| abstract |
Methods for increasing the lifetime of a casting slurry are described. One feature of the invention is processing refractory powders at a first hydration level to produce powders having a second, lower hydration level before the processed materials are used to form casting slurries. Processing according to the disclosed methods results in a substantial increase in the lifetime of a slurry made using such processed materials compared to slurries made using materials not processed as described herein. One embodiment of the method comprises heat processing at least one refractory powder, typically refractory powders which have undergone hydration subsequent to commercial production, for a period of time sufficient to reduce the amount of hydration from a first hydration level to a second hydration level. A slurry is formed using the refractory powder at an hydration level which provides an increased slurry lifetime relative to the same material without processing according to the method of the present invention. Slurry formation can be accomplished substantially immediately after processing, or up to about one week after processing, typically less than 24 hours after processing, and even more typically within 2 hours to about 8 hours after processing. |