Fused cast refractories are well known in all glass market segments; these refractories represent the major structural component of each glass smelting furnace in all glass contact and most superstructure areas.
In spite of being among the most recently developed type of refractories (invented and introduced in USA and Europe in the first half of the 20th century), fused cast refractories have rapidly grown into a “forced choice”, owing to indisputable technical advantages relevant to campaign length, furnace productivity and glass quality.
After less than a century since their initial development, fused cast refractories are still an unquestioned choice when designing a glass furnace and - until the next generational change - no alternatives exist. These refractory products have been introduced in applications other than glass but, so far, well over 90% continue to be used within the various segments of glass applications.
After more than 50 years...