Crude steel production begins with the reduction process, whereby iron ore reacts with carbon sources inside the blast furnace. It is imperative that...
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Tap Hole Clay
High Performance and Operational SafetySaint-Gobain Performance Ceramics & Refractories delivers high-performance tap hole clays designed to provide outstanding blast furnace hearth protection. These advanced solutions significantly extend furnace service life, reduce the risk of unplanned shutdowns, and help lower overall maintenance costs. Our comprehensive portfolio of high-performance tap hole mixes is suitable for blast furnaces of all sizes and operating conditions. By combining premium raw materials, state-of-the-art technology, and deep expertise supported by real-time knowledge of furnace conditions, Saint-Gobain ensures reliable, long-lasting performance tailored to each customer’s needs.
Key benefits of our custom tap hole solutions include:
- Extended tap hole length
- Stable and prolonged tapping times
- Excellent blast furnace hearth protection
In addition, Saint-Gobain offers unique fast-sintering materials for consecutive tapping operations in small furnaces, expansive clays for furnace blow-ins, and advanced crack-closing technology to repair damaged tap hole mushrooms.
Beyond products, Saint-Gobain Performance Ceramics & Refractories provides:
- Fully customized solutions
- Local technical expertise and on-site support
- Environmentally friendly product ranges
- Strong, long-term partnerships with customers
- Industry-leading, state-of-the-art technologies
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Tap Hole Clay for Blast Furnaces
Tap Hole Clay for Blast Furnaces by Saint-Gobain Performance Ceramics & Refractories is designed and engineered to assure you operational safety and high performance. We collaborate with customers to understand their specific requirement, innovate and develop 100% tailor made Tap Hole Clay mix for every blast furnace around the world ensuring optimal hearth protection and a tool for cost reduction.
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Main benefits
Excellent hearth protection
Increased process stability
Rapid mushroom build-up -
Features and Benefits
Applications Products Characteristics Benefits Small Furnaces CL Soft tap hole mix Minimal splashing during casting Medium and Large Furnaces SR Resistance to erosion and corosion by iron and slag Allows stable operation Consecutive Taps SR Consecutive Quick hardening Enables safe operation when the blast furnace runs with a single taphole Demanding Conditions SR HP High adhesion Maximum protection of hearth wall All Furnaces EcoTap Ecological binder Decresead amount of hazardous compounds released during use -
Key Products
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FAQ
Saint-Gobain Performance Ceramics & Refractories tap hole clay boasts a unique microstructure and enhanced properties, maximizing pig iron production while maintaining a strong and stable mushroom. As such a low volume of clay is required to plug the tap hole after each casting, routine use of Saint-Gobain Performance Ceramics & Refractories tap hole clay will result in much lower operating costs, versus similar materials available in the market.
Clay performance has a direct impact on a furnace’s operational stability, as this dictates the effectiveness of controlled liquid drainage. The tap hole clay formulation must offer an integrated solution based on three key considerations:
- High corrosion resistance
- Good adhesion properties
- Adequate plastic behavior
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