News
August 26th, 2025

The Refractory Anchors That Survived the Most Extreme Jobs

What do volcanoes, particle accelerators, and Waste-to-Energy (WtE) or Energy from Waste (EfW) incinerators have in common?
They all thrive in environments where heat, pressure, and precision collide. While volcanoes reshape landscapes and particle accelerators unlock the secrets of the universe, incinerators transform society’s waste into usable energy, day in, day out. It’s not just the heat that threatens these systems. It’s the chemistry.

Inside incinerators, a cocktail of aggressive chemicals is released during combustion, including chlorides, sulfates, and acidic gases. Combined with temperatures that can exceed 1000°C, these substances accelerate corrosion, eating away at structural components and lining materials.

Without robust anchoring systems and precision welding techniques, the integrity of the Furnace, Primary and Secondary or Post-Combustion Chambers, Boiler and Water Walls, Flue Gas Ducts, Ash Hopper and Bottom Ash Discharge can quickly degrade, leading to costly downtime and safety risks. That’s where advanced materials and welding services step in to protect against the dual assault of heat and chemical attack.

Anti-Corrosive Heat-Resistant Engineered Solutions for Your Incinerator

Beneath the surface, technologies like SILICON Rapid Arc Welding (RAW) and specialised high-performance refractory anchors ensure these systems withstand the extremes. When made from corrosion-resistant alloys and designed to accommodate thermal movement, they significantly extend the lifespan of the refractory system, reduce maintenance downtime, and improve overall plant efficiency.

Every centimetre of your unit that has refractory or is exposed to high temperatures must be protected by the right refractory anchors. Let’s explore the WtE engineering solutions that make this possible.

If you operate a Mass Burn, Fluidized Bed, Rotary Kiln, Modular, Industrial Waste, Liquid Waste, Medical Waste, or Hazardous Waste Incinerator, this is for you! Meet the SpeedBolt System®: engineered for the most demanding environments, where heat, chemistry, and uptime matter most.

SpeedBolt® System for Incinerators

The SpeedBolt® System is a high-performance refractory anchoring solution engineered for demanding environments like Incinerators. Developed by SILICON, it combines a RAW SpeedBolt®, a specially designed Bullhorn anchor, and a plastic SpeedClip to create a reusable, corrosion-resistant anchoring mechanism. Unlike traditional rigid anchors that often fail under thermal stress and mechanical shock, the SpeedBolt® is designed to endure extreme conditions abrasion, corrosion, and thermal cycling without deformation or loss of integrity. Its unique design allows installation on flat, curved, overhead, and downward-facing surfaces, making it ideal for complex incinerator geometries.

SpeedBolt® stands out as a sustainable solution in refractory anchoring systems due to its exceptional reusability and longevity, minimizing the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and disposal. SpeedBolt® anchors have been shown to last up to 12 years and survive demolition processes, significantly reducing Turnaround time and maintenance costs. Integrated with SILICON’s RAW Technology, the SpeedBolt® System ensures fast, consistent welds with minimal labor and enhanced safety. This durability not only lowers lifecycle costs but also supports circular economy principles by extending the functional life of critical components in high-temperature industrial applications.

Custom-Made Refractory Anchors

RAW-weldable Custom-Made V anchors Installation in the UK, 2022 - 2023

Custom-made refractory anchors are superior to standard ones because they are engineered to meet the specific demands of each incinerator’s design and operating environment. While off-the-shelf anchors may suffice in general applications, they often fall short in high-stress zones or complex geometries where precise fit and performance are critical. Custom anchors can be tailored in terms of shape, size, material composition, and welding configuration to ensure optimal load distribution, thermal expansion handling, and corrosion resistance. This customization minimizes the risk of refractory detachment and extends the service life of the lining.

Wonder how others did it? Read the following case-study that showcases RAW-weldable Custom-Made V anchors for the waste-to-energy incinerator in the UK.

Industry Standard Anchors

At SILICON, we stock a comprehensive range of Industry Standard Anchors to ensure fast availability and dependable performance across WtE incinerators. We have everything that you need for your repair and reliable refractory support: Headed Studs, Wavy, CVC, YSMR, V, L or F shapes.

In high-temperature environments, performance and safety begin with the right choice of anchor and the right alloy.

Not sure which anchor suits your system best?
Our SILICON Metallurgical Experts are here to help. With deep industry knowledge and hands-on experience, they’ll guide you toward the optimal solution for your specific incinerator type and operating conditions.

Refractory Anchor Installations in Refinery and Sour Gas Incinerators

Left - SpeedVee® Installation by 2 RAW Quality Control Technicians & 1 D20 machine at the Refinery’s Incinerator in the USA, 2023

Right - SpeedVee® Installation by 1 RAW Project Manager and 1 RAW Operator & 2 D20 machines at Sour Gas Plant Incinerator in Canada, 2024

Join us in advancing the power and potential

of Waste-to-Energy technologies. By investing in progressive tools and precision welding services, you’re not just protecting your plant, you’re shaping a more sustainable tomorrow.

Share this article