Steel refining electric furnaces, also known as arc furnaces, are widely used in steel and other metal works, including automobile, aerospace and engineering industries. In all areas, the primary requirement for a steel refining electric furnace is that it should be able to withstand a high temperature environment, and therefore it is important to use the right kind of refractory materials for the electric furnace lining.
One of the most popular materials used for such electric furnaces, particularly for their tops, is high-alumina refractory bricks. These bricks, as the name suggests, are made from high-alumina content raw materials, such as aluminosilicates, alumina-magnesia and clay. This means they are able to resist thermal shock, erosion and physical damage, so they are the ideal choice for lining electric furnace interiors.
High-alumina refractory bricks offer a number of advantages over conventional bricks, such as improved thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance and strength. They are also much lighter than conventional bricks, meaning they can be easily handled and installed more readily. Furthermore, they are very cost effective, as they can be produced in large and small batches at a fraction of the cost.
The bricks must also have a number of important features in order to be effective in an electric furnace top. They must be able to withstand the intense temperatures and pressures generated by the melting of steel, as well as the chemical and physical damage which may be caused by these processes. The alumina content of the bricks must also be carefully adjusted so as to minimise oxidation and optimize the thermal shock resistance of the brick.
The quality of the brick must also be tested in a number of areas. For example, the density and porosity of the brick should be determined, as well as its thermal resistance, coefficient of thermal expansion, thermal conductivity and acid slag resistance. The brick should also be tested for its refractoriness under load, chemical composition and crushing strength. The physical and chemical properties of the brick should also be tested to ensure their quality and ability to withstand an electric furnace interior.
In conclusion, the use of high-alumina refractory bricks for steel refining electric furnace lining is a cost-effective solution that offers a number of benefits. It is able to withstand high temperatures, corrosion and physical damage and is relatively light, meaning it can be easily handled and installed. The quality of the bricks must also be tested in a number of areas to ensure their ability to withstand the extreme conditions of a steel refining electric furnace interior in terms of heat, chemical and physical damage.
