Aluminum Furnace Solutions
High-Performance Ceramic Systems for the Aluminum Industry
In aluminum operations, materials are subjected to varying combinations of heat, corrosion, and abrasion, conditions that make selecting the right ceramic solution essential for long-term performance. Backed by deep technical expertise, Saint-Gobain Performance Ceramics & Refractories supplies precision-engineered ceramic materials for critical equipment used throughout primary and secondary aluminum processing. Our products enhance thermal efficiency, minimize maintenance requirements, and extend the lifespan of components used in demanding aluminum environments, ensuring reliable performance in reduction cells, cast houses, melting and holding furnaces, launders, and tap hole systems.
Adapted Solutions
The refractory solutions from Saint-Gobain Performance Ceramics & Refractories are designed using high-purity alumina, silicon carbide, and silicon nitride. These materials are valued for their strength, thermal stability, and resistance to the harsh chemical and mechanical conditions found in aluminum processing. Utilised across casting operations, melting furnaces, and smelting environments, they are available as castables, bricks, plates, or custom-engineered shapes. Each variant of our refractory solutions is developed to enhance process integrity and prolong the life of vital furnace equipment.
Primary Aluminum Applications
For primary aluminum production, we develop linings, mortars, and structural ceramics built to resist the severe thermal, chemical, and mechanical demands of reduction cells, supported by refractory solutions developed specifically for these operating conditions.
- Advancal®: A sidewall lining material for aluminum reduction cells, offering excellent resistance to oxidation, corrosion, and erosion under harsh electrochemical conditions.
- Refrax® ARC: A nitride-bonded silicon carbide product that provides high strength and outstanding thermal shock resistance for long-term use in reduction cells.
- Carbofrax® 8S Mortar: A high-conductivity mortar designed for integration with silicon carbide-based systems, helping to secure components and promote efficient thermal transfer.
Secondary Aluminum Applications
Secondary aluminum operations are dynamic by nature, with fluctuating temperatures, reactive environments, and diverse equipment configurations. Our refractory materials can handle such variables, providing consistent production and performance from furnace to launder.
- Cryston® Max: A silicon carbide-based material optimised for thermal cycling and chemical resistance, used in degassing units, hearth bricks, and other areas exposed to fluctuating thermal loads.
- Alfrax®: A high-purity alumina product applied to furnace linings, heart plates, and muffles, known for its structural integrity and thermal insulation properties.
- Refrax®: A refractory material offered in castable and pre-formed formats, designed for service in launders, ladles, and radiant heater tubes, providing reliable operation under demanding thermal and mechanical conditions.
The Benefits of Our Aluminum Solutions
Every stage of aluminum processing relies on materials that can remain robust in harsh conditions and perform with precision, efficiency, and consistency, which is why we design aluminum solutions that deliver:
- Exceptional durability in thermally and chemically aggressive environments
- Enhanced thermal control and energy efficiency
- Reduced maintenance frequency and unplanned downtime
- Customised geometries and a tailored fit for application-specific requirements
- Improved process reliability and consistent product quality
Partnering with Saint-Gobain Performance Ceramics & Refractories
Recognised by manufacturers and operators for the reliability of our materials and the depth of our technical expertise, we draw on extensive experience in both primary and secondary aluminum production to deliver tailored refractory solutions that meet the unique demands of each application. Moreover, with global manufacturing and supply capabilities, we provide consistent support across regions, while ongoing investment in research, sustainability, and process efficiency ensures our solutions evolve alongside the needs of the aluminum industry.
Let’s Build the Future of Aluminum Production Together
Elevate your aluminum operation with the proven performance of Saint-Gobain’s advanced refractory materials. Whether you're upgrading furnace linings or reengineering critical components, we’re ready to support your production goals with industry-leading solutions and expert guidance.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help optimize your process, reduce costs, and increase plant reliability.
