About Our Fibers

Why Use

The problem of maximizing refractory service life:

Modern high temperature processing industries demand high performance and predictable service from their refractory linings and components.

While developments in monolithic refractory technology over the past 20 years have led to today’s generation of low cement, ultra-low cement and self-flow castables which are resistant to high temperatures, they continue to be weak in tension and offer minimal resistance to damage from sudden changes in stress.

Thermal cycling, thermal shock, mechanical impact or vibration can all cause cracking, which in turn can lead to premature failure and substantial cost penalties. Achieving maximum refractory service life at a minimum cost is therefore a key element in the efficient operation of these processes, and in enabling companies to maximize their competitive edge.

Proven Ribtec Solution:

For nearly five decades Ribtec has provided the industry with a solution to premature refractory failure. This remarkable solution has been achieved by the addition of Ribtec’s RS stainless steel fiber to the refractory mix.

The addition of the company’s unique Rapidly Solidified (RS) steel fibers to castable, gunning and moldable refractories inhibits crack formation and transforms the conventional refractory material from a brittle material to a tough and tenacious composite exhibiting dramatic improvements in service life. When coupled with Ribtec’s unrivalled technical know-how and its knowledge of worldwide industrial applications, we are able to pass these benefits on to all companies seeking to reduce manufacturing and operating costs.

Types

The Best Fiber Choice For Every Application:

It is essential to select the correct fiber length and fiber alloy for each application. No other company provides a wider choice of alloy composition and fiber size than Ribtec.

Fiber Alloy

As Ribtec produces its own high quality steels, we have developed a range of alloys to cope with the full diversity of service temperatures, operating conditions, combustion gases, etc. When coupled with the benefits of RS processing, Ribtec’s alloy provide outstanding high temperature durability and substantially outperform other so called ‘equivalent’ fiber types on the market with similar CR and NI additions.

Fiber Size

Our 3/4 or 1 inch long fiber is a popular choice for addition to preblended dry refractory castables and gunning mixes. For on-site mixing and for precast shapes, our 1-3/8 inch fiber is a preferred choice imparting even greater performance benefits for the same cost. For special applications other lengths and diameters are also available.

$fibras de alta calidad para añadir a hormigones refractarios secos y premezclados$

How to Choose and Use

Easy Mixing:

These pliable fibers are not only more user friendly than the stiff “needle-like” cut fibers, but also have better flow characteristics. Dispersion is further aided by the optimum Aspect Ratio design guaranteeing rapid fiber separation during the mixing phase. Pre-weighted fibers can be added en mass to most types of refractory mixes and full dispersion accomplished in just 1 minute.

Easy Gunning:

The ability to install fiber reinforced refractory mixes by gunning is an important consideration in today’s modern refractory industry. Melt extracted fibers are specified as a mandatory requirement by most international petrochemical companies where fiber containing mixes are routinely gunned inside large processing vessels and ductwork. During gunning, annealed RS fibers readily pass through the equipment with minimal additional wear.

Cold drawn wire fibers can cause real problems. The ‘stiff, inflexible’ fibers often bridge the ports and orifices in the gunning machine, with resulting blockages leading to expensive delays and wasted material. Wire fibers are also prone to penetrate rubber components and so generate excessive wear on seal plates, hoses and nozzles.

Fiber Addition Rates:

It is essential to include sufficient fiber in the mix to prevent the microcracks which develop under thermal stress from propagating into visible cracks which can lead to premature refractory failure. International experience has proven that the most cost-effective fiber addition for enhanced serviceability, irrespective of fiber type used, is 1% by volume (this is equivalent to 3-4% by weight for most non-insulating refractory mixes.)

In an endeavor to trim initial costs, a few refractory suppliers have been tempted to use fiber contents as low as 2% by weight. This is contrary to the current trend towards the use of higher fiber dosage levels (up to 6% by weight) to maximize service life. Manufacturers of expensive drawn stainless wire fibers often promote 2% fiber addition in an effort to present their product as ‘competitive’. This approach is in reality a false economy, since the associated reduced service life of the composite makes the low fiber containing refractories work out significantly more costly over their shorter service life.

Attempts to support the argument for ‘low fiber addition’ by simple laboratory tests of strength and toughness are misleading and do not reflect ‘real life conditions’.