THERMAL CERAMICS IN ALUMINUM AND STEEL INDUSTRY
Advanced Monolithic Refractories for Lining Aluminum Melting & Holding Furnaces
History of Refractory Linings in Aluminum Melting Furnaces
- Melting & holding furnaces traditionally lined with brick.
- Tri-Mor monolithic refractories first used in roof and upper walls.
History of Tri-Mor Monolithic Linings in Aluminum Furnaces
Introduction of Low Cement Castables
- In 1980’s Tri-Mor Low Cement Castables first used in high wear areas such as ramps.
- Tri-Mor LCC’s have ultrahigh strengths and good abrasion resistance.
- Good performance in these areas increased their used to other areas of the furnace.
Alcast Extra Installed into hearth of 80T capacity holding furnace
Failure Mechanisms of Refractory Linings in Aluminum Furnaces
- Corundum growth
- Mechanical damage
- Metal penetration
- Thermal shock
- Erosion
- Chemical attack
Corundum Growth in Furnace Linings
- Hard, high temperature form of aluminum oxide
- 4Al(l)+ 3SiO2(s) 2Al2O3(s) + 3Si(l)
- Reduces furnace operating efficiency
- Eventually leads to premature failure of refractory lining
Factors Affecting Corundum Growth
- Temperature
- Alloy Composition
- Furnace Atmosphere
- Furnace Housekeeping
- Refractory Lining
Effect of Furnace Temperature on Corundum Growth
- Increasing furnace temperatures has a dramatic effect on formation of corundum
- Particularly with alloys high in Silicon
IRON & STEEL - REFRACTORIES FOR PRODUCTION & TREATMENT
Steel plant – scheme
Walking Beam Furnace
Pipe Reheat Walking Beam Furnace
Walking Hearth Furnace
Pusher Furnace
Rotary Hearth Furnace
Bogie Furnace for Heat Treatment
Strip Galvanizing Line (1): Preheating & Free flame Sections
Strip Galvanizing Line (2): Radiant Tube & Connection Sections
Strip Galvanizing Line (3): Hot Bridle & Dip Bath Sections
Bell-Type Furnace
