Talking about refractories with people can quickly tell one at what level you are engaging. Meaning that statements or questions in such a discussion says allot in-and of itself about whether I should keep quiet and listen, and perhaps make notes. Or respectfully question statements & findings, ideally for clarity and professional engagement.
That said, I specifically like spending time with material developers. Like for example when I get an opportunity to understand characteristics of … say for example; a self-flow material intentionally created to address a specific scenario. In the process then understanding what the impact of additives to aid drying or setting has on flow.
Or for that matter; a mortar designed for specific applications, and appreciating that it is more than a binder. It’s a barrier against chemical and thermal degradation. Also learning more than what a data sheet tells us about its chemical analysis, grain size, water addition and quantities required. But getting insight to values relative to ease of troweling, grab time, joint strength and firing shrinkage. (The image attached to this post touches on some of this – and more!)
All said I can not to take away from when equipment is being built and pure skill from experienced installers is at play. There is this sense of confidence when someone knows what they are doing whether in a lab, inside equipment or through genuine discussion.
As it is perhaps clear this post is about technical discussions, understanding and engaging with some people, or clients who may perhaps not always be aware of for example process atmospheres, or the environments impact on a refractory. It leads to a developed belief that it is necessary to have a fair idea that material is not generic, and damage does not occur linear, given the number of variables influencing a refractories integrity. And yes, it is our job to guide and advise, so it would be unfair to say everyone must know certain specific details or unique parameter impacts, hence we exist to guide, advise and add value.
That said I think specialists must be 110% aware of the reasons behind a specific type of material chosen for an application. Lets take Mortar as I already referred to it. Say for example Heat set mortar: It requires exactly what it says in the name “Heat” to achieve its ultimate design values. The initial chemical set achieved around 280°C does not warrant sufficient strength for certain scenarios, it only achieves ceramic bond at higher temperatures. Not to mention that it has low Green strength at initial cure. In general terms mortar quality should be appropriate to the application, and be of the same or one grade higher than the brick or shape it is bonding and intends to sinter to.
Point being that Refractory development, engineering and conceptual understanding stimulates interesting conversations within a small group of people. And in some way that’s what I mean by having that chat with someone and knowing if they are technically knowledgeable, or if I am fortunate to be learning as we engage. There is a degree of interest – and it shows. It does not really matter at what level one is at in this specialized field as long as a genuine interest is apparent and learning takes the lead. So, to end with, it is important to know that refractories and failure mechanisms are not generic. It’s not a one size fits all solution, it a “lets have a chat about it and help make sure you have the best possible chance at success” thing.
Thanks for your time: PBE