DRY-OUT SIMULATION OF CASTABLES CONTAINING CALCIUM ALUMINATE CEMENT UNDER HYDROTHERMAL CONDITIONS

This paper investigates the relationship between castable properties and the risk of explosion during the dehydration phase. Experimental simulations of explosion during dry-out under safe conditions with one-sided heating as well as the more traditional furnace based approach are conducted. Hydration and de-hydration are performed under ambient as well as hydrothermal conditions using an autoclave. These methods are coupled with a 'macro'-TGA apparatus, permeability measurements and other traditional properties. The results reveal significant differences in dry out ability as a function of formulation parameters as well as external conditions such as the water addition, temperature and time during curing and heat up rates. Conclusions suggest optimisation routes to ensure safe dry out.