Wet-mix shotcreting has revolutionized the refractory lining industry, offering an efficient solution for applying concrete in extreme conditions. This method is characterized by high-speed wet concrete spraying using compressed air, allowing for rapid, precise installation with minimal dust generation and reduced material waste. Thanks to these advantages, shotcrete is widely used in industries such as cement, steel, and energy, where high resistance to extreme temperatures and severe mechanical conditions is essential.
Definition and Advantages of Alfranjet® Technology
Alfranjet® is a patented technology by alfran®, backed by over 30 years of experience, designed to enhance the wet-mix shotcreting process. This innovative solution is tailored to maximize the durability of refractory linings in demanding industrial environments, delivering outstanding thermal, mechanical, and chemical resistance. Through this technology, Grupo Aldomer offers operational benefits including improved safety, faster application, long-lasting performance, and minimal environmental impact. The Alfranjet® system also shortens installation times and reduces operational downtimes, resulting in greater efficiency for industrial plants.
Key advantages of Alfranjet® include:
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Safety: The technology requires fewer personnel, significantly lowering the risk of workplace accidents.
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Reduced Installation Time: High application speed enables quick and precise installations, minimizing equipment downtime.
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Minimal Waste and Rebound: Engineered to reduce material loss, the system ensures even application and decreases the amount of concrete that fails to adhere to the surface.
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High Mechanical Strength: Linings installed using Alfranjet® exhibit strong resistance to abrasion, thermal shock, and chemical attack, extending service life.
Wet-Mix Shotcreting Technology
Wet-mix shotcreting involves projecting pre-mixed concrete, including all liquid components, to ensure a consistent blend. The material is pumped to a nozzle where compressed air and specific additives are added, achieving a precise, high-speed application. Unlike traditional methods, wet-mix shotcreting generates significantly less dust, improving workplace conditions.
The Alfranjet® system is specially optimized for superior material compaction, resulting in lower porosity and enhanced mechanical and thermal resistance. This is critical for applications where refractory linings are exposed to extreme conditions, such as in industrial furnaces or cement plants.
Operational Benefits of Alfranjet®
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Safety: Fewer workers are needed during installation, which cuts the accident risk nearly in half compared to conventional vibrocasting.
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Application Speed: Alfranjet® allows for fast and efficient refractory concrete application, reducing downtime in plants with continuous production cycles.
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Durability and Resistance: Linings applied with Alfranjet® withstand abrasion, thermal shock, and chemical attacks, increasing lifespan and lowering maintenance costs.
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Reduced Environmental Impact: In addition to operational advantages, Alfranjet® contributes to a cleaner, safer work environment by minimizing dust and waste during installation. This efficiency also helps reduce the carbon footprint of the process, aligning with the company’s sustainability goals.
Success Stories and Applications
Alfranjet® has proven its effectiveness across various industries. In the cement sector, where refractory linings face constant thermal shocks and abrasion, this technology has significantly increased lining durability. Similarly, in the steel industry, where furnaces and converters require high-strength, thermally stable linings, Alfranjet® has improved equipment lifespan and reduced maintenance time.
alfran®, committed to technological development and process optimization, continues to advance its mission of delivering excellence in products and services, always driven by the vision of “Protecting the Heart of Industry.”
