quartzite lump for furnaces, sand for molding) and its purity, with low iron and low alkali content being critical for refractory applications.
Main Function and Characteristics
Silica provides a high melting point, is chemically stable in acidic environments, and is essential for forming glass and ceramic bonds.
| CHARACTERISTIC | VALUE RANGE | PRIMARY METALLURGICAL FUNCTION |
|---|---|---|
| Purity (SiO₂ Content) | >95% to 99.9% | Required for high-end refractories and glass. |
| Chemical Nature | ACIDIC | Resists acidic slags; used to adjust slag basicity. |
| Melting Point | ~1710°C (3110°F) | High melting point, but prone to softening due to impurities. |
CLASSIFICATION
- Mineralogy Focus: Acidic Oxide Refractory/Flux
- Primary Application Focus: Various polymorphs (Quartz, Cristobalite, Tridymite). Refractory Linings, Foundry Sand, and Slag Conditioners.
Key Performance Metrics
| PROPERTY | TYPICAL PERFORMANCE | MECHANISM OF ADVANTAGE |
|---|---|---|
| Refractoriness | GOOD | High service temperature when pure; excellent for structural stability. |
| Slag Resistance | EXCELLENT (to acidic slags) | Resists chemical attack from SiO₂-rich slags (acid-on-acid resistance). |
| Thermal Expansion | VARIABLE | Depends heavily on the crystalline form (polymorph); must be controlled. |
Silica Quartzite Sand
- Applications in High-Temperature Industries
- Silica Refractories: High-purity quartzite is the raw material for Silica Bricks, which are used in the crowns and upper structures of Coke Ovens and Glass Furnaces. Their unique property is a stable volume expansion at high temperatures.
- Foundry Sand: High-purity silica sand is the most common material used to make molds and cores for ferrous metal casting. Its low cost, excellent refractoriness, and good thermal stability are key.
- Fluxing/Slag Conditioning: Coarse quartzite or sand is added to metallurgical slags (e.g., in EAF or primary melting) to lower the basicity of the slag. This increases the fluidity and reactivity of the slag, aiding in the removal of impurities like P and S.
- Abrasives and Coatings: Used in various forms for grinding, blasting, and as a filler in protective coatings.
- Crystalline Polymorphs and Thermal Stability
SiO₂ exhibits multiple crystalline forms (polymorphs) at high temperatures, each having different densities and thermal expansion characteristics:
- Quartz: Stable below 870°C.
- Tridymite: Stable from 870°C to 1470°C.
- Cristobalite: Stable from 1470°C to 1710°C.
The volume changes that accompany the transitions between these forms can cause cracking or spalling in refractories. Silica bricks must be carefully fired to convert the bulk of the Quartz to the more stable Tridymite/Cristobalite phases to ensure volume stability in service.
- Technical Guidance
- Contamination: SiO₂ has poor resistance to basic oxides (CaO, MgO) and alkali metals (Na, K). The presence of even small amounts of these impurities drastically lowers the melting point of the refractory, forming a low-viscosity silica glass phase. Therefore, acidic refractories (SiO₂ and Al₂O₃/SiO₂) are never used in contact with basic slags.
✨ 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. |
