The Baotou Research Institute of Rare Earth Tianjin Branch's key technical achievements in rare-earth-based infrared radiation energy-saving materials and new rare earth thermal insulation grouting materials were recently selected among 10 representative achievements of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region's science and technology "breakthrough" project.

Industrial kilns are calcination equipment built with refractory materials and are one of the most important thermal equipment in high energy consuming industries.

In 2021, the Baotou Research Institute of Rare Earth Tianjin Branch and Baotou Aide Kiln Technology Co established a research and development team for rare earth refractory materials, focusing on the characteristics of high-temperature environments and the complex working conditions of kilns, while exploring new technological innovations in the field of "rare earth + refractory materials".

The research team of the branch has established a technical route for rare earth waste utilization and energy-saving refractory materials after multiple experiments and communication, breaking through the technical bottleneck of traditional waste residue treatment and recycling.

Rare earth infrared radiation coating is applied to the heating surface of the furnace wall, while rare earth modified insulation grouting material is used for insulation lining above the blast furnace belly, together increasing the energy utilization rate of industrial kilns by more than 10 percent and providing a cost-effective "rare earth + refractory" insulation new material for industrial kilns.

Rare earth infrared radiation coating technology has been applied in 18 industrial kilns. Rare earth modified insulation grouting material has completed a 20-metric-ton industrial test in a high-temperature industrial kiln of a large steel enterprise in China, achieving a waste utilization rate of over 95 percent, providing solid technical support for green energy conservation, cost reduction and efficiency improvement of related enterprises.