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Title: Effect of chemical attack and operational parameters on the wear of blast furnace refractories

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/7348573· OSTI ID:7348573

A survey of refractory behavior in a blast furnace has been made because refractory and furnace design problems associated with iron production may apply to coal gasification units. Iron is made in a cylindrical, refractory lined, steel shell that has an internal height of 80 to 90 feet and an internal diameter at tuyere level of 20 to 45 feet. Operational observations, when applied to coal gasification units, suggest that carbon deposition is of little consequence as long as sulfides are present in the gas phase. Alkali (K/sub 2/O and Na/sub 2/O) are liberated as coal is burned in steam and oxygen; circulation of this alkali in the gas should glaze the lining. However, if the alkali recombines with the coke ash to form the high melting (Na,K)/sub 2/O . Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ . 2SiO/sub 2/, abrasion may occur in the off-takes. When the alkali or alkali plus any iron oxide or iron sulfide form as liquid droplets, deposits collect in the off-takes or on the vessel walls. Under some conditions the alkali fume can enter the refractory pores to cause alkali growth or it can carry over into the separator for water vapor, CO/sub 2/, and sulfur. If a gunnited lining is properly installed, there is a possibility that the calcium aluminate bond in the gunnite may unite with the first alkali to partially seal off the already low permeability wall to gas penetration. Flow models of coal gasification units should be tested to determine where abrasion or particle buildups may occur. The vessels must have excellent installations. The units should be equipped with radioactive pellets to monitor any lining loss and the shell should be equipped with strain gages to monitor excessive expansion of the refractories in the lining.

DOE Contract Number:
E(49-18)-3731
OSTI ID:
7348573
Report Number(s):
FE-3731-1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English