The tundish is the critical transition vessel between the steel ladle and the continuous casting mold, distributing molten steel to multiple strands while promoting inclusion flotation and preventing reoxidation. Operating at temperatures up to 1600°C under continuous thermal shock, chemical corrosion from molten steel and slag, and the mechanical demands of multi-heat sequences, the tundish demands refractory materials that deliver exceptional performance, cleanliness, and reliability. As a leading refractory supplier serving over 4,000 industrial furnaces worldwide, JHR Refractory provides comprehensive tundish solutions engineered to extend campaign life, ensure steel quality, and reduce maintenance costs.
1. Layered Lining Systems for Thermal and Structural Integrity
Tundish linings consist of multiple layers, each serving a distinct function. The insulation layer (10–30mm) protects the steel shell from heat transfer using alumino-silicate fiberboards with thermal conductivity ≤0.15 Wm·K. The permanent lining (100–200mm) provides structural integrity using mullite-based self-flow castables. Our permanent lining castables (JH-SF65) offer excellent workability, high strength, and good volume stability with Al₂O₃≥65%, bulk density ≥2.45 gcm³, and cold crushing strength of 30 MPa at 110℃ and 45 MPa at 1500℃. The working lining (20–50mm) directly contacts molten steel and slag, playing a decisive role in guaranteeing steel quality.
2. Advanced Working Lining Solutions
The working lining is the primary barrier between molten steel and the tundish shell, requiring materials with strong erosion resistance, thermal shock stability, and minimal interaction with steel. Our magnesia and magnesia-calcia based coatings and dry vibrating materials are manufactured from high-quality magnesite and calcium magnesite with specially formulated additives and binders. These products feature long service life, easy installation, and easy removal properties. Available in magnesia (JX-TM-10, MgO≥80%) and magnesia-calcia (JX-TM-10C, MgO≥65%, CaO 10–25%) grades. For dry applications, our magnesia dry vibrating mixes feature excellent slag resistance, no irritating gas during baking, and no carbon or hydrogen pickup in steel, with service life exceeding 24 hours for magnesia grades and 12 hours for magnesia-calcia grades.
3. Advanced Flow Control and Functional Refractories
Precise flow control is essential for steel cleanliness, inclusion removal, and casting stability. Our impact pads and stabilizers protect the tundish floor from the force of the falling molten steel stream. Manufactured from high-quality bauxite and corundum with ultra-fine powder bonding, these precast products feature high strength, excellent thermal shock resistance, and long service life. Available in JH-TC85 (Al₂O₃≥85%) and JH-TCM85 (MgO≥90%) grades, with bulk density ≥2.8 gcm³ and cold crushing strength of 45–60 MPa at 1500℃. Our weirs, dams, and baffles direct steel flow, eliminate dead zones, and promote inclusion flotation. Our tundish dams and weirs are available in magnesia-alumina spinel (JH-TD80, Al₂O₃≥48%, MgO≥32%), corundum (JH-TD85, Al₂O₃≥85%), and magnesia (JH-TM80, MgO≥80%) grades. For shrouds, stopper rods, and nozzles, our functional refractories ensure reliable steel flow control.
4. Durable Tundish Cover and Ancillary Refractories
Tundish covers protect molten steel from heat loss and reoxidation while providing access for operations. Our tundish cover castables are available in lightweight and heavy-weight grades to meet customer requirements, featuring good insulation properties, high strength, no spalling, resistance to deformation, and extended service life. Available in JX-ZBG60 (Al₂O₃≥60%, bulk density ≥2.5 gcm³) and JX-LW1.5-H (Al₂O₃≥55%, bulk density 1.5 gcm³) grades, with cold crushing strength of 35–60 MPa. For tundish well blocks and seating blocks, our products feature structural stability and strong resistance to erosion and thermal shock.
5. Sustainable and Intelligent Refractory Solutions
As the steelmaking industry places increasing emphasis on environmental responsibility and steel cleanliness, JHR Refractory continues to innovate in clean steel solutions. Our magnesia and magnesia-calcia based dry vibrating materials eliminate carbon and hydrogen pickup, supporting high-quality steel production. Our precast impact pads, weirs, and dams reduce installation time and ensure consistent quality. Backed by ISO9001, ISO14001, and OHSAS18001 certifications, we deliver cost-effective, environmentally responsible solutions that help customers achieve cleaner steel, longer sequences, and lower operating costs.
6. Conclusion
From permanent linings and working layers to impact pads and flow control devices, from shrouds and stopper rods to tundish covers and nozzles, JHR Refractory provides comprehensive, zone-specific refractory solutions for tundish systems. With proven performance in major steel mills worldwide and a commitment to innovation, we enable our customers to achieve cleaner steel, extended campaign life, and sustainable operations.
