Equipment-specific anchor solutions for fired heaters, steam reformers, FCC units, sulphur recovery units, ethylene crackers, and CO boilers. Engineered for the extreme temperatures, corrosive atmospheres, and turnaround demands of the hydrocarbon processing industry.
Each piece of refinery equipment has unique temperature, chemical, and erosion conditions. Here's what works where — and why.
Fired heaters are the most common refractory-lined equipment in any refinery. The radiant section operates at the highest temperatures and uses ceramic fiber modules with twist-lock or cup-lock anchors, or castable linings with Y-type and V-type metallic anchors. The convection section runs cooler and typically uses fiber blankets with pin anchors. Burner blocks require dense castable with closely-spaced SS310 anchors.
Reformer fireboxes operate under reducing hydrogen-rich atmospheres that accelerate metal degradation. Target walls and tunnels endure direct flame impingement. SS310 is standard for most firebox anchoring, but Inconel 600 is specified for target walls and zones with direct flame contact. Low-iron castables are critical to prevent carbon monoxide disintegration.
The FCC unit is the most complex refractory consumer in a refinery. The regenerator and reactor vessels use castable linings anchored with hex-metal grids or Y-type anchors in SS310. Cyclone interiors face severe catalyst erosion requiring abrasion-resistant castable with tightly-spaced corrugated anchors. Transfer lines and risers use hex-metal anchoring for maximum erosion resistance.
The SRU thermal reactor operates at the highest temperatures in the refinery under the most corrosive conditions — H₂S, SO₂, and reducing atmospheres attack both refractory and anchors aggressively. Brick is the preferred hot-face material for the Claus reactor, with Inconel anchors for brick retention. Oxygen enrichment further increases operating temperatures, making material selection even more critical.
Ethylene cracker fireboxes operate at very high temperatures with hydrocarbon-rich atmospheres that promote carburization of metallic anchors. SS310 is standard for most firebox anchoring, but zones near TLE (transfer line exchangers) and quench systems may require Inconel 601 for its superior carburization resistance. Low-iron castables are mandatory to prevent metal dusting.
CO boilers process hot flue gas from the FCC regenerator and experience thermal shock from fluctuating gas temperatures. Flare stacks and vent systems face thermal cycling from intermittent operation. SS304 is adequate for cooler duct sections, while SS310 is specified for CO boiler internals and areas subject to higher temperatures or reducing atmospheres.
Standard for heater walls, vessel linings, duct work. Corrugated arms for castable grip.
Details →Heavy-duty for SRU reactors, reformer target walls, dense castable applications.
Details →FCC transfer lines, risers, cyclone interiors. Maximum erosion resistance.
Details →Twist-lock, cup-lock for fiber modules. Brick clips, shelf anchors. Build-to-print.
Submit Drawing →| Equipment | Temperature | Grade | Why This Grade | Key Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fired Heater — Radiant | 800–1100°C | SS 310 | Oxidation resistance at sustained high temp | Flame impingement |
| Fired Heater — Convection | 400–700°C | SS 304 | Cost-effective for moderate temperatures | Flue gas corrosion |
| Reformer Firebox | 900–1100°C | SS 310 | Hydrogen atmosphere resistance | Reducing atmosphere |
| Reformer Target Wall | 1000–1100°C | Inconel 600 | Direct flame + hydrogen degradation | Creep + carburization |
| FCC Regenerator / Reactor | 650–760°C | SS 310 | Erosion + oxidation resistance for catalyst service | Catalyst erosion |
| FCC Transfer Lines | 500–650°C | SS 310 | Hex-metal erosion resistance | High-velocity catalyst |
| SRU Thermal Reactor | 1100–1350°C | Inconel 600/625 | Only grades resistant to H₂S/SO₂ at >1100°C | Sulphidation attack |
| Ethylene Cracker Firebox | 900–1150°C | SS 310 | High-temp stability in hydrocarbon atmosphere | Carburization |
| CO Boiler | 600–900°C | SS 310 | Thermal shock + reducing flue gas resistance | Thermal cycling |
The oil and gas industry is the largest single consumer of refractory anchoring systems worldwide. Every refinery and petrochemical plant contains dozens of refractory-lined equipment items — from fired heaters and reformers to FCC units, sulphur recovery units, and ethylene crackers — each requiring precisely engineered anchoring systems to secure their refractory linings against extreme temperatures, corrosive process gases, and mechanical stresses.
Santura Engineering has been a trusted supplier of refractory anchors to the petroleum and petrochemical industry since 2005. Our anchors are installed in refineries and petrochemical complexes operated by Saudi Aramco, ADNOC, Shell, TotalEnergies, Reliance Industries, IOCL, and other major operators across the Middle East, India, Europe, and the Americas.
Refinery equipment typically operates continuously for 2–5 years between planned maintenance turnarounds. During this period, refractory linings must remain intact to protect steel shells from process temperatures that can exceed 1300°C in SRU thermal reactors. Anchor failure during a run can force an unplanned shutdown — costing millions in lost production and emergency repairs. Selecting the right anchor material, type, and spacing for each equipment item is not optional; it is a fundamental reliability decision.
The petroleum industry relies on API standards for refractory design and installation. API 560 governs fired heater design including refractory specifications. API 936 covers refractory installation quality control. Santura's anchors are manufactured to support these standards — with full material traceability, EN 10204 3.1 MTRs, and compliance with ASTM material specifications referenced in API documents.
Planned turnarounds are the lifeblood of refinery maintenance. Santura supports turnaround schedules with advance manufacturing of project-specific anchor packages, ready-stock dispatch within 48 hours for standard items, and air freight capability for emergency requirements. Our annual production capacity of 5 million+ anchors means we can handle multiple simultaneous turnaround orders without compromising delivery schedules.
As refineries transition to hydrogen-rich fuel blends under decarbonization mandates, fired heater operating temperatures are expected to increase — requiring upgrades in refractory lining design and anchor metallurgy. Santura's range extends from standard SS304 through SS310 and SS321 to Inconel 600, 625, and Incoloy 800H, ensuring we can supply anchors for both current operations and the hydrogen-ready future of petrochemical processing.
Send your equipment specifications or engineering drawings and receive a detailed quote within 24 hours. We support both planned turnarounds and emergency requirements.