The importance of choosing the right grades of metal alloys to suit the working environment.

Every cement plant has its unique characteristics. The differences in atmosphere observed in cement kilns, depending on whether the manufacturing process is dry or wet, are mainly due to variations in humidity and temperature management.

Consequently, the metallic materials used to hold refractory bricks in clinkerization furnaces and nozzles are subject to specific stresses and are therefore not interchangeable.

For example, the most commonly used grade of stainless steel is austenitic 316L, due to its high resistance to corrosion and heat. Its low carbon content reduces the risk of intergranular corrosion, which is crucial in the harsh conditions of clinkerization furnaces. However, 304 stainless steel parts are sometimes used. In addition, grades such as 310, 321 and 330 are also used, depending on specific furnace conditions.

This paper presents a corrosion analysis of classic ferrous alloy parts used to hold refractory bricks in cement plants, to propose ferrous alloys to suit the various working atmospheres.