Degradation mechanisms and use of refractory linings in copper production processes: A critical review

The effect of a temperature gradient on the phase formation inside a magnesia–chromite refractory in contact with a non-ferrous PbO–SiO2–MgO slag

“…The obtained temperature profile is used below together with the slag measurements at each position. phase in a periclase (MgO) matrix [1,17,18]. These phases remain clearly visible inside the infiltrated parts of all samples.…”

“…Ceramic magnesia-chromite refractory bricks are commonly used in non-ferrous smelting furnace linings because of their high melting point, good mechanical properties at elevated temperatures and their ability to withstand aggressive conditions [1,2]. Despite these properties wear still occurs eventually requiring a costly replacement of the lining.…”

Investigation of High-Temperature Slag/Copper/Spinel Interactions

“…[3,11] Additionally, the penetration of metallic copper into refractory can lead to metal losses. [12] There exists, however, an important additional source of mechanically entrained droplets which have been omitted in most studies: the attachment of droplets to solids in slags, hampering the sedimentation. This observation was reported by Ip and Toguri [9] and Andrews, [11] and demonstrated for a synthetic slag system by De Wilde et al [13] These solids are often found to have a spinel structure.…”

Overview of wear phenomena in lead processing furnaces

“…[7][8][9][10][11][12][13] Particularly in the lead industry a lot of work was done regarding refractory corrosion testing in different pilotscale and industrial furnaces. For instance, Oprea 7 discussed failure mechanisms observed on the magnesia-chromite bricks lined above the slag line of the flash furnace for zinc-lead smelting.…”

“…Finally, Scheunis et al 12 investigated the effect of phase formation during use on chemical corrosion of magnesia-chromite refractories in contact with non-ferrous PbO-SiO 2 based slag. Malfliet et al 13 carried out a critical review work on degradation mechanism and use of the refractory linings in the copper production processes. These findings for copper slags are also interesting and relevant for a better understanding of the refractory wear processes in lead metallurgy, as similar slag systems and refractory qualities are used.…”