Following are clarifications to some common misconceptions about Thermbond.
MYTH: "Thermbond is too expensive."
FACT: While the price per pound is more than conventional refractories, Thermbond actually costs less to use in most applications. When evaluating total cost in any refractory application, you must factor in lost production, total downtime, total volume of material, ongoing refractory maintenance, and total refractory life. Considering the following benefits of Thermbond, it is almost always the least expensive solution!
- much faster curing and heat up (increased production)
- ability to repair vs replace (less volume of material)
- less ongoing maintenance
- extended refractory life
MYTH: "Thermbond Liquid Activator is unsafe."
FACT: The Liquid Activator component of Thermbond is a mild, diluted agricultural-grade phosphoric acid solution. Similar phosphoric acids are used in fertilizers for lawns and gardens. Slightly more refined phosphoric acids are used in many consumer products from toothpaste to mayonnaise to colas.
Like any other refractory used in your plant, proper health and safety guidelines should be followed. Using the standard, readily available PPE referenced in our Material Safety Data Sheets, Thermbond is as safe to use as any other refractory product.
MYTH: "Thermbond is only used for patching."
FACT: While Thermbond products are great for repairing existing refractories, Thermbond is also the product of choice in full thickness linings in many major projects worldwide. There are Thermbond formulations for every refractory application, including:
- Full-Thickness Relines
- Original Equipment Linings
- Complete Veneers
- Major Repairs