Ceramic Fiber Boards for Steel Ladle and Tundish Insulation

In the steelmaking industry, ladles and tundishes are continuously filled with liquid steel at temperatures exceeding 1550°C. While the hot face is lined with heavy refractory bricks or castables, the back-up insulation behind them plays a vital role.

A proper back-up insulation layer reduces the steel shell temperature, protects the ladle structure, and prevents excessive heat loss, which is crucial for maintaining steel temperature during continuous casting.

Why Pressed Ceramic Fiber Boards are Ideal

For ladle and tundish back-up insulation, high-density pressed ceramic fiber boards are the preferred material.

• Compressive Strength: Pressed boards can bear the weight and pressure of the heavy hot-face refractories without compressing.
• Low Thermal Conductivity: They provide excellent insulation per unit of thickness, saving valuable volume inside the ladle.
• Safety: They do not contain asbestos and are safe to handle during maintenance and relining.

Recommended Grades

Typically, 1260°C or 1400°C high-alumina boards are used in these applications. The boards are cut to fit the curvature of the ladle shell. For complex shapes around the nozzle or slide gate areas, CNC-machined boards can be produced to ensure a tight, gap-free fit.

By specifying the right pressed boards for back-up insulation, steel plants can improve safety, reduce energy consumption, and extend the campaign life of their ladles and tundishes.