Promising grades of OAO Énergorpom – ChÉZ carbon refractories for lining blast furnaces

Abstract

Typical properties (average values) are provided for promising grades of blast furnace blocks. Physical modelling methods are used for the first time and results are presented for a study of thermal shock resistance and resistance to abrasive wear of different grades of carbon blast furnace blocks.Keywords: carbon refractories, blast furnace blocks, blast furnace.The trend in metallurgical development as a whole, and for blast furnaces in particular, is characterized by an increase in furnace unit capacity and constant technical modernization. The main direction of blast furnace production is intensification of the process, construction of new blast furnaces, and reconstruction of existing furnaces using contemporary technology and approaches.Carbon materials exhibit a unique set of physicomechanical properties. Due to the high bonding energy of carbon atoms graphite remains in a solid state up to a temperature of the order of 3500°C; then there is carbon sublimation. Graphite strength increases up to 2500°C, and this combined with low density provides high heat resistance. Carbon is inert with respect to some of the most corrosive reagents. These features give rise to extensive use of carbon materials as elements of a composite lining for the reaction space of various units of metallurgical and chemical production.Conversion of a blast furnace lining from ceramic to carbon is an important step in iron production technology, making it possible to increase the reliability and endurance of furnace units. Serious tasks are also placed in front of the electrode industry. According to the technical specifications of Minchermet a new class of carbon lining materials has been developed and assimilated for blast furnaces. For blast furnaces with a volume of 2200 m 3 output of carbon blast furnace blocks DBU-0 and DBU has been developed and assimilated in accordance with TU 48-12-18-88 "Carbon blocks for lining blast furnaces." Graphite blocks are produced for lining the blast furnace bottom in accordance with TU 48-12-37-91 "Graphite blocks for blast furnaces". In addition carbon lining materials for blast furnaces include mixes and pastes serving for filling the joints between blocks.Contemporary processes for intensifying blast furnace production have increased specifications for blast furnace lining quality, and creation of a new generation of carbon lining materials. Under these conditions research, development of technology and assimilation of new grades of refractories for blast furnaces and revelation of the main features for molding objects with prescribed properties remains important.During operation of blast furnaces the linings are subject to the action of high temperature (1500 -1800°C), corrosive gases, molten iron and slag, the wearing effect of the loaded charge. The degree of action of these factors is governed by the level of physicomechanical properties of the carbon lining, limiting its resistance and service life. Thermoanthracites with addition of artificial graphite are used as a filler for producin...