Alumina refractory balls—also known as high alumina balls or ceramic refractory balls—are essential materials used in high-temperature furnaces, regenerative burners, petrochemical reactors, and ceramic kilns. They serve as heat-storage media and furnace linings, providing exceptional thermal stability, wear resistance, and mechanical strength.
What Is an Alumina Refractory Ball?
Alumina refractory balls are spherical ceramic materials made mainly from bauxite and industrial alumina through molding and high-temperature calcination. Their main component, Al₂O₃, determines their quality and application suitability.
Depending on the alumina content, they can be classified into:
- Low alumina balls (60–75% Al₂O₃) — economical, used in low-temperature furnaces.
- Medium alumina balls (85–90%) — suitable for chemical and glass industries.
- High alumina balls (92–99%) — used in steel, cement, and petrochemical furnaces.
These balls are designed to resist high thermal shock, chemical attack, and mechanical stress, ensuring longer furnace life and improved heat efficiency.
Current Alumina Refractory Ball Price (2025 Market Data)
The price of alumina refractory balls depends largely on purity, size, and origin. Based on 2025 data from Chinese suppliers, the general range is:
| Al₂O₃ Content (%) | Common Size (mm) | Price Range (USD/ton, FOB China) | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65–75% | 30–60 | 300–500 | Low-temperature furnaces |
| 85–90% | 40–80 | 500–700 | Glass and chemical plants |
| 92–95% | 40–80 | 700–900 | Cement and steel industry |
| 99% | 10–60 | 900–1200 | High-temperature regenerative furnaces |
➡️ Typical MOQ: 1 container (≈20 tons).
➡️ Packaging: 25 kg bags or 1 ton jumbo bags on wooden pallets.
Prices may fluctuate slightly depending on energy costs, bauxite price trends, and logistics.
Main Factors Affecting Alumina Refractory Ball Price
1. Alumina Content and Purity
The higher the Al₂O₃ percentage, the higher the melting point and resistance to slag corrosion.
- 65% Al₂O₃ balls: economical, for general furnace use.
- 92–99% Al₂O₃ balls: premium, used in petrochemical and steel furnaces.
Higher purity requires refined raw materials and precise sintering, increasing production cost.
2. Manufacturing Technology
Advanced production methods such as isostatic pressing or high-temperature tunnel kiln sintering produce balls with uniform density and low porosity, improving performance but slightly increasing cost.
3. Ball Size and Density
Larger balls (50–80 mm) consume more material and energy, while smaller ones (10–30 mm) are typically cheaper. Bulk density (e.g., 1.8–3.5 g/cm³) also influences price.
4. Freight and Delivery Terms
Freight from China to India, Vietnam, or the UAE can account for 15–25% of total landed cost. Buyers often prefer CIF or FOB quotes for accurate budgeting.
5. Order Quantity
Bulk orders (≥20 tons) receive better pricing due to reduced handling and packaging costs. Small-batch samples or trial orders are usually priced higher per ton.
Why Choose Henan Superior Abrasives (HSA)?
Henan Superior Abrasives (HSA) is a trusted manufacturer and exporter of high-quality alumina refractory balls in China. With years of experience in refractory materials and abrasives, HSA provides stable performance, reliable supply, and competitive pricing.
Product Range
- 65%, 75%, 90%, 92%, and 99% alumina refractory balls
- Spherical alumina and alumina grinding media available
- Custom sizes from 10 mm to 80 mm
Key Advantages
- Uniform structure, high compressive strength
- Excellent thermal shock resistance up to 1790 °C
- Low thermal expansion and chemical inertness
- Strict quality control with ISO 9001 certification
- Fast shipment from China ports (FOB/CIF options)
Typical Applications
- Regenerative furnaces and air preheaters
- Petrochemical reactors and reformers
- Ceramic kilns and incinerators
- Steel, cement, and glass plants
Whether you need standard alumina refractory balls or custom-engineered specifications, HSA provides dependable material solutions with professional export service.
Contact HSA today to get a customized quotation for your next furnace or kiln project.
FAQs
Q1: What is the typical alumina refractory ball price per ton?
A1: It ranges between USD 300–1200 / ton depending on alumina content and size.
Q2: What are alumina refractory balls used for?
A2: They are used in regenerative furnaces, steel plants, petrochemical reactors, and ceramic kilns as heat-storage and support media.
Q3: What size alumina balls are commonly available?
A3: Sizes range from 10 mm to 80 mm, with 40–60 mm being the most popular for heat-storage applications.
Q4: How do high alumina balls differ from ceramic balls?
A4: High alumina balls have higher Al₂O₃ content (≥90%), giving them superior refractoriness and durability compared to ordinary ceramic balls.
Q5: Does Henan Superior Abrasives supply alumina refractory balls internationally?
A5: Yes. HSA exports to India, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, UAE, and other global markets, providing both FOB and CIF options.