Any refractory delivered unformed and shaped on site: castables, plastics, ramming mixes, gunning mixes, dry vibratables, mortars and coatings. Monolithics install faster than brick, fit complex shapes, eliminate most joints and can be repaired in place. Their performance depends heavily on installation: water addition, mixing, placement, curing and dry-out all have to be right.
Spec has gone monolithic on the ladle walls, only the slag line is still brick.
Ask who will install a monolithic before comparing data sheets. The same bag gives a great lining or a poor one depending on the crew.
Also heard as
- monolithics
- unshaped refractory
Related terms
Castable
Dry refractory mix of aggregate, fines and binder that is mixed with water and poured or pumped like concrete.
Plastic refractory
Moist, workable refractory delivered ready to use and pounded into place with a pneumatic rammer.
Gunning
Spraying refractory through a hose and nozzle with compressed air to build or repair a lining.
Ramming mix
Drier, granular refractory mix compacted in layers with a pneumatic rammer to build dense linings.