Blog EN
In today’s demanding industrial environment, characterized by the constant need to optimize processes, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact, choosing the right refractory coating system has become a strategic decision. Such choices not only affect the durability and safety of equipment but also directly influence energy efficiency and the sustainability of operations. Drytech refractory coatings stand out as a cutting-edge solution designed to address these challenges comprehensively.
The development of the Drytech range by Alfran reflects a clear approach: to offer unshaped refractory materials capable of withstanding extreme thermal conditions, with exceptional resistance to thermal shock, abrasion, and chemical attack, while also significantly reducing drying times and energy consumption. This technology is based on a ceramic bond system, free from cement, which eliminates the presence of chemically bound water and allows for greater efficiency during installation and commissioning.
In this article, Alfran explains in detail the key benefits of Drytech refractory coatings, highlighting their positive impact on productivity, sustainability, and operational management in industries such as cement, steel, energy, and oil & gas. These materials represent not just a technological evolution, but a true transformation in the way industrial refractory coatings are conceived.
Faster Drying and Operational Efficiency
One of the most valued aspects by our clients is the ability of Drytech concretes to enable faster and safer drying. Unlike conventional refractories with high cement content, Drytech technology does not contain chemically bound water. This means that all the liquid in the mix can be removed quickly and in a controlled manner at temperatures as low as 100°C.
This simplified process has several direct implications. First, it drastically reduces equipment startup time, which is crucial in contexts where technical shutdowns affect production and revenue. Second, it reduces the risk of explosions due to steam pressure, providing greater safety guarantees during critical drying phases.
In projects where speed is crucial, such as scheduled shutdowns or urgent maintenance, having a coating system that reduces drying times without compromising quality is a significant competitive advantage. Alfran has seen firsthand how this efficiency positively impacts the operational indicators of its clients, particularly in thermally demanding sectors like cement and steel.
Reduction of Energy Consumption
Energy efficiency is now a priority for all industries, both for economic and environmental reasons. In this context, Drytech materials offer up to a 50% reduction in energy consumption during drying, compared to conventional cement-based materials. This is because they require lower temperatures and less time to reach optimal service conditions.
With greater permeability, Drytech products allow for more efficient release of steam generated during drying, which means less internal pressure and, therefore, lower energy use to force this release. As a result, fewer resources are required to achieve operational conditions, optimizing the use of heating systems.
The benefit isn’t just energy-related. This reduction also translates into a lower need for auxiliary infrastructure (such as kilns or intensive heating systems), which leads to lower investment and less technical complexity during coating installation. For many industrial plants, this savings represents a direct and positive impact on their operational costs.
Sustainability and Emission Reduction
Aligning industrial production with sustainability criteria is an unavoidable need. Drytech refractory coatings actively help reduce the environmental footprint of facilities due to their low impact during the drying phase and increased durability during operation.
By reducing energy consumption, they also lower CO₂ emissions. This effect is particularly relevant in the context of the energy transition happening in sectors such as cement, where environmental regulations are becoming increasingly strict. The fact that these materials do not contain cement (one of the most carbon-intensive industrial products) further contributes to the sustainability of the process.
The greater durabi
At Alfran, we are proud to announce the opening of our new integrated refractory castables manufacturing plant in Perundurai, located in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. This facility will be our third integrated plant worldwide, joining our existing plants in Spain and Mexico, further strengthening our production capacity to meet growing international demand.
This strategic milestone marks a key step in our global expansion, reinforcing our commitment to innovation and proximity to our customers in the Asian market by providing high-value solutions and optimizing operational efficiency.
Boosting Efficiency and Competitiveness
With significant production capacity, this new facility will not only reduce response times and improve logistical efficiency for our regional customers but also become a key pillar in strengthening our presence in Asia and enhancing our global competitiveness.
Commitment to Sustainability and Local Development
The Perundurai plant has been designed according to strict European environmental standards. In addition, this project contributes to the economic development of the region by generating direct and indirect employment, as well as technical training of local workers by our EMEA experts.
At Alfran, we are committed to sustainable growth, innovation, and excellence in all our projects, consolidating our global leadership and strengthening our ability to deliver high-quality, innovative solutions to customers worldwide.
We would like to thank ABC de Sevilla for the interview with our Executive President, José María Domínguez, where he shares details about this important milestone.
Read the full interview on ABC de Sevilla: https://www.abc.es/sevilla/
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.
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
