Refractory Materials
If you work with heat production and efficiency, you need products with specific characteristics that can stand up to the demands and risks associated with high-heat applications. Often, the answer to this is refractories — nonmetallic materials that play a huge role in high-temperature industrial practices. Whether you need to line, seal or insulate a heated area, industrial refractory products can handle the job.
At McNeil, we provide our customers with custom refractory materials from our craftsmen and suppliers. No matter what your job may be, we have the refractory type that will benefit you.
Millboard Refractory
Millboard refractory is a high-density material made from ceramic fiber, clay and a combination of organic and inorganic binders. The uses for millboard refractory are plentiful and include molten contact, high-temperature gasketing, expansion joints, parting media and refractory backup and appliance insulation. It can help keep heat inside the vessel, protecting components, improving equipment lifespans and offering better efficiency.
Some characteristics of this material that make it good for these applications include:
- High insulation efficiency
- Temperature stability
- Easy die-cutting ability
- Strong compression resistance
- Thermal shock resistance
- Thin and dense construction
Plastic Refractory
Aptly named, plastic refractory contains plastic clay, powdery materials and plasticizers. These industrial refractory products have molten metal resistance, so typical applications include furnace and boiler work. You’ll also find it used for furnace roofs or linings, burner blocks and sintering. Plastic refractory will vary widely based on aggregates, binders and production methods, and you can find some with added alumina for heat resistance.
You can use plastic refractories to reduce heat loss, improve the structure’s support and save on fuel through high-temperature resistance. Other characteristics include:
- Thermal shock resistance
- Slag resistance
- Spall resistance
- Abrasion resistance
- Long-lasting
- Easily shaped and monolithic
- High density
Coating Refractory
Refractories will wear out eventually, but coating your refractory materials adds an extra layer of strength and protects substrates from molten metal’s damaging effects. Reapplying the coating over time ensures these benefits stay in place.
Due to their widely useful characteristics, refractory coatings offer advantages in many environments such as welding, sintering, metal casting and glass forming.
When you use refractory coatings, you can enjoy a myriad of benefits that can reduce costs, extend the lifespan of your equipment and improve the quality of final products. Advantages include:
- Reducing fuel consumption
- Increasing refractory lifespan
- Eliminating corrosion and erosion
- Improving casting quality
- Decreasing maintenance needs
- Having a smooth surface finish
- Lowering cleaning costs
Insulating Refractory
When it comes to high-temperature processes, insulation is an ongoing concern. With extreme heat outputs in various systems, like furnaces or boilers, containing the heat is vital if you want to improve efficiency. With the right refractory materials, boilers and furnaces can maintain an overall higher temperature. Workers can also get the job done faster, thanks to insulating refractories’ low thermal conductivity and high porosity.
Find the Right Industrial Refractory at McNeil
High-temperature operations demand focused heat and energy efficiency. With the right custom refractory products, you can properly insulate and line high-temperature devices and protect your refractory substrates for long-term use.
McNeil is dedicated to serving our customers and helping them find the materials they need. If you’re interested in our refractory products, but you aren’t sure where to start, give us a call at 1-800-722-5538. If you already have an eye on one of our products, fill out our online contact form to request a quote.
Find Your Refractory Solutions at McNeil
Fire bricks make insulation needs simple. With various material options, refractory bricks are prepared to handle high temperatures, harmful chemicals and other extreme environments. At McNeil, we’re dedicated to helping you find the right solution for your needs. If you have questions about our products, give us a call at 1-800-722-5538. You can also fill out our contact form to receive a quote if you’re ready to buy.
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