The objective of this work was to describe a new test method to evaluate simultaneous mass loss, thermal and fluid dynamic changes in a refractory castables subject to thermal treatment at high temperatures. Tests were performed with high-alumina refractory castables with different types of hydraulic binders, and included evaluation of permeability changes due to thermal expansion effects in pre-fired castables. Removal of physical (moisture) and chemical (hydrates) water at different heating rates was also evaluated for refractory castables based on calcium aluminate cement (CAC) and hydratable alumina binders (HAB). The proposed method proved to be helpful to understand how variables such as the curing environment and the type of binder agent or permeability-aid additives influence the occurrence of explosive spalling, thereby helping to define the best castable composition and plan safe heating schedules for fast drying processes.
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