Wear-Resistant Concrete Lining Extends Chute Service Life
A Turkish blast furnace plant lined its slag transport chute with KALCRET BTX wear-resistant concrete. The upgraded system operated for 12 years without significant wear, reducing maintenance costs.
Severe Wear Issues in Slag Chutes
At a blast furnace operation in Turkey, granulated blast furnace slag and water are conveyed through a chute system into a settling and collecting basin. The unlined original steel chute suffered severe wear due to the highly abrasive nature of the slag and the corrosive properties of the water. Previous attempts to protect the chute using conventional mortars and plates failed, resulting in frequent repairs and high operating costs.
High-Performance Concrete Solution
To address the continuous degradation, Kalenborn evaluated various wear-resistant materials and selected KALCRET BTX high-performance concrete. The material comprises hard aggregates within a high-strength cement matrix, offering erosion and abrasion resistance at temperatures up to 1,200 °C. The formulation allows large surfaces to be lined quickly without seams.
Custom Refurbishment and Long Service Life
Working with a local partner in Turkey, Kalenborn redesigned and fabricated new steel components for the chute. The structure was lined with KALCRET BTX—80 mm thick on the base and 35 mm on the side walls—before being installed on site. Following the upgrade, the chute remained in continuous service for 12 years without significant wear.
