Superwool XTRA Fibres- engineered for superior performance and to improve sustainability

Over two decades of innovation has driven us to pursue alternatives to Refractory Ceramic Fibres (RCF). We have  improved our Low Biopersistent (LBP) Fibres, AES grade Superwool^® Plus and Superwool HT, by developing new manufacturing methods, selecting the right raw materials, and improving process controls.

Thermal Ceramics is extending its product range with a high temperature, LBP fibre called Superwool XTRA which has a classification temperature of 1450°C (2600°F) and comparative if not better pollution resistance than RCF.

Superwool XTRA has a unique chemistry composition that can now replace RCF 1400°C (2550°F) applications with a LBP, exonerated fibre.

• Exonerated from carcinogen classification and not classified as hazardous by IARC or under any national regulations on a global basis
• Superwool XTRA does not form crystalline silica when exposed to high temperatures
• Our Superwool XTRA fibre has been proven in targeted applications, with over 4 years success. Read our case study to find out more.
• Proven to perform better than RCF with most industrial furnace pollutants, especially alkali metals. The only exonerated fibre on the market with this performance
• With higher thermal expansion, Superwool XTRA heals shrinkage gaps in the furnace insulation as the furnace heats up. Our video shows expansion in action
• High melting point for high over temperature protection (>1650°C)
• Designed to replace RCF 1400°C applications
• Different from anything else available in the market place due to its chemical formulation

Superwool® XTRA for Petrochemical and Refinery

Refractory Ceramic Fibre (RCF) has long been the first-choice material for lining fired heaters in petrochemical and refinery industries, due to its excellent handleability, low thermal conductivity, superior thermal shock resistance and ability to withstand extreme temperatures.

Increasing pressures to address health concerns of RCF and crystalline silica have required materials manufacturers to search for the furnace lining solution of the future.

With all the great performance of RCF but low biopersistence and uniquely not forming crystalline silica during use, our new Superwool^® XTRA fibre addresses these issues in the Oil & Gas industry exceptionally well.

Critical furnaces within the oil refinery and petrochemicals industry run between 1200°C and 1250°C (2190°F and 2280°F) and therefore require materials with a 1400°C (2550°F) minimum classification rating. With a classification rating of 1450°C (2640°F), Superwool^® XTRA meets this performance requirement.

Superwool^® XTRA in Iron and Steel

Low thermal conductivity and thermal mass, low density and ease of installation are all critical when choosing an insulation lining for your iron and steel furnace.

Our new low biopersistence fibre, Superwool^® XTRA, has all of these critical properties and also uniquely does not form crystalline silica in use, making it exonerated from any carcinogenic classification under Nota Q of Directive 97/69EC.

With a classification temperature of 1450°C and high pollution resistance, Superwool^® XTRA was tested in a real-life field trial for our Iron and Steel customer, Dillinger. The trial used stack modules in shuttle kilns operating at 1280°C. The results proved the superior performance of Superwool^® XTRA in this harsh environment, due to its excellent superior thermal shock resistance, low thermal conductivity and handleability.