Global Dry Ramming Mass Market - 2024-2031

Overview

Global Dry Ramming Mass Market reached US$ 2.3 Billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 3.9 Billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Dry ramming mass is a type of refractory material used in the manufacture and maintenance of furnaces and other high-temperature processing devices. It is a dry, granular combination made up of refractory pebbles, powders and bonding agents. The continuous urbanization and industrialization trend, spike in infrastructure development projects and increasing investments in the steel and metal sectors are the primary driving factors for market demand during the projected period.

Furthermore, the rapid growth of the steel industry has a beneficial impact on market growth around the globe. In accordance to the World Steel Association, crude steel production globally is expected to reach 1,951 Million Tons in 2021, up from 1,879 million tons in 2020. The robust growth of the steel industry, driven by expanding construction and infrastructure projects globally, fuels the demand for dry ramming mass.

In 2023, North America is expected to be the second-dominant region with over 20% of the global dry ramming mass market. Market players form strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions to increase their market presence and develop distribution networks in the region. In 2019, Plibrico, a North American refractory product company, combined with Vesuvius, a global supplier of refractory and high-performance materials. It established a global refractory leader with an established presence in the region and a larger range of dry ramming mass solutions.

Dynamics

Rising Performances in Furnaces

Boilers, especially those used in power generation, require refractory materials that can tolerate high temperatures and corrosive byproducts. Dry ramming mass is quite successful in this situation, offering superior resistance to thermal stress, corrosion and abrasion. The robustness extends the boiler's service life and ensures efficient thermal management.

In the chemical and nuclear industries, containment vessels require materials that can withstand chemical attacks and radiation damage. Dry ramming masses, particularly those high in alumina content, are preferred for their superior mechanical strength and inertness in harsh chemical conditions. Ramming masses made of alumina or alumina-silica are often preferred for their ability to maintain structural integrity when subjected to chemicals and high temperatures.

Excellent Corrosion Resistance of Alumina Ramming Mass

Alumina ramming mass is made up of high-quality alumina aggregates and fines combined with refractory clay & appropriate binders. Its use in the lining of induction furnaces helps to increase longevity and efficiency. Infrastructure projects such as the construction of highways, bridges, railways and buildings require substantial amounts of aluminum and other metals, creating demand for dry ramming mass utilized in the manufacturing of these materials.

Government programs and infrastructure projects drive up demand for dry ramming mass materials. For example, the Indian government announced an extensive National Infrastructure Pipeline with a funding commitment of US$ 1.5 trillion for fiscal years 2019-2025. Originally planned for 6,835 projects, the portfolio extended to 7,400 by the end of 2021, covering varied sectors such as highways, housing, urban development, railroads, renewable energy, conventional power and irrigation.

High Production Costs

Dry ramming mass is made up of a variety of raw materials, including refractory minerals, binders and additives. Prices for certain raw materials fluctuate due to factors such as supply-demand dynamics, geopolitical conflicts and currency fluctuations, which have an impact on manufacturers' production costs and profit margins. Dry ramming mass production requires a lot of energy and specific manufacturing techniques, which adds up to significant production costs.

Manufacturers confront hurdles in remaining competitive while dealing with rising prices. Some end-users choose alternative refractory materials or technologies, such as precast forms, monolithic refractories or ceramic fibers, since they are faster to install, perform better and are less expensive. The substitute poses a hurdle for the growth of the dry ramming mass market.

Segment Analysis

The global dry ramming mass market is segmented based on type, function, application and region.

Diverse Applications of Lining Drives the Segment Growth

Lining is expected to be the dominant segment with over 30% of the market during the forecast period 2024-2031. Refractory linings are crucial in ensuring the integrity of industrial operations. It resists high temperatures, chemical reactions and mechanical wear. As a result, there is a steady demand for high-quality refractory materials to line furnaces and other processing facilities.

Refractory linings are utilized in a variety of sectors, including steel, cement, glass, non-ferrous metals and petroleum. The many uses in several sectors lead to a sizable market for lining materials. Advances in refractory technology, especially the creation of high-performance and specialized lining materials, lead to the ongoing need for these materials in numerous industries.

Geographical Penetration

Rising Construction Projects in Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is expected to be the dominant region in the global dry ramming mass market covering over 30% of the market. The region's vast building and infrastructure projects, together with the installation of new industrial facilities, add to the growing need for refractory materials. The region's diverse manufacturing activities, which include automotive, electronics and heavy machinery manufacture, increase the reliance on furnaces and high-temperature equipment, needing long-lasting refractory linings.

Government actions that promote industrial growth and infrastructure development contribute to a strong market for dry ramming material. In the Philippines, the government planned an infrastructure-focused economic recovery in 2021, investing US$ 6.5 billion from the national budget to the Department of Public Works and Highways. The financing was directed to bridge construction, flood management, asset preservation and the building of transportation networks, showing a strategic priority on infrastructure projects for economic recovery.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include Saint Gobain, Dense Refractories Co. Ltd., Imperial World Trade Pvt. Ltd., Refcast Corporation, Vishva Vishal Refractory Limited, Casco Specialty Products, Inc., Gita Refractories Private Limited, Shenghe Refractories, RHI Magnesita N.V. and Henan Xinmi Changxing Refractory Material Co., Ltd.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

Lockdowns, travel restrictions and quarantine procedures imposed to stop the virus's spread have affected global supply networks. It has impacted the availability of raw materials used in the manufacture of dry ramming mass, potentially causing to shortages and price variations. Due to delays in construction projects, manufacturing activities and infrastructure development, the pandemic has resulted in lower demand from important end-use industries such as steel, foundries and nonferrous metals.

The decline in demand has had an influence on the consumption of dry ramming mass, which is largely used to line furnaces and kilns in these industries. The epidemic has caused many construction and industrial projects to be postponed or cancelled, resulting in a fall in demand for dry ramming mass materials. Uncertainty about the duration and severity of the pandemic has also discouraged investment in new projects, further affecting market development.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact

Ukraine and Russia are major sources of raw materials used in the production of dry ramming mass, including refractory minerals such magnesite, chromite and dolomite. Conflict-related disruptions in the production or supply of various basic resources resulted in globally market shortages and price changes. The region's instability caused swings in currency exchange rates and commodity prices, which affected the cost of raw materials for dry ramming mass manufacturers.

It increased production costs and, as a result, higher end-product pricing, affecting both manufacturers and consumers. The violence affected trade routes and transportation networks, impacting the export and import of dry ramming mass and other associated items. Slowdowns in shipments, increased freight costs and logistical issues affected supply chains, limiting market access for manufacturers and distributors.

By Type

• Alumina Ramming Mass
• Silica Ramming Mass
• Magnesia-based Ramming Mass
• Others

By Function

• Lining
• Patching
• Repairing
• Others

By Application

• Foundries
• Steel
• Electric Arc Furnace
• Blast Furnace
• Non-steel
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• In 2022, Saint-Gobain, a global leader in building supplies and construction solutions, has announced a partnership with Imerys to develop next-generation refractory materials, especially dry ramming mass, for the steel industry. The collaboration intends to harness the experience of both firms in developing novel and sustainable refractory solutions.
• In 2022, Imerys, a global pioneer in mineral-based solutions, has purchased Kerneos, a French manufacturer of refractory goods, including dry ramming mass. The acquisition strengthened Imerys' position in the refractory industry and expanded its product offering to encompass a greater range of dry ramming mass solutions.
• In 2020, Harbison-Walker International, a global provider of refractory products, merged with Morando, an Italian maker of refractory materials, mainly dry ramming mass. The merger formed a globally refractory powerhouse with a significant presence in the European market and a broader choice of dry ramming mass solutions.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global dry ramming mass market segmentation based on type, function, application and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of dry ramming mass market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global dry ramming mass market report would provide approximately 62 tables, 57 figures and 181 pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies