ABSTRACT
A number of process units in modern refineries depend on refractory linings to
protect the shell from corrosion or erosion and to maintain an acceptable shell
temperature. These units convert a feed stock of crude oil fractions into assorted
components that are blended together to make gasoline, heater oil, jet fuel, etc.
Temperatures may vary from near ambient to 14008C (25508F) or higher, with pressures ranging from vacuum conditions to around 2 MPa (300 psi). The atmos-
phere may contain corrosive agents such as hydrogen, sulfur compounds, salts,
organic and inorganic acids, etc., which the refractory lining must resist. In
addition, solid particles moving at high velocities may erode localized areas,
especially when the particles must travel around a bend or corner, thus impacting
the lining at a near-perpendicular angle. There are a number of papers listed in (1)
and (2) that discuss various refractory requirements in refineries. Table 1 lists the
properties of refractories commonly used in refining and petrochemical
operations (1). Many of the propeties vary, depending on the method of place-
ment. Most process vessels are cylinders or spheres, and monolithic refractories
(i.e., castables and plastics) typically are used due to their ease and speed of pla-
cement. The transfer lines that connect the vessels often must be lined with similar
refractory materials to resist the process stream. This chapter deals with the units
where refractories are essential components, that is, furnaces, boilers, catalytic
cracking units, naphtha reformers, ammonia reformers, sulfur plants, incinerators,
and circulating fluid bed combustors. In most cases, several different types of
lining can be used successfully, and the final choice may depend on factors such as
availability, speed of placement, and cost.
