Inflection Point Engineering Refractory and Insulation Curriculum

Selection

Module from the Refractory and Insulation Curriculum curriculum.

Module 2 - Refractory Selection by Service · Learning Objectives · 1. Select refractory by operating temperature and severity · 2. Match erosion resistance for catalytic service (FCC, reformer) · 3. Consider chemical attack (alkali, hydrogen, sulfur) · 4. Design for thermal cycling (heater heat-up/cool-down stress) · 5. Specify anchor system and expansion joints · Refractory Selection by Service

Service Primary Type Backup Erosion Temp F Notes
FCC regenerator Hot-face hard castable Insulating castable High (1-3 kips) 1250-1400 Catalyst abrasion
FCC riser Super-hard hex mesh Insulating Severe 950-1050 V & T cycling
FCC cyclone (1st/2nd) Hex mesh tile Insulating Severe 1000-1350 Anchoring tile
Fired heater convection Ceramic fiber module Mineral fiber None 1100-1400 Dry cycling
Fired heater radiant wall Insulating castable Calcium silicate Low 1800-2200 Radiation protection
Fired heater radiant floor Medium-weight castable Insulating Moderate 1800-2200 Reboiler drop
Reformer furnace Fibrous module High-alumina brick None 1700-1900 Steam reforming
Claus sulfur reactor Alumina ceramic Refractory brick None 1800-2200 Sulfur dew point
FCC main air blower discharge Insulating castable Mineral fiber Moderate 400-600 Moderate T
Amine reboiler furnace Light castable Mineral fiber None 400-700 Light duty

Source: Refractory_Insulation_Curriculum_v1.xlsx · Sheet: Selection