Posted in Shares.

Less energy in the steel ladle

on 21.10.2026.

Morgan Thermal Ceramics and RHI Magnesita have measured an insulation system for steel ladles in a steelworks.

Morgan Thermal Ceramics and RHI Magnesita have tested an insulation system for steel ladles in a steelworks. It sits as a two-layer insulation layer behind the dense refractory material. This does not increase the thickness of the lining.

The manufacturers compared two newly relined ladles. The same refractory products, the same process conditions, the same time period. One ladle had the standard insulation, the other the new system.

According to Morgan, the results were as follows:

Specific electricity consumption at the ladle furnace fell by around 7 to 8 per cent per tonne of liquid steel.
The temperature at the steel shell was on average around 11 per cent lower.
No negative issues were observed regarding lining wear, slag or installation.

The figures come from a pilot customer and apply to their operations. An extended test phase is now underway at further steelworks. The system was presented in April 2026 at the Steel Meets Refractory conference.

When it comes to high temperatures, saving energy means, first and foremost, retaining heat within the vessel. This applies just as much to steel ladles as it does to foundry and heat treatment furnaces. The Upper Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKO OÖ) addressed energy efficiency and the circular economy in dedicated side events at Sustainability Day 2026.

We welcome enquiries regarding insulation up to 1,600 °C, refractory materials and foundry supplies via the contact form on our website.