Refractory materials for iron and steel metallurgy are indispensable and important materials in the process of iron and steel smelting. They are mainly used for the lining of smelting equipment such as blast furnaces, converters, and electric furnaces to protect the equipment from high temperature erosion. The following is a detailed introduction to refractory materials for iron and steel metallurgy:
1. Types
There are many types of refractory materials for iron and steel metallurgy, which can be divided into three categories according to their composition: acidic, alkaline and neutral.
Acidic refractory materials: mainly composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂), with good acid resistance. For example, quartz bricks are made of quartz sand, with high refractoriness, but good acid resistance and poor alkali resistance. Alumina silicate bricks contain bauxite or bauxite, and have good thermal and chemical stability.
Alkaline refractory materials: mainly composed of magnesium oxide (MgO) or calcium oxide (CaO), suitable for alkaline environments. Magnesia brick is the most important product among alkaline refractory materials. Its main component is magnesium oxide. It has the characteristics of high refractoriness and good corrosion resistance to iron oxides, alkaline slag and high calcium flux. Lime brick is made of quicklime and converted into calcium oxide. It is mainly used in blast furnace linings.
Neutral refractory materials: It has the characteristics of compatibility between acidity and alkalinity and is mainly used in high-temperature furnaces. Such as chrome bricks, chromium-containing materials, high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance, mainly used in steel smelting and other industries. Mullite bricks are mainly composed of mullite, have good thermal stability and strength, and are made of clay ore after high-temperature sintering. The refractoriness is generally between 1200~1400℃, and it has a wide range of uses and is suitable for various furnace linings.
In addition, there are some special refractory materials, such as high-alumina products (such as andalusite bricks, high-alumina unfired electric furnace top bricks, etc.), corundum spinel monolithic castables, aluminum-magnesium refractory castables, etc. These materials have excellent refractoriness and corrosion resistance and are widely used in the field of steel metallurgy.
2. Performance requirements
The requirements for refractory materials in the steel smelting process are very strict, mainly including the following points:
High refractoriness: refractory materials should be able to withstand high temperatures to ensure the normal operation of smelting equipment.
Good thermal shock resistance: able to withstand rapid changes in temperature to prevent cracks and fractures in the furnace lining refractory materials.
High strength: able to withstand not too high compressive stress and friction under high and low temperature conditions.
Strong corrosion resistance: has the ability to resist the corrosion of slag (including acidic slag and alkaline slag).
Can withstand the huge liquid pressure and buoyancy of molten metal: ensure safety and stability during the smelting process.
3. Application
Refractory materials for steel metallurgy are widely used as lining materials for smelting equipment such as blast furnaces, converters, and electric furnaces to protect the equipment from high temperature erosion. At the same time, they are also used as lining materials for various chemical reactors and thermal equipment to ensure the stable operation of the equipment under harsh environments such as high temperature, high pressure, and corrosion. In addition, they are also widely used in the lining and insulation materials of equipment such as boilers, flues, and dust collectors.
IV. Development Trends
With the continuous advancement of steel smelting technology and the increasing environmental protection requirements, refractory materials for steel metallurgy are developing towards high performance, high environmental protection and long life. In the future, refractory materials for steel metallurgy will pay more attention to the improvement of high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance and environmental protection performance of materials to meet the higher needs of the steel smelting industry.
Refractory materials for steel metallurgy play a vital role in the steel smelting process. They are of various types and different properties, and are widely used in lining materials of smelting equipment such as blast furnaces, converters, electric furnaces, and lining materials of various chemical reactors and thermal equipment. With the continuous advancement of technology and the improvement of environmental protection requirements, refractory materials for steel metallurgy will continue to upgrade and develop, providing strong support for the sustainable development of the steel smelting industry.
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