📍 Project Overview
We were called to a crematorium in the north of the UK following unscheduled downtime caused by refractory failure. Our inspection revealed:
- Secondary chamber tile failure restricting airflow
- Incorrect support tiles on a major wall of the primary chamber
- Extensive spalling of secondary chamber bricks
These issues were caused by the use of incorrect materials by a third-party installer, leading to hotspots, restricted air/gas flow, and the risk of catastrophic failure.
The client required a rapid, permanent solution to bring the unit back online safely and efficiently.
🛠 Scope of Works
- Full inspection and assessment of primary and secondary chambers
- Removal of all failed and incorrectly installed tiles/bricks
- Supply of correct refractory materials for high-temperature cremation applications
- Rebuild of all secondary and primary chamber walls to the correct widths to ensure proper air and gas flow
- Continuous on-site work over 1 week with two shifts (days & nights) to meet urgent programme requirements
🧱 Materials & Methods
- High-alumina firebrick for primary and secondary chambers
- Heat-resistant castables for critical joints and corners
- Correct support tiles to maintain structural integrity and airflow
- Precision installation to ensure chamber geometry and consistent gas flow
Our team’s experience allowed us to rapidly assemble the right materials and workforce, delivering a safe, high-quality relining under extreme time pressure.
⚙ Challenges
- Significant existing damage to secondary and primary chambers
- Need to restore airflow and prevent hotspots
- Tight one-week schedule requiring 24-hour shifts
- Correcting previous installation errors while maintaining structural integrity
✅ Results
- Full reline completed in 1 week, restoring the cremator to full operation
- Correct chamber widths ensured consistent airflow and gas flow
- Elimination of spalling and hotspots, preventing future failures
- Safe, high-quality work with minimal disruption to crematorium operations
The project demonstrates JIC Refractory’s ability to rapidly respond to critical failures, delivering durable, high-standard solutions in time-sensitive situations.
