Present at the international Cyclocross event, placed on January 4 in Amurrio, province of Alava, Spain, where we show our passion for sport once again. In 2025, we set ourselves new challenges to continue promoting values such as perseverance, and the collaboration that teamwork entails, two values that drive individual and collective growth, both inside and outside the company. We are willing to continue advancing on the path of great challenges, with sport as a source of inspiration.
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This year, Annual Convention held in a very special place, Monterrey, Mexico. First time in Mexico, marking a milestone in the history of our company.
During a week full of activities, staff from the EMEA and LATAM regions had the opportunity to share experiences, strengthen team collaboration and generate new ideas that will drive our joint growth.
The convention will be a space for cultural exchange, recognition of achievements and building strategies that align all units towards a promising future.
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 inst
In the dynamic and demanding industrial world, the need for safe and efficient solutions has never been more critical. Robotic demolition has become an essential tool for the modernization and maintenance of infrastructure across industrial sectors. These advanced technologies not only enhance the precision and safety of operations but also reduce execution times, manpower requirements, and associated costs.
Alfran, a leader in the supply and installation of refractory materials with innovative solutions for the industry, has embraced and refined robotic refractory demolition as part of its service offering. This commitment to innovation enables our company to tackle complex challenges and deliver optimal results to our clients. In this article, we take a closer look at what robotic demolition of refractories entails, its benefits, and some of Alfran’s notable success stories in this field.
WHAT IS ROBOTIC DEMOLITION?
Robotic demolition is an advanced method that uses remotely controlled robots to dismantle structures and materials. These robots are equipped with specialized tools such as hydraulic hammers, enabling them to carry out demolition tasks with unmatched precision and efficiency.
Unlike traditional demolition methods, which can be dangerous and less accurate, robotic demolition offers a range of significant advantages. Robots can operate in confined and hard-to-reach areas within industrial furnaces, where it would be risky for human workers. Moreover, their ability to handle heavy tools and perform repetitive tasks without fatigue leads to increased productivity and enhanced workplace safety when removing refractory materials.
BENEFITS OF ROBOTIC DEMOLITION
SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY
Safety is a key aspect. Robotic demolition significantly reduces the risk of injury by eliminating the need for workers to be in hazardous zones, particularly close to refractory linings. Robots are operated remotely from a safe location, allowing operators to supervise the process without exposure to danger—especially during hot refractory demolitions.
One of the greatest advantages of robotic demolition is efficiency. Robots can work continuously without breaks, significantly accelerating the demolition process. Their high precision also minimizes the risk of collateral damage to surrounding structures, which is critical in densely packed industrial environments.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Robotic demolition also offers environmental benefits. These systems generate far less dust than traditional methods, contributing to a cleaner and safer work environment. Additionally, the precision of robotic demolition facilitates better recovery and recycling of refractory materials, supporting more sustainable practices.
ALFRAN’S SUCCESS STORIES IN ROBOTIC DEMOLITION
At Alfran, we have completed numerous successful projects using robotic demolition. These include work in preheater towers, furnaces, coolers, and other equipment in cement plants, as well as reverberatory furnace demolitions in the aluminum industry—all marked by a significant reduction in safety incidents and accidents.
In the steel sector, rolling mill furnace demolitions are common. Our robots accessed confined spaces and performed demolitions with a level of accuracy impossible to achieve using traditional methods. This not only led to faster completion times but also increased safety and reduced costs for our clients.
THE FUTURE OF ROBOTIC DEMOLITION AT ALFRAN
At Alfran, we are committed to the continuous innovation of our robotic demolition techniques. Our investment in research and development keeps us at the forefront of technology, ensuring we can offer our clients the most advanced and efficient solutions available. In addition to conventional robotic demolition equipment, we have developed our own CASTBREAKER system—a breakthrough solution for vertical equipment demolition that eliminates the need for scaffolding and uses only hoisting.
Furthermore, the ongoing training and development of our personnel ensure our operators and technicians a
