Shermesh is a
metallic hexagonal grid system which is used to hold a castable lining to a sheet of
metal. Shermesh resists degradation due to abrasion, corrosion, thermal and shock loads,
and excessive coke buildup. It acts to retain and reinforce the castable against cracking
and spalling, and to limit the propagation of damage to it.
Shermesh will greatly increase the service life of refractory beyond
almost any other form of anchoring. Catastrophic rapid spalling of linings does not occur
with Shermesh, since it is retained by many welds working together, unlike S-bars, Y
anchors, and similar anchoring systems. Lance type Shermesh provides maximum anchoring of
Shermesh, with two tabs per cell being physically interlocked with the castable.
Application of refractory is quick and reliable, since slotted holes in all faces promote
flow between individual cells. Shermesh is flexible, being able to conform to any radius
over 8 inches. It is strong in both tension and compression, and is far less liable to
injure castable installers than most competitive single anchors. Shermesh is available in
¾ in. or 1 in. depth.
For use with monolithic (single layer) linings, Shermesh is welded
directly to the inside surface of the vessel and is filled with castable refractory.
Shermesh can also be used with multi-component linings by spacing it away from the vessel
face using studs and washers. Insulating castable is applied to the vessel surface between
the studs to the specified thickness, washers are welded to the studs, and the Shermesh
welded to the washers. The final layer is then gunned or packed into the mesh.
Shermesh is a superlative reinforcement and wearing surface for
ordinary concrete floors, as it minimizes the possibility of long cracks and spalling. The
hexagonal cells allow the outer surface of the cement to pre-crack locally, relieving
stress, and allowing the material to breathe and flex without spalling. Expansion joints
can be eliminated in most cases, providin a natural skid-resistant surface. When a
Shermesh reinforced floor does begin to wear, the metal edges peen over, increasing the
wear-resistant steel surface, while maintaining a safe, non-skid surface. Installation is
straightforward on both new surfaces and retrofits. Contact P. Sherman's technical
department for further information.