ANCHORS

Our focus is to lower the maintenance
cost of refractory structures.

We do that by improving the reliability of refractory structures through science and technology and by managing the technical reasons for the removal and replacement of refractory during maintenance. We are a company with a proven record of reducing refractory costs.

Refractory anchor shape and design is critically important to the reliability of refractory structures. Frequent failure of refractory structures is a widespread problem and a source of diminished plant reliability and increasing financial loss. Thus the right anchor for the right area is important to improve anchor longevity. Using one type of anchor throughout a process vessel can be the wrong thing to do. In some cases it is necessary to design and select anchors for specific process areas to improve their life.

The problem with current refractory linings or structures is that repairs or design changes are undertaken based on repeating historic practice, which is prone to failure. In fact, many people still believe refractory repair is an art not an engineering science. It is now clear that an advanced engineering design that addresses the root causes of past failure can deliver superior results.

The current design of refractory linings is based more on historic practice, personal experience and trial and error, which ensures failure “genes” are inherited into the next lining or repair.

The end result is that refractory linings or structures fail repeatedly because:

  1. Traditional concepts or guidelines used in the design of refractory structures are faulty.
  2. Design is not based on engineering and leaves open the risk for catastrophic failure.
  3. There are no engineering design standards.
  4. Copying past practice ensures failure “genes” are transferred.
  5. Incorrect thermal profiles within the lining structure.
  6. Excessive anchor stress at high temperature due to poor anchor design.
  7. Poor installation quality of the refractory and the absence of robust quality assurance techniques.
Palmer Technologies Anchor System

Our patented design can significantly reduce the frequency of lining failure. The key to improved reliability and lowering costs is the anchor shape and design. Some of the key improvements are:

  1. Anchor fitment is faster and cheaper
  2. Only need to fit clips once
  3. Reduces future welding requirements
  4. Increased time to failure by creep rupture
  • Design condition
  • P-Lining
  • Traditional
  • Hot-face thickness
  • 130mm
  • 130mm
  • Insuation thickness
  • 3000kg/m³
  • 3000kg/m³
  • Insulation density
  • 1000kg/m
  • 1000kg/m
  • Hot-face temperature
  • 1000ºc
  • 1000ºc
  • Shell temperature
  • 120ºc
  • 120ºc
  • Interface temperature
  • 900ºc
  • 900ºc
  • Anchor Diameter
  • 10
  • 10
  • Max predicted axial stress at interface
  • 0.5Mpa

  • 4.7Mpa

  • Anchor Steel Type
  • 310S Stainless Steel
  • 310S Stainless Steel
  • Time to failure by creep rupture
  • >>100,000 hours

  • ~19,400 hours

Calculated stresses are based on design conditions shown. Time to failure is affected by process conditions and installed quality.