Examining the effect of hydrogen on refractories

The UK's Materials Processing Institute has announced a research partnership with Trent Refractories and Kanthal to examine the potential impact on refractories of using hydrogen.

The three-year research agreement will focus on the heat-resistant materials that form the linings of high-temperature furnaces, crucibles, ladles and kilns - primarily used in the iron and steel industry.

It will also test a range of electrical elements, for use in high-temperature applications, to discover any advances that need to be made to ensure full operating demands are fulfilled under an aggressive hydrogen atmosphere.