Silicone Carbide Beam
Silicone Carbide Beam are composed of high-purity SILICON CARBIDE (SiC). They are manufactured using specialized high-temperature sintering techniques to create dense, robust structures.
| CATEGORY | BONDING / MANUFACTURING | OPERATIONAL TEMP. LIMIT | PRIMARY ADVANTAGE |
| Recrystallized SiC (ReSiC) | SiC to SiC bond | ~1650°C | Maximum purity, minimal residual Si |
| Reaction-Bonded SiC (RBSiC) | SiC bonded with residual Si | ~1400°C | High strength, low porosity, cost-effective |
| Nitride-Bonded SiC (NBSiC) | SiC bonded with Si3N4 | ~1650°C | Excellent hot strength and chemical resistance |
Key Properties and Performance
| PROPERTY | TYPICAL PERFORMANCE | MECHANISM OF ADVANTAGE |
| Hot Modulus of Rupture (HMOR) | EXCEPTIONAL | Maintains structural strength with minimal creep or sag at extreme temperatures. |
| Thermal Shock Resistance | OUTSTANDING | Very high thermal conductivity and low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) prevent thermal stress cracking. |
| Density/Porosity | VERY HIGH DENSITY | Manufacturing processes ensure high structural integrity and resistance to oxidation/gas permeation. |
| Load-Bearing Capacity | MAXIMUM | Superior to all oxide-based refractory beams (e.g., Mullite or High Alumina). |
Silicone Carbide Beam
Advantages and Key Characteristics
SiC Beams are the material of choice for kiln furniture in high-temperature, continuous firing applications where maximizing payload and minimizing structural component mass are critical.
- Minimizes Mass and Maximizes Payload: Due to its superior HMOR, an SiC beam can be manufactured with a smaller cross-section than an equivalent oxide refractory beam (like Mullite), reducing the dead mass (the weight of the kiln furniture) and increasing the useful payload.
- Energy Efficiency: The high thermal conductivity of SiC facilitates rapid heat transfer to the product being fired and allows for quicker furnace cycling, directly reducing energy costs per unit of product.
- Dimensional Stability: Exhibiting almost no creep or deflection under load at service temperatures up to 1600°C, SiC beams ensure long-term structural reliability and consistent product quality.
- Corrosion Resistance: Highly resistant to many aggressive kiln atmospheres and chemical environments, including those involving sulfur and acid vapors.
Typical Industries and Applications
SiC Beams are used extensively as structural supports in thermal processing:
- Ceramics Industry: Kiln car superstructure, setter supports, and roller kiln beams for firing advanced ceramics, sanitary ware, and technical porcelain.
- Metallurgical Industry: Supports in heat-treatment furnaces and sintering ovens.
- Chemical Industry: Structural components in high-temperature reactors and calcining furnaces.
Furnace Areas and Service Zones
They are specified for structural zones that bear load under continuous high heat:
- KILN CAR FURNITURE: Used as cross beams to support massive loads of product in tunnel kilns and periodic kilns.
- ROLLER HEARTH KILN: Used as the structural roller beams themselves (often RBSiC) to convey product through the furnace.
- SINTERING FURNACES: Used as stable shelf supports.
Key Data Sheet Properties to Consider
Selection criteria focus on hot strength and stability:
- Hot Modulus of Rupture (HMOR): CRITICAL VALUE. Must be high at the service temperature (e.g., > 80 MPa at 1400°C) to confirm load-bearing capacity.
- Bulk Density (BD): High BD (e.g., > 2.6 g/cm3) indicates a dense structure.
- Creep Rate: Must be extremely low to prevent permanent sag over the campaign life.
- Bonding Type (RBSiC, ReSiC, NBSiC): Selection depends on the maximum operating temperature and atmospheric conditions (e.g., RBSiC is limited by the melting point of residual Si).
Technical Guidance: SiC beams must be specified with precise dimensions to match the load and span requirements of the kiln. They represent a significant investment but offer an excellent return through reduced fuel costs, faster cycle times, and maximized payload. Beams must be installed carefully to distribute load evenly and prevent point stresses.
✨ 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. |
