The layer of a multi-layer lining that faces the metal, slag, glass or kiln charge and takes the wear. In a steel ladle it might be magnesia-carbon brick in the slag line and alumina-magnesia castable in the walls and bottom, replaced every few weeks to months, while the safety lining behind it stays for several campaigns. Lining life figures nearly always refer to the working lining.
Working lining is down to two bricks at the slag line, pull the ladle at the end of the shift.
Also heard as
- wear lining
- hot lining
Related terms
Safety lining
Refractory layer behind the working lining that holds molten metal back if the working lining fails.
Hot face
Surface of a refractory lining exposed to the furnace interior, as opposed to the cold face against the shell.
Campaign
Working life of a furnace or lining between relines, counted in heats, tonnes, days or years.
Reline
Replacement of a worn refractory lining, in full or in zones, at the end of a campaign.