Research carried out in the ATHOR project has contributed to the advancement of our knowledge of refractory materials. Refractories are heat-resistant materials used as inner linings of high temperature furnaces, reactors and processing units. As the only low cost material able to sustain operating conditions, at temperatures above 1000°C, refractories are used to contain and process fluids, such as molten metal and glass. Due to the harsh working environment, a constant re-engineering of refractories is needed, making R+D in the sector vital. Refractories are directly related to the competitiveness of European steel companies and the development of major economic sectors, the impact of any innovation will be felt across Europe.
Through the adaptation and development of the most advanced modelling strategies and experimental technologies, reliable computations and measurements have been achieved at high temperature. Refractory materials used in the lining of a steel ladle, operate in the temperature range 1200-1600oC. ATHOR has targeted the development of high-end engineering technologies in the fields of material’s science and numerical simulations to make a substantial contribution through the design of more robust and reliable refractory linings. Ultimately, the aim has been to reduce refractory costs, increase the equipment’s availability and enhance the process control. In addition to meeting our industrial partner’s interests, through the reduction in energy use, ATHOR has also contributed to tackling environmental issues.
Refractories used in a steel ladle require a wide range of properties, e.g. high thermal stability, high erosion resistance, high corrosion resistance, penetration resistance, thermomechanical stability, impact resistance, flexibility and creep resistance. The constant re-engineering required by the ladle permits analyse of refractories under real world conditions and direct application of the results. The steel ladle was thus chosen as the focus of ATHOR.
