Forming – Start with the end in mind…
When constructing forms to accommodate the installation of monolithic refractory materials it is important to start with the end in mind. The following tips can save a lot of time as well as lead to higher quality finished installations:
1. Review the details associated with the pour prior to building the forms. Did you remember the openings to accommodate thermal couples, laser limit devices, and other process control and data recording devices?
Accommodating these often overlooked details can save a lot of time and potential re-work and the end of a project. Have a plan for how to form as well as how to remove these forms prior to making the pour.
2. Accommodate form removal in the form construction. Are there small port holes and narrow paths that will need to be stripped? Consider applying a small taper to the form to accommodate removal.
3. Be conservative. When it doubt, over brace a form. During large pours, the pressure exerted on forms could potentially be overlooked. Underbracing a form can at best lead to costly re-work and at worst create a potentially dangerous hazard. Always consider the size of the pour as well as where the greatest amounts of pressure will be exerted prior to constructing a form and placing the material.
4. Don’t forget to grease and oil forms prior to making the pour. Refractory materials can adhere to the forming materials which lead to damage upon form removal. It could also be time consuming, and in many cases, unsafe to apply form lubricants once a form is built, set, and braced.
As is true in many instances, proper planning in advance can prevent downstream problems. Don’t just start building a form and then ask these important questions once the material is already being placed. For more information or insight on constructing the forms associated with your next planned outage, reach out to Schad today.