Types, Materials, and Applications of Refractory Balls

Refractory balls, also known as refractory ceramic balls, are usually made of industrial alumina and refractory kaolin as the main aggregates. They are known for their high mechanical strength, long life, strong chemical stability, and impressive heat resistance. , some variants of which are capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1900°C.

Application of refractory balls

Refractory balls are especially suitable for high and low-temperature conversion furnaces, reforming furnaces, hydro converters, desulfurization tanks, methanation furnaces, etc. in fertilizer plants. They disperse gases and liquids and support, cover, and protect catalysts. Additionally, these refractory ceramic balls are used in hot blast furnaces and heating retrofit equipment in the steel industry.

Types and materials of fire-resistant balls

1. Based on refractoriness

Refractory ceramic balls are divided into ordinary refractory balls and high alumina refractory balls. Ordinary refractory balls are suitable for converters and converters in the sulfuric acid and fertilizer industries, while high-aluminum refractory balls are suitable for hot blast furnaces and heating converters in urea, steel, and other industries.

2. Based on materials

Refractory balls can be made from a variety of materials, including high alumina, silica, and magnesium aluminum, each with different properties making them suitable for specific applications:

High aluminum quality: The Al2O3 content of these balls is greater than 45% and less than 90%, and the refractoriness is not less than 1750-1790℃. However, their thermal stability and slag resistance may be insufficient.

Corundum: These balls have an Al2O3 content of not less than 90%. It has excellent acid and alkali corrosion resistance and good mechanical strength. Used as covering support material for catalyst in the reactor.

Chrome Corundum: Made of brown corundum and zircon, these balls have high strength, high bulk density, good thermal shock stability, and large heat storage capacity. It is particularly beneficial to energy saving and consumption reduction in the ironmaking process.

Silica: Silica refractory balls, SiO2 mass fraction is greater than 93%, acid-resistant can be used in high-temperature areas and conditions with large temperature gradient changes. However, its ability to resist alkaline gas dust erosion is poor.

Mmagnesium-aluminum: The refractory degree of magnesium-aluminum refractory balls generally exceeds 2000°C and has strong resistance to alkaline slag erosion. They are often used in areas with frequent high-temperature swings.

3. Based on size

Refractory balls come in many sizes, with diameters ranging from 10mm to 200mm, but spheres with a diameter of 10 mm to 60 mm are the most commonly used. To meet the needs of specific occasions, larger sizes are customized.

In short, the type of refractory balls used depends on the specific requirements of the application. It must be determined and selected with technical experts during use to ensure that the kiln can exert excellent performance and improve the working efficiency of the kiln.