8 Key Elements for Refractory Installtion

8 KEY ELEMENTS OF REFRACTORY QUALITY CONTROL

Driving Project Success

1. DOCUMENTATION

Each refractory installation project is unique and requires proper documentation to assure that the job scope is clearly defined. Documentation should include and owner's specification and/or the refractory installation contractor's detailed execution plan. A contractor's execution plan should be prepared and submitted for the owner's approval and agreed to, prior to work commencement. A good execution plan will include, but is not limited to the following details:

• Designation of responsible parties;

• An inspection and testing plan that designates hold points, etc.;

• Surface preparation requirements;

• Welding procedures;

• Material qualification and storage procedures;

• Contractor qualification procedures;

• Installation quality control procedures;

• Air curing procedures;

• Controlled dry out and firing procedures.

2. MATERIAL QUALIFICATION

Refractory materials should be tested prior to installation to confirm that they meet the specified physical property standards. Typically, the testing is performed at and independent testing laboratory,or at the material manufacturer's laboratory. A qualified inspector should direct the sampling, monitor the specimen preparation and witness the testing.

3. CONTRACTOR/INSTALLER QUALIFICATION

The contractor/installer should be qualification tested by a qualified inspector prior to work commencement to confirm that their equipment and personnel are capable of installing the qualified materials to the specified standards. The contractor/installer should demonstrate their capabilities in a simulated installation that closely simulates the actual installation.

4. INSTALLATION MONITORING

A qualified inspector should monitor all refractory installations and test sample preparation to confirm that the installation is performed in accordance with specifications, generally accepted work practices and agreed to...