Refractory standards are intended to define standards for the classification, sampling and characterisation of refractory materials and products, whether shaped, monolithic or fibrous, that are resistant to high temperatures.

Refractory materials and products are essential wherever high temperatures are needed for production purposes as e.g. for the production of steel, iron, cement, glass, ceramics, nonferrous metals, petrochemicals and incineration. The major use of refractory products at present is in steel production, which represents 60% of the refractory market, while 6 to 8% of the market is in the glass, concrete and ceramics sectors.

 

The current priorities of the technical standardisation committees are the refinement of standards for classification of products and sampling, for testing and characterizing the physical and environmental properties of these materials, as well as for enabling the use of low grade raw materials and the comprehensive utilization of waste products. The overall aim is to reduce energy consumption in production, optimise repair techniques, guarantee the performance of the products and the safe use of the installations and reduce maintenance frequencies, which in turn will reduce the demand for raw materials.