New refractory concretes and binding systems: Basic trends of development, production, and use of refractories in the 21st century. Part IV. Low-cement concretes and cement-free unshaped refractories

Abstract

New refractory concretes based on high-alumina cement are classified and a description of their main properties is presented. Ultra-low-cement concretes of this group are shown to have special importance. The efficiency of the technology of continuous monolithic lining of steel-teeming ladles with the use of these concretes is noted. Use of the concretes is complicated by the necessity of long-duration and carefully controlled drying of the lining. Data on cement-free unshaped refractories, including dense castables, gunites, and plastic and ramming mixtures, are presented. The advantages and disadvantages of these refractories are considered and ways for improving them are outlined.