Working In The Industry
- The Building Sector
- Clay Building Products
- Precast Concrete Building Products
- Brick/Precast Concrete Refractory Plant operative
- Refractory Products
- Supply and Demand
- Employer Skills Needed
Refractory Products
A refractory is a material which is able to withstand very high temperatures under difficult conditions, sometimes in contact with molten metals or gases. They are produced from both natural and manmade materials.
Refractories are essential in most major industries. They are used in industry where iron, steel and most other metals are produced. In addition they are used in the cement, glass, petrochemical, incineration, ceramics, hazardous waste and crematoria industries. In these industries conditions vary but temperatures well above 1600°C can be needed to melt raw produce during manufacturing.
Refractories are available in three general forms:
- Bricks or fired shapes
- Monolithic (very large), being installed by casting, spraying or ramming
- Ceramic Fibre - in similar form to wool, rope, paper
The refractory industry employs a wide range of engineers, scientists, technicians and plant personnel, both male and female. A knowledge of science and mathematics is required to assist in understanding the various types of materials which are based on minerals such as alumina, silica, fireclays, bauxite, magnesia, dolomite, chromite, carbon, silicon carbide, zirconia and others.
