THE USE OF QUARTZITE REFRACTORY MATERIALS IN THE LINING OF CASTING LADLES IN THE PRODUCTION OF FERROSILICON

The issue of developing new refractories for lining ferroalloy buckets is considered. The experience of using refractory quartzite bricks as a lining for casting ladles in the production of ferrosilicon is presented. The research is aimed at increasing the durability of the lining, increasing repair intervals and reducing operating costs. It was found that the main reason for the destruction of the working layer of the refractory lining of the filling bucket is a significant temperature difference in the thickness of the lining (up to 1000 °C or more), which occurs in a relatively short period of time (thermal shock). The main destructive factor is the thermal stresses in the refractory lining that occur when the melt is ingested. Experiments were conducted at JSC Kuznetsk Ferrosplanes, during which quartzite bricks made using non-annealing technology using liquid glass were installed in the zone of greatest wear of the bucket lining. The quartzite lining has withstood 23 pours of ferrosilicon grade FS75, which exceeds the standard values of fireclay bricks (10-15 pours). The conducted studies revealed the best resistance of the quartzite material to thermal stresses and chemical effects of the melt. Mineralogical studies have confirmed the formation of stable phases (cristobalite, tridymite) in the working area, which helps to increase the durability of the lining. The refractory contains the least modified breccia-like zone, a transition zone, a cristobalite-tridymite, slag-like (inner working) zone, and a cristobalite (outer working) zone of refractories. The use of quartzite refractories is possible to extend the service life of filling buckets, reduce waste and improve the economic and environmental performance of production.

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