Refractory and Insulation Curriculum
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
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