Suspended Refractories

Refractory Work
 

Our suspended refractory systems are known for their durability and robust construction, with designs ranging from 1.5 meters (5 feet) to 13.7 meters (45 feet) in length. The most common application is the suspended backwall, typically used with blanket batch chargers to accommodate the wide doghouse openings found in many furnace designs.

The refractory is suspended above the doghouse using horizontal steel supports and precision castings. Backwall noses can be angled from 15° to 90°, promoting fritting (pre-melting) in the doghouse area.

Our refractory tiles are fully interlocking on all four sides, enhancing wall integrity. Even if a tile becomes detached from its casting, the interlocks keep it securely in place. The support structure is designed to flex with the refractory during heat-up, preventing binding or undue stress during thermal expansion.

For Oxy-fuel furnaces, we offer a specialized suspended backwall design. This version uses high-temperature stainless steel alloy castings rated up to 928°C (1,800°F), enabling the use of thick insulation without compromising strength or reliability. Insulation packages are available in thicknesses from 13 mm (1/2") to 64 mm (2-1/2"). Refractory options include fused cast AZS, bonded AZS, and other materials suitable for high-performance applications.

Suspended Roofs

Our suspended refractory systems can also be adapted for horizontal roof applications. Key advantages of this configuration include the interlocking design of the tiles and the independent support of each tile—features that significantly reduce the risk of failure and minimize refractory contamination.

The images below show a cold-top electric melter roof. This particular design incorporates through-the-roof electrodes and a batch spreader to evenly distribute material across the glass surface. The left image illustrates the top support steel structure, while the right image (rotated 180°) highlights the number and flexibility of penetrations possible through the roof using this system.