Alfranjet® and Its Application of Wet-Process Shotcrete

Wet-process shotcrete has revolutionized the refractory lining industry, offering an effective solution for applying concrete in extreme conditions. This method involves projecting concrete at high speed using compressed air, enabling rapid and precise installation without generating dust and with minimal material loss. Thanks to these advantages, shotcrete is widely used for installing refractory linings in industries such as cement, steel, and energy, where high resistance to extreme temperatures and severe mechanical conditions is required.

Definition and Advantages of Alfranjet®

Alfranjet® is a patented technology developed by Alfran that optimizes the wet-process shotcrete application, providing a highly efficient system for projecting refractory concrete. This solution is designed to maximize the durability of refractory linings in demanding industrial environments, offering high thermal, mechanical, and chemical resistance. Additionally, the Alfranjet® system minimizes installation times and reduces operational downtimes, leading to increased efficiency for industrial plants.

Key advantages of Alfranjet® include:

• Reduced installation time: The high application speed enables quick and precise installation, reducing equipment downtime.
• Minimized material loss and waste: Designed to reduce waste, the system ensures uniform application and minimizes the amount of material that fails to adhere to the surface.
• High mechanical resistance: Linings applied with Alfranjet® demonstrate exceptional resistance to abrasion, thermal shock, and chemical attacks, significantly extending their service life.

Wet-Process Application Technology

Wet-process shotcrete involves projecting concrete that has been pre-mixed with all necessary liquid components, ensuring a homogeneous and well-compacted mix. During the process, the material is pumped through a nozzle where compressed air is added, allowing high-speed, precise application. Unlike traditional installation methods, wet-process shotcrete significantly reduces dust generation, improving working conditions.

The Alfranjet® system is specially optimized to ensure superior material packing, resulting in lower porosity and greater mechanical and thermal resistance. This is critical for applications where refractory linings are subjected to extreme conditions, such as industrial furnaces or cement production plants.

Operational Benefits of Alfranjet®

• Application speed: One of the major benefits of Alfranjet® is the speed at which refractory concrete can be applied. This not only accelerates installation but also reduces equipment downtime, which is vital for industries dependent on continuous production cycles.
• Durability and resistance: Linings applied with Alfranjet® excel in resisting severe conditions such as abrasion, thermal shock, and chemical attacks. This ensures a longer service life for the lining, reducing maintenance interventions and, consequently, operational costs.
• Reduced environmental impact: In addition to operational advantages, the Alfranjet® system contributes to a cleaner and safer work environment by minimizing dust generation and reducing material waste during installation. This efficiency also helps lower the carbon footprint of the process, aligning with sustainability policies.

Success Stories and Applications

Alfranjet® has been successfully implemented in a wide range of industries, proving its effectiveness under demanding operational conditions. A notable case is its use in the cement sector, where refractory linings are subjected to constant thermal shocks and abrasion from suspended particles. Companies in the sector have reported a significant increase in the durability of their linings following the installation of Alfranjet®.

Similarly, in the steel industry, where furnaces and converters require linings with high mechanical resistance and thermal stability, Alfranjet® has delivered excellent results, improving the service life of installations and reducing maintenance times.

The Alfranjet® system offers an innovative and efficient solution for installing refractory concrete via the wet process, combining speed, precision, and durability. Its ability to reduce downtimes and extend the service life of refractory linings makes it an ideal choice for industries requiring high resistance under extreme conditions.

Moreover, Alfranjet® contributes to the sustainability of operations by minimizing environmental impact. Alfran, committed to innovation, continues to develop technologies that optimize industrial processes, ensur

Alfranpump and Its Application of Pumpable Refractory Concretes

In the search for more efficient and safer solutions for installing refractory linings, Pumpcrete has emerged as a revolutionary technology.
Primarily applied in industries such as cement and metallurgy, this technique enables the projection of pumpable refractory concretes, offering physical-chemical characteristics similar to vibrocasting but with additional benefits in terms of safety, speed, and durability. Alfran, always committed to innovation, has developed Alfranpump, a range of products specifically designed to maximize the advantages of this technology in demanding industrial conditions.

Advantages of Pumpcrete with Alfranpump

Alfranpump offers several key operational advantages for industrial sectors requiring durable refractory linings that can withstand high temperatures:

• Speed and application efficiency: Thanks to pumping technology, Pumpcrete enables the rapid and precise application of concrete, essential for reducing downtime in industrial facilities.
• Enhanced safety: Automated application reduces the need for direct handling, minimizing process-associated risks and the number of required operators. This creates a safer, more controlled work environment.
• High-quality finish: Unlike other methods, Pumpcrete applied with Alfranpump delivers a mirror-like finish. This not only improves the resistance of the lining but also enhances its durability in extreme conditions.
• Sustainability and energy efficiency: The use of Pumpcrete optimizes energy efficiency by allowing faster drying and better heat retention within facilities, contributing to process sustainability.

Pumpcrete Application Technology

Pumpcrete is characterized by high-pressure pumping systems that project refractory concrete in a uniform and controlled manner. During the process, the concrete, previously prepared with the necessary liquids and additives, is pumped and projected with great precision. This method excels in achieving high material compactness, minimizing porosity, and improving mechanical strength.

Alfranpump technology is optimized to meet the highest standards of quality and efficiency. Pumped refractory materials maintain performance comparable to vibrocasting, with the added advantage of a faster installation process that is less demanding in terms of human resources.

Operational Benefits of Alfranpump

• Reduced downtime: By enabling quick and precise application, Alfranpump minimizes equipment downtime in industrial facilities, which is essential for maintaining plant productivity.
• Resource optimization: Automated pumping technology significantly reduces the need for operational staff and associated costs, while also providing a safer work environment with less risk exposure.
• Durability and resistance in extreme conditions: Linings applied with Alfranpump are highly resistant to abrasion, thermal shock, and chemical attacks. This ensures the integrity and functionality of the linings under adverse operating conditions.

Success Stories and Applications

The applications of Alfranpump in sectors such as cement and metallurgy have proven to be particularly successful, extending the service life of refractory linings and improving operational efficiency. In cement kilns, for instance, refractory materials installed with Alfranpump have demonstrated exceptional resistance to thermal and mechanical wear, increasing the durability of the linings.

Similarly, in the steel industry, where linings must endure thermal shocks and high levels of abrasion, Alfranpump has enabled industrial plants to optimize maintenance processes, reduce costs, and enhance operational safety.

Alfranpump’s Pumpcrete technology represents an advanced and reliable solution for installing refractory linings in industries requiring high resistance and durability.
Thanks to its multiple advantages, such as reduced downtime, resource optimization, and a safer work environment, Alfranpump positions itself as an ideal alternative for demanding industrial sectors. Furthermore, it contributes to sustainability and energy efficiency, aligning with the modern industry’s current needs.