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This standard provides the curing requirements for VESUVIUS castables and gun mixes that
contain hydraulic cement. This standard is appropriate for all VESUVIUS hydraulic castables
and gun mixes including the following product types:
ACTCHEM VC Castables
ALU-DRI LT WT Castables
ALUGARD Castables
CERCAST Castables

CERGUN Gunning Mixes

CRITERION Castables
DURAFLO Castables
LITE WATE Castables

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Hydraulic cement refractory castables and gun mixes are composed of a mixture of refractory
aggregate and calcium aluminate cement. When water is added, the castable or gun mix
develops structural strength through hydraulic setting (cold-setting) at ambient temperatures of
50F to 90F (10C to 30C). Setting of castables and gun mixes leads to an evolution of heat
that results in a temperature rise of the refractory mass and evaporation of water from the mix.
Calcium aluminate cement castables and gun mixes are considered to have an initial set when
the surface becomes firm. The time to the initial set may be determined by rubbing a finger
across the surface of the refractory. If the finger stays clean, the cement may be considered to
have an initial set. The initial set should occur within four hours after placement.
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Curing of exposed castable surfaces should start immediately after the refractory has set.
To develop proper strength, free moisture must be present during the entire curing period.
Waterproof forms used for the placement of castables need not be wetted during the curing
period except when ambient temperatures are excessive.

Any non-field technical advice furnished by Seller with reference to the use of its Products is given gratis, and Seller assumes no
obligation or liability for the advice given or the results obtained. All such advice is given and accepted at Buyers sole risk.
ACTCHEM is a trademark.
ALUGARD is a registered trademark in the following jurisdictions: US, CA.
CERCAST is a trademark.
CERGUN is a trademark.
CRITERION is a registered trademark in the following jurisdictions: CA, JP, SE, VE, KR, CN, CL, US, MX.
DURAFLO is a registered trademark.
LITE WATE is a registered trademark in the following jurisdictions: US, EU.

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Extreme ambient temperatures during the curing period will adversely affect the strength of
the refractory. During curing, the atmospheric temperature should not be allowed to fall
below 50F (10C) nor should it exceed 90F (30C). Low temperatures can cause
incomplete hydration and/or the formation of unstable hydrates. Excessive heat can cause a
flash set or the incomplete hydration of the cement.
Should the temperatures fall outside the recommended ranges, corrective action is
necessary. An insulating cover can be used to retain the heat or water sprays can be used
for cooling. The refractory must not be allowed to freeze during the curing period.
Curing of castables can be controlled by keeping the surface wet or by maintaining a humid
atmosphere. Water sprays, fog nozzles or wet burlap (hessian in Australasia) may be used
to keep the surface cool and moist. The rate of water application should be carefully
controlled to prevent washing of the fines or collection of water in low spots. Curing should
continue twenty-four (24) to forty-eight (48) hours or until the heat of hydration has
dissipated.
A second option for controlling the curing process is to apply vapor-proof membranes over
exposed refractory surfaces. This should be done within thirty (30) minutes of installation.
This procedure is of particular advantage under conditions where extreme ambient
temperatures are encountered or where facilities for water spray curing are not available or
not practical. Vapor-proof membranes form a moisture barrier preventing the evaporation
water.
Water Spray Curing Method:
The traditional method for curing hydraulic cement refractory involves frequent spraying with
water starting about two (2) hours after placement and continuing to about twenty-four (24)
hours after placement. Water spraying keeps the exposed surface of the refractory damp so
moisture will be available for the hydration of the cement and for the cooling of the refractory.
This procedure requires labor over several consecutive shifts.

Any non-field technical advice furnished by Seller with reference to the use of its Products is given gratis, and Seller assumes no
obligation or liability for the advice given or the results obtained. All such advice is given and accepted at Buyers sole risk.

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Damp Room Curing Method:

This is a standard laboratory method and is conducted in a room or container at about 96%
relative humidity and a temperature of 80F (25C) for twenty-four (24) hours.
Membrane Curing Method:
On sections greater than twelve inches (305mm) thick, the membrane method is preferred.
The water spray method can create temperature gradients in thick refractory sections, which
can cause tensile stresses at the refractory surface. The membrane method achieves a more
even temperature profile within thick refractories.
On sections greater than 15 thick (380mm), internal cooling should be considered. This can
be accomplished by inserting plastic tubing within the castable and circulating water within this
tubing during the curing stages.
Membrane curing, in addition to contributing to higher strengths, helps prevent surface
cracking. Furthermore, scaffolding can be removed as soon as the membrane is applied.
However, the membrane curing compounds should be selected with caution. Some drying oils,
inorganic salts, and other compounds can cause soft surfaces or interfere with the setting of
cements.

Any non-field technical advice furnished by Seller with reference to the use of its Products is given gratis, and Seller assumes no
obligation or liability for the advice given or the results obtained. All such advice is given and accepted at Buyers sole risk.

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In North America and Australasia curing compounds should meet ASTM C-309-89, Type 1 or
Type 1-D, Class B. The following commercial curing compounds are available in the United
States:
Aqua Resin Cure
Aquabar
Horn Cure
Hydrocide
Kurez
Masturecure
Tru-cure

Burke Co., Bristol, PA

Aquakor Co., Philadelphia, PA
A.C. Horn Co., Inc., Long Island City, NY
L. Sonneborn Sons, Inc., New York, NY
Euclid Chemicals, Cleveland, OH
Master Builders Co., Cleveland, OH
Truscon Labs, Detroit, MI

Masterkure 100WB MBT Australia, Sydney, New South Wales

Gripit 3855

N.B. Love Adhesives, Adelaide, South Australia

Brisbane, Queensland
Melbourne, Victoria
Sydney, New South Wales
Perth, Western Australia

If you have any questions concerning this or any other Vesuvius Engineering Standard
document please contact the Vesuvius Engineering Department.

Any non-field technical advice furnished by Seller with reference to the use of its Products is given gratis, and Seller assumes no
obligation or liability for the advice given or the results obtained. All such advice is given and accepted at Buyers sole risk.