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Title: Chemical and physical stability of refractories for use in coal gasification. Final report, May 1, 1976-July 31, 1980

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5120651· OSTI ID:5120651

The dimensional stability, density, porosity, flexural strength and thermal expansion of eighteen cement-bonded, dense and lightweight refractory castables and three phosphate bonded refractories were determined before and after exposure to conditions chosen to simulate those at the cold face (approx. 250/sup 0/C) of a refractory lining in a coal gasification vessel. Chemical reactions occurring in the refractories during exposure were determined by XRD, DTA/TGA and SEM and correlated with the above properties. The variables investigated were: (1) exposure time, 60 days maximum; (2) temperature, up to 538/sup 0/C; (3) pressure, 6.9 MPa maximum; (4) gas composition, particularly CO/steam ratio (0.1, 1, and 3.0) and presence of 1 vol % H/sub 2/S; (5) degree of saturation and (6) liquid versus vapor contact. The degree of saturation of the test atmosphere was the single most important factor affecting the properties after exposure. In dry atmospheres, the properties were close to those for specimens heated to the same temperature in air. In 100% saturated atmospheres, however, the dense cement bonded castables typically had a flexural strength two to three times higher than that before exposure and a significantly lower porosity. Conversely, the flexural strength of the phosphate bonded refractories was only 1/2 to 1/5 of that before exposure. The exposure time was not particularly important since the chemical reactions occurring during exposure and responsible for the changes in properties, are relatively rapid and appear to be nearing completion within a few days, less than or equal to 10. All of the refractories were structurally intact after the 60-day maximum exposure to both dry or saturated conditions. The principal chemical reactions in the cement bonded castables were between the cement bond phases and steam, CO, and CO/sub 2/.

Research Organization:
Missouri Univ., Rolla (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AS02-76ET10544
OSTI ID:
5120651
Report Number(s):
COO-2904-17
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English