Editorial Technical Reference

Refractory Lined Ladle

This page explains how Refractory Lined Ladle is classified within Basic Metal Manufacturing. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

A steel ladle with an interior refractory lining designed to withstand high temperatures and contain molten metal during transfer operations.

Representative product image. Confirm appearance and specifications with the manufacturer.

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Refractory Lined Ladle

Definition
The Refractory Lined Ladle is a critical component of the Molten Metal Transfer Car system, used in basic metal manufacturing to safely transport, hold, and pour molten metals such as steel, iron, or aluminum within a foundry or steel plant. Its steel shell provides structural integrity, while the interior refractory lining—typically made of high-alumina, magnesia, or zirconia bricks or castables—protects the shell from extreme heat (typically 1400–1700°C) and chemical corrosion from the molten metal, preventing contamination and ensuring safe operation.

This ladle is designed for integration with a transfer car, featuring trunnion pins for lifting and tilting. It can hold capacities ranging from 10 to 100 tonnes of molten metal, with a shell diameter of 2000–4000 mm and a shell thickness of 20–50 mm. The refractory lining thickness varies from 150 to 300 mm, and the overall ladle height, including trunnions, ranges from 2500 to 4500 mm. The trunnion pin diameter is 150–300 mm, and the ladle can tilt up to 110 degrees for complete slag removal. The empty weight, including the refractory lining, is between 15 and 80 tonnes.

Refractory materials used include Al2O3–MgO and Al2O3–SiC–C compositions. The ladle life, measured in number of heats before relining, is typically 50–150 heats. Before first use, the ladle must be preheated to 800–1200°C to prevent thermal shock. These parameters are reference ranges; actual values must be confirmed with the manufacturer for specific applications. The ladle is not a standalone product but a component of a larger system, and its performance depends on proper installation, maintenance, and operation within the transfer car system.
Working Principle
The ladle is mounted on the transfer car and positioned beneath a furnace or other metal source to receive molten metal. The refractory lining acts as a thermal and chemical barrier, insulating the steel shell from extreme temperatures and corrosive slag. The ladle can be tilted via a mechanical or hydraulic system on the car to pour the metal into molds, tundishes, or other vessels. After emptying, it may be returned for relining or preheating before the next cycle. Proper preheating and controlled cooling are essential to prevent thermal shock and extend lining life.
Common Materials
Steel (shell/structure), Refractory bricks/castables (lining, e.g., alumina, magnesia, zirconia)
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
CapacityRequired10–100 tonnesMaximum weight of molten metal the ladle can hold
Lining ThicknessRequired150–300 mmThickness of the refractory lining
Operating TemperatureRequired1500–1700 °CMaximum temperature the refractory lining can withstand
Shell DiameterRequired2000–4000 mOuter diameter of the steel shell
Shell Thickness20–50 mmSteel shell thickness for structural integrity
Ladle Height2500–4500 mmOverall height including trunnions
Trunnion Pin Diameter150–300 mmCritical for lifting and tilting
Tilting Angle0–110 °For complete slag removal
Ladle Weight (Empty)15–80 tIncluding refractory lining
Refractory MaterialAl2O3–MgO, Al2O3–SiC–CHigh alumina or magnesia-carbon based
Ladle Life50–150 heatsNumber of heats before relining
Ladle Preheating Temperature800–1200 °CBefore first use to prevent thermal shock

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM
  • Steel Shell Part
    Provides structural support and contains the refractory lining and molten metal
    Material: Carbon steel or alloy steel
  • Refractory Lining Part
    Insulates the shell from high temperatures and resists chemical attack from molten metal
    Material: Refractory bricks, castables, or gunning mixes (e.g., alumina, magnesia)
  • Trunnion Pins Part
    Mounting points on the ladle shell that engage with the transfer car's tilting mechanism
    Material: Forged or cast steel
  • Ladle Cover Optional Part
    Optional cover to reduce heat loss and prevent slag or contaminants from entering
    Material: Steel with refractory lining

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Refractory Lined Ladle.

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Complementary Systems
Downstream Applications
Specialized Tooling

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
pressure: Atmospheric to 0.5 bar gauge (limited by structural steel shell)
other spec: Max ladle capacity: 5-350 tons molten metal; Refractory thickness: 150-450 mm; Lining life: 50-200 heats
temperature: Up to 1800°C (3272°F) depending on refractory grade
Media Compatibility
✓ Molten steel ✓ Molten iron ✓ Molten copper alloys
Unsuitable: Highly corrosive slags with high fluorine or alkali content
Sizing Data Required
  • Required molten metal capacity (tons)
  • Pouring temperature (°C)
  • Tapping-to-casting cycle time (minutes)

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Thermal spalling
Cause: Rapid temperature changes during preheating or operation create thermal stresses that exceed the refractory's strength, causing cracks and material loss.
Chemical corrosion
Cause: Interaction between molten metal/slag and refractory lining, leading to dissolution, penetration, and structural degradation of the refractory material.
Maintenance Indicators
  • Visible cracks, gaps, or missing refractory sections in the lining during inspection
  • Excessive heat radiation from the ladle exterior indicating thinning or failure of the refractory insulation
Engineering Tips
  • Implement controlled preheating and cooling cycles to minimize thermal shock and extend refractory life
  • Regularly monitor and maintain proper slag chemistry and temperature control to reduce chemical attack on the lining

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards
ASTM C27-98(2019) - Standard Classification of Fireclay and High-Alumina Refractory Brick EN 1402-1:2003 - Unshaped refractory products - Part 1: Introduction and classification

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision
  • Ladle shell roundness: +/- 5 mm
  • Refractory lining thickness: +/- 10 mm
Quality Inspection
  • Thermal shock resistance test
  • Refractory lining thickness measurement by ultrasonic testing

Manufacturers of Refractory Lined Ladle

4 companies list this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.

Long Keter
Shandong, CN
Founded 2012
ISO9001 ISO 14001 ISO 45001
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Henan Rongsheng Refractory Co., Ltd.
Henan, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Machinesol
Zhejiang, CN
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Zibo Jucos Co., Ltd.
Shandong, CN
Also makes: Electric Arc Furnace
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources

Manufacturer listings support early research and capability understanding. They are not certification, ranking, or transaction guarantees.

Technical documentation
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical capacity range of a refractory lined ladle?

According to directory data, the capacity ranges from 10 to 100 tonnes of molten metal. However, the exact capacity for a specific ladle must be confirmed with the manufacturer based on the application.

What refractory materials are commonly used in the lining?

Common refractory materials include high alumina, magnesia, and zirconia-based bricks or castables. Specific compositions such as Al2O3–MgO and Al2O3–SiC–C are listed, but the final selection depends on the molten metal type and operating conditions.

How is the ladle preheated before first use?

The ladle must be preheated to a temperature between 800°C and 1200°C before first use to prevent thermal shock. This preheating process is critical to avoid cracking the refractory lining.

What is the expected ladle life before relining?

The ladle life is typically between 50 and 150 heats, depending on operating conditions and maintenance. After this period, the refractory lining may need to be replaced to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification
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