Gilles Mercier, Director – International and MPI Sales, Wahl Refractory Solutions, talks about important aspects of refractory production and its correlation to the cement industry.

Wahl Refractory manufactures engineered refractory shapes. It is specific to solve the problems that cement manufacturers encounter. They focus on 100 per cent reliability on the products that sometimes can take a kiln down when not operational. Their target is to keep the kiln operational for as long as possible. If there is a section or equipment that is a problem or wears out fast, that’s where Wahl Refractory comes in.
Here are some of the important aspects of the refractories manufactured by the company and services provided therein:

• There is no real-time monitoring for the equipment, because it is not possible. The nose ring of the refractory is not visible from the outside of the kiln, from where it is operated.
• Typically, the longevity of the kiln is multiple campaigns or years. One could say the performance duration is about two years.
• Each of our refractories are fully customisable. Each of the blocks are custom made for a customer.
• In terms of sustainability of the manufacturing process of the refractories, there are limited things that can be done. In the production of their blocks, they have kilns and ovens where they burn natural gas. With computerised controls over the burning and cycles, they try to be as efficient as possible.
• With their sister company in India, they are introducing their solutions to the Indian market. They are promoting their two main products, i.e., Tip Castings and TA Dapper as engineered solutions for the tertiary air duct. These products, if taken full campaign without stopping for refractory repairs, can add days of production to the calendar.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Gilles Mercier, Director – International and Mineral Processing Industry Sales, Wahl Refractory Solutions, has a career steeped in the experience of working in the glass, ceramics and concrete industry. His experience is backed by strong business development and professional skills in sales, manufacturing, management and account management.