What are the requirements for refractories in the metallurgical industry

The requirements for refractories in the metallurgical industry are very stringent because metallurgical processes involve extreme conditions such as high temperatures, aggressive substances and mechanical stress. The following are the main requirements for refractories in the metallurgical industry:

1. High temperature resistance: metallurgical process needs to withstand extremely high temperature, for example, the temperature of blast furnace in steelmaking process can reach above 1500 ℃. Therefore, refractory materials need to have excellent high temperature resistance and be able to withstand chemical reactions and physical changes at high temperatures.

2. Corrosion resistance: various acidic, alkaline and oxidizing substances are often involved in the metallurgical process, such as metal oxides, molten metals and coolants. Refractory materials need to have excellent chemical resistance to prevent corrosion and wear.

3. Resistance to slag holes: During the metallurgical process, metal liquids and gases will come into contact with refractory materials, and slag holes (permeability) are likely to occur. A suitable refractory material needs to have a low slag void rate to prevent the penetration of metal and gas and ensure the stability and efficiency of the smelting process.

4. Mechanical strength: Refractory materials need to have sufficient mechanical strength to resist pressure from gravity, thermal expansion and mechanical stress. In metallurgical equipment, refractory materials must be able to withstand the stress caused by factors such as loading, vibration and cooling.

5. Good thermal conductivity: Some metallurgical processes need to conduct or dissipate heat. Therefore, refractory materials need to have appropriate thermal conductivity to ensure that heat can be transferred or dissipated effectively to improve the energy efficiency of the smelting process.

6. Wear resistance: The metallurgical process is often accompanied by particle flow, mechanical movement and wear. Good wear resistance helps reduce refractory wear and damage, lower maintenance costs, and extend equipment life.

7. Thermal shock performance: During the metallurgical process, the temperature changes drastically, and thermal shock is easy to occur. Refractory materials need to have good thermal shock crack resistance to maintain durability and stability and reduce cracking caused by thermal stress.

In addition, the metallurgical industry has other requirements for refractory materials, such as good chemical stability, low smoke emission and environmental friendliness. Refractory manufacturers usually provide specially customized refractories according to different metallurgical processes and equipment requirements, and provide customers with technical support and solutions to ensure optimal performance and safety.