ABSTRACT
The objective of this chapter is to provide guidance and understanding on the
design and use of refractory linings with respect to structural behavior or often
referred to as the mechanical behavior. Refractory linings, as typically used in
industry, serve two dual purposes. First, refractory linings insulate the vessel
or steel support structure from overheating and destruction of this support struc-
ture by the heat from the process contained within the refractory lining. Without
the steel support structure the process is not contained and is not possible.
Second, the refractories insulate the process and control the heat loss from the
process. Controlling the heat loss controls the energy cost of the process. There-
fore, most refractory linings are, not always but in most cases, exposed to and
contain a process that creates heat, resulting in a temperature distribution
throughout the lining system. The support structure contains and restrains
the thermal growth or thermal expansion of refractory lining. As a result, the
lining and support structure are also exposed to thermal expansion stresses.
There are also gravity load (sometimes referred to as the dead load) stresses
from the weight of the lining and structure. Usually the thermal expansion
stresses are orders of magnitude greater than the gravity load stresses. Therefore,
most attention is usually given to the thermal expansion stresses in both the lining
and the support structure. Throughout this chapter it is typically assumed that the
lining is supported by a steel structure. The term “lining system” is used to refer
to combined refractory lining and the steel support structure. This chapter does
not deal with the chemical behavior of refractories. The chemical effects on
refractories will most likely influence the mechanical material properties and
thereby influence the mechanical behavior of the refractory lining. The chemical
effects on the thermal and mechanical material properties can be determined by
material tests.
