Refractory linings are critical components in many industrial processes and are used in all types of pyro-processing vessels which operate at high temperatures. Without the refractory linings it would not be possible to operate the plant.
The approach to refractory structure design has been developed from experience and applied "rules of thumb", while somewhat important this approach is inadequate in today's environment where designers are legally required to support their design.
Until the development of international Standards for the design of refractory structures it means there is an obligation on engineers to carry out detailed engineering calculations. It has also been shown that traditional concepts and guidelines are grossly inaccurate and can result in unpredictable refractory failure.
At Palmer Technologies we carry out advanced engineering analysis of refractory structures for design or failure analysis. Sometimes the paucity of engineering data requires the refractory material to be tested at temperature to obtain the necessary material properties.
Properties such as elastic modulus, tensile strength and fracture energy over a temperature range are very difficult to find. It is also realized that having to test materials to provide this data is expensive. However, when these advanced material properties are not available ATENA software assumes default values based on CEB-FIB model code 1990 formulas and their temperature dependence based on Eurocode 2 for fire analysis (EN 1992-1-2) for concrete. It is possible to calculate these parameters from a 3-point bend or compression tests by simulating the test results in ATENA.
We have undertaken analysis refractory lined roofs, walls, ducts in various furnaces, cyclones and transfer lines.
