What is the difference between LCC, ULCC and conventional castable?

Conventional castable: 15–30% cement, easy install, moderate hot strength, used in backup and non-critical zones. LCC: 3–5% cement, higher density and slag resistance, used in working linings of ladles and high-duty zones. ULCC (ultra-low cement): under 3% cement, highest density and hot strength, used in critical wear zones. The lower the cement, the longer the dry-out and the higher the price.

How long should an LCC lining be dried out?

A typical 200–300 mm thick LCC lining requires a controlled dry-out of 24–72 hours. Standard schedule: ambient to 110°C at 10–15°C/hr, hold 12 hours, then 30°C/hr to 350°C, hold 8 hours, then 50°C/hr to operating temperature. Skipping dry-out causes steam explosion (spalling) — the single most common failure of new castable linings.

How long does an LCC steel ladle working lining last?

Modern 70–80% Al₂O₃ LCC ladle working linings deliver 80–140 heats between relines depending on steel grade, holding time, slag chemistry and ladle furnace use. Slag-line areas wear faster and are usually patched with gunning at 30–50 heat intervals. Argon-purging and electrode arcing zones may need spot repair every 15–20 heats.

What grades of LCC do you supply?

We supply 60% Al₂O₃ LCC for tundish and general ladle backup, 70% Al₂O₃ LCC for standard ladle working linings, 80% Al₂O₃ LCC with spinel addition for premium ladle and steel-treatment work, and 90% Al₂O₃ self-flow LCC for complex shapes and nozzles. Authorised CUMI dealer; also Calderys and IFGL grades stocked.

Can LCC be installed by gunning or shotcreting?

Standard LCC is installed by vibration casting. For gunning and shotcreting, use a specifically-formulated LCC-gunning blend or a self-flow LCC — these have modified particle size distributions and additives. Mixing standard cast LCC with high water and gunning it gives poor density and short life. Always check the data sheet for the recommended placement method.

Low Cement Castable (LCC) | CUMI Authorized Dealer | Steel Ladle & Tundish

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Low cement castables (LCC) contain only 3–5% hydraulic cement binder, far less than conventional castables. This translates to dramatically higher hot strength, superior slag resistance, reduced porosity, and better thermal shock resistance. LCC is the dominant monolithic refractory in India's steel ladles, tundishes, and torpedo cars.

KEY PROPERTIES

Cement Content

3 – 5% (CA-80 grade)

Max Grain Size

6 – 10 mm (standard)

Water Addition

4.5 – 5.5% by weight

Installation Method

Vibro-cast, pump, trowel

De-moulding Time

16 – 24 hrs at ambient

Dry-out Requirement

Mandatory — see schedule

APPLICATIONS

Steel ladle barrel, cone, and bottom

Tundish working lining

Torpedo car barrel lining

Reheating furnace hearth & skid pipes

Hot metal mixer lining

Blast furnace cast house runners

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Grade	Al₂O₃	Cement	Bulk Density	CCS (110°C)	CCS (1200°C)	Max Temp
LCC-60	58-62%	4-5%	2.60 g/cc	40 MPa	80 MPa	1650°C
LCC-70	68-72%	3-4%	2.70 g/cc	50 MPa	100 MPa	1700°C
LCC-80	78-82%	3-4%	2.90 g/cc	60 MPa	120 MPa	1750°C
LCC-85	83-87%	2-3%	3.00 g/cc	70 MPa	140 MPa	1800°C

* Test conditions: IS 1528 (India) / ASTM C-133 / EN 1402. Values are typical — exact data sheets available on request.

AVAILABLE GRADES

LCC-60LCC-70LCC-80LCC-85

INSTALLATION NOTES

1
Pre-wet forms and ensure they are leak-proof before casting
2
Mix with measured water (4.5–5.5%) in a pan mixer for 5–8 minutes to achieve flow
3
Cast in layers no thicker than 300 mm and vibrate thoroughly to eliminate voids
4
Cover with polythene sheet after casting to retain moisture during curing (24 hrs minimum)
5
Critical dry-out: 25°C→110°C at 20°C/hr, hold 12 hrs; 110°C→300°C at 15°C/hr, hold 8 hrs; then 30°C/hr to operating temperature
6
Never accelerate dry-out with open flame — steam explosion risk

WHY BUY FROM SHANKER AGENCIES

Shanker Agencies is the strategic supply partner for Calderys and TRL Krosaki LCC products in Delhi NCR. We provide on-site technical support, dry-out monitoring, and mixing/pumping equipment rental.

PARTNER BRANDS

Calderys India TRL Krosaki CUMI Super Refractories Mahakoshal

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A low cement castable is a monolithic refractory containing only 3–5% calcium aluminate cement binder, far less than the 15–30% in conventional castables. The reduced cement content gives much higher hot strength, lower porosity, better slag resistance and improved thermal shock performance. LCC is the dominant monolithic refractory in modern steel ladles, tundishes, torpedo cars and reheating furnaces.

QUICK INFORMATION

Max Temperature

1750°C

MORE IN UNSHAPED REFRACTORIES

Ultra Low Cement Castables (ULCC)

Premium monolithics with <1.5% cement for the most demanding high-wear zones

Ramming Masses

Dense dry/moist masses for jointless induction furnace linings

Gunning Materials

Pneumatically applied repair mixes — minimise downtime with in-situ hot repairs

$Refractory Mortars$

Refractory Mortars

High alumina, fireclay, basic and acid-proof mortars for jointing, finishing and minor repair work

READY TO ORDER OR NEED A SAMPLE?

Our engineers can recommend the exact grade for your application. Sample kits available for trials. No minimum order on standard grades.

Get a Quote Call +91 98999 57888

LOW CEMENT CASTABLES (LCC)