Recycling of refractories is important to conserve limited resources and reduce the carbon and ecological footprints in the refractory industry. For recycling of refractories, efficient reclaiming technology but also lining concepts taking the reclaiming already into account are as important as to overcome the perception that refractories containing recycle material automatically would mean worse quality or performance. An international group of experts from the industries will discuss this in a panel at UNITECR.
The aim of this award is to promote ideas and, at the same time, to support
young talents in technical disciplines.The Gustav Eirich Award is a contribution
to the long-term success of companies in the refractories production and
application industries.
The Gustav Eirich Award is presented for the three best dissertations (Ph.D.
theses) or equivalent work in the field of refractories that have been completed
no longer than two years ago.
During the session, the three winners will present their work in 20 minute lectures.
Monolithic lining concepts with relining technology achieve the lowest specific material consumption possible in steel ladles. In addition, carbon-free alumina-spinel materials reduce thermal losses and enable energy saving in the process. However, in spite of these advantages the monolithic steel ladle lining has not yet become the dominant lining technology in Europe or America, other than in Japan. A international group of experts from the steel and the refractory industries will discuss experiences, perceptions, and important topics for implementation of the technology in a panel at UNITECR.
The refractory and its user industries are still driven by trial and error, which inherently leads to too long development cycles for new approaches. Modelling and digitalised data analysis can contribute to faster innovation which is needed to overcome the carbon challenge. An international group of experts will discuss in a panel at UNITECR which data are available or would be required, how to approach data exchange between suppliers and users of refractories, and what has been achieved so far.