Tabular Alumina
Tabular Alumina is a dense, high-purity form of alpha-Alumina (Al₂O₃), typically >99.4% Al₂O₃. It is manufactured by sintering balls of calcined alumina to temperatures just below the fusion point (~1750°C), which causes the material to densify fully and the crystals to grow into large, plate-like (tabular) structures.
Tabular Alumina is considered the highest-quality non-fused alumina aggregate. It is indispensable in high-performance refractories where extreme requirements for hot strength, chemical purity, creep resistance, and thermal shock resistance must be met. It provides performance comparable to fused alumina but often with better thermal shock resistance due to its unique porous microstructure.
Main Function and Characteristics
Tabular Alumina provides ultimate purity and density, leading to superior thermal and mechanical performance.
| CHARACTERISTIC | VALUE RANGE | PRIMARY REFRACTORY FUNCTION |
|---|---|---|
| Alumina (Al₂O₃) Content | >99.4% | Ensures the highest refractoriness and chemical inertness. |
| Purity | ULTRA-HIGH | Minimal fluxing impurities (SiO₂, Fe₂O₃, Na₂O). |
| Apparent Porosity | ~3% to 6% | Characterized by closed, spherical micro-pores within crystals. |
CLASSIFICATION
- Structure Focus: High-Purity Sintered Aggregate
- Primary Application Focus: Dense, large, plate-like (tabular) crystals. Ultra-High Performance Refractories in Steel, Petrochemical, and Incineration Furnaces.
Key Performance Metrics
| PROPERTY | TYPICAL PERFORMANCE | MECHANISM OF ADVANTAGE |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal Shock Resistance | EXCELLENT | Closed, spherical micro-pores act as crack arresters, improving resistance to spalling. |
| Creep Resistance | SUPERIOR | High purity and density resist plastic deformation under load at extreme temperatures. |
| Slag Resistance | EXCELLENT | High density and purity minimize chemical attack and penetration. |
Tabular Alumina
- The Tabular Structure and Micro-Porosity
The unique performance of Tabular Alumina stems from its distinctive microstructure:
- Tabular Crystals: The high-temperature sintering promotes the growth of large, plate-like Al₂O₃ crystals. These crystals, which interlock during the final shaping of the refractory, provide exceptional mechanical strength and resistance to high-temperature creep.
- Closed Micro-Porosity: Unlike typical porous aggregates, the porosity in Tabular Alumina is low and consists of closed, spherical pores trapped within the dense Al₂O₃ crystals. This structure provides a crucial advantage:
- Thermal Shock: The pores interrupt the propagation of thermal stress cracks, dramatically improving resistance to thermal cycling (spalling).
- Slag Penetration: Since the pores are closed and not connected to the surface, they do not provide pathways for liquid slag or metal to infiltrate the refractory body.
- Comparison with Fused Alumina
Tabular Alumina and Brown Fused Alumina (BFA) are both high-purity aggregates, but they differ in structure:
- BFA (Fused): Higher density, zero porosity. Excellent hardness and wear resistance.
- Tabular Alumina (Sintered): Slightly lower density, but with beneficial closed porosity. Superior thermal shock resistance.
Tabular Alumina is often chosen for linings that undergo frequent, rapid heating and cooling cycles.
- Applications
- Refractory Castables: The aggregate of choice for premium Ultra-Low Cement Castables (ULCC) and shotcreting mixes used in critical wear zones.
- Steel and Tundish Linings: Used in high-wear zones like impact pads, turbulence areas, and flow control systems due to its erosion and corrosion resistance.
- Petrochemical and Chemical: Employed in reformers, gasifiers, and furnaces where clean chemistry and high strength in reducing or cyclic atmospheres are required.
✨ 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. |
