In modern steelmaking, the hot blast stove is a key piece of equipment for providing high-temperature combustion air, and its thermal efficiency directly affects fuel consumption and overall energy use in the blast furnace. Traditional low-temperature insulation materials such as calcium silicate boards and diatomaceous bricks are being phased out due to their low heat resistance, fragility, and poor insulation performance. High-temperature ceramic fiber materials—represented by refractory ceramic fiber blankets—are increasingly being adopted in critical areas of hot blast stoves due to their excellent thermal resistance, low thermal conductivity, lightweight structure, and ease of installation.
Replacing Traditional Materials to Build Efficient Insulation Systems
Hot blast stoves operate under high temperatures and complex atmospheres, requiring more advanced backing insulation materials. Compared to conventional options, CCEWOOL® Ceramic Fiber Blanket offers a wider temperature range (1260–1430°C), lower thermal conductivity, and lighter weight. It effectively controls shell temperature, reduces heat loss, and enhances overall thermal efficiency and operational safety. Its excellent thermal shock resistance enables it to withstand frequent furnace switching and temperature fluctuations, thereby extending system lifespan.
Key Performance Advantages
- Low thermal conductivity: Effectively blocks heat transfer and reduces furnace surface and ambient radiation temperatures.
- High thermal stability: Long-term resistance to high temperatures and thermal shocks; resists powdering or spalling.
- Lightweight and flexible: Easy to cut and wrap; adaptable to complex shapes for fast and efficient installation.
- Excellent chemical stability: Resists high-temperature atmospheric corrosion and moisture absorption for lasting thermal protection.
- Supports various configurations: Can be used as a backing layer, sealing material, or in combination with modules and castables to enhance the overall system structure.
Typical Application Areas and Results
CCEWOOL® Ceramic Fiber Blankets are widely used in blast furnace hot blast stove systems, including:
- Dome and head linings of hot blast stoves: Multi-layer stacking lowers shell temperature and improves safety.
- Backing insulation layer between shell and refractory lining: Acts as a primary insulation barrier, enhancing efficiency and reducing outer shell temperature rise.
- Hot air ducts and valve systems: Spiral wrapping or layered installation improves thermal management and extends component service life.
- Burners, flues, and inspection ports: Combined with anchoring systems to build erosion-resistant and highly efficient insulation protection.
In actual use, CCEWOOL® Ceramic Fiber Blankets significantly lower surface temperatures of hot blast stoves, reduce heat loss, extend maintenance cycles, and noticeably reduce overall energy consumption.
As the steel industry demands better energy efficiency and system reliability, the use of ceramic fiber insulation materials in hot blast stove systems continues to grow. CCEWOOL® Refractory Ceramic Fiber Blanket, with its high-temperature resistance, stable insulation performance, and flexible installation, has been validated in numerous projects.
Post time: May-13-2025
