From October 27 – 30, 2025, in Cancun, Mexico, team members from HWI and Calderys will present seven technical papers at UNITECR 2025, a biennial global hub where refractories experts unite to drive sustainable innovation. The contributions reflect the Group’s deep commitment to sustainability, innovation, and advancing intelligence-based solutions across the full refractory lifecycle. With the aim to assist our clients in their energy transitions and boost efficiency, HWI and Calderys’ experts have conducted the following studies focusing on three main areas:
Focus 1: Sustainability & Recycling
- Evaluating the impact of recycled magnesia carbon refractories on furnace lining performance
Author: Samantha Garnier (HWI, A member of Calderys)
This study explores how recycled magnesia-carbon bricks affect the quality and performance of new bricks in steel furnaces. It evaluates how impurities in reclaimed materials impact mechanical and thermal behavior, with the aim of optimizing recycling in refractory production.
- Enhancing recycled refractory quality by lining design and steelmaking practice
Author: David Hartwich (HWI, A member of Calderys)
Focuses on improving the recyclability of magnesia-carbon bricks through smarter lining design and operational practices. The study identifies methods to enhance the quality of recycled aggregates, reducing the need for high-purity virgin materials and improving circularity in steelmaking.
Focus 2: Hydrogen & Decarbonization
- Impact of refractory composition on the yield of reduction by hydrogen
Authors: Gaurav Sinha, Saumen Sinha, Indranath Chakraborty, Rajesh Bisen, Pratanu Nag, Kazi Asif Ahmed (Calderys India)
This paper examines how hydrogen as a reducing agent can deteriorate oxide-based refractories. It identifies key factors like raw material selection and mineralogy that influence resistance to hydrogen corrosion in high-temperature environments.
- Effect of the use of hydrogen on refractories installed in DRI processes and the associated carbon impact Author: Michael Clark (HWI, A member of Calderys)
Analyzes how the transition to higher use of hydrogen in Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) reactors impacts refractory wear and the carbon footprint of associated refractory solutions. Offers guidance on materials that can support the steel industry’s decarbonization goals.
Focus 3: Material Science & Testing Innovation
- Numerical modeling of pressure build-up in castable specimens during explosive spalling tests Authors: Hirotaka Goto, Atsushi Sasaki, Kazuaki Komiya (Calderys Japan)
A study on modeling moisture migration and pore pressure build-up during drying of castables. Emphasizes the importance of bonding systems like colloidal silica for safer, energy-efficient drying.
- Impact of bulk & matrix chemistry on thermomechanical properties of dense refractory bricks Authors: Gaurav Sinha, Saumen Sinha, Indranath Chakraborty, Pratanu Nag, Kazi Asif Ahmed (Calderys India)
This study correlates the creep behavior of Alumino-Silicate Bricks and Castables with matrix composition and liquid viscosity. The study also introduces new insights into secondary creep prediction through mineralogical and thermodynamic analysis.
- Development of a unidirectional sintering test for EAF hearth DVM characterization
Author: Ben Burk (HWI, A Member of Calderys)
Introduces a new sintering test to evaluate a refractory dry vibratable mass for DC steel furnace bottoms. The test aids in developing high-performance mixes by simulating real heat gradients, enabling longer refractory campaigns.
With expertise from all around the world, HWI and Calderys are proud to contribute to this global forum and continue pushing boundaries of refractory innovation.
Full program available on UNITECR website: https://unitecr2025.com/program
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About HWI, A member of Calderys
HWI is one of the leading suppliers of refractory products and services in the United States, with a history that spans 160 years. It is part of Calderys and is the brand for the Americas region of the Group. HWI operates an extensive network of manufacturing sites and distribution centers across the Americas, along with the largest refractory industry research facility in North America. Serving virtually every major industry that requires refractory solutions to enhance production and protect assets, HWI is consistently recognized for its talented experts, industry firsts, and intensely driven excellence.
For more information, visit https://thinkhwi.com