Laboratory studies of the glass furnace refractory structure

Abstract

The control of contact refractory life and therefore furnace life is dependent to a considerable degree on the structural commitment of the refractory as well as on its physical and chemical nature. The nature and rate of refractory degradation can be controlled to a degree by the design of the furnace structure and by the complimentary assemblage of the refractory components of a structure. This latter is particularly true in the bottom lay-up of the tank melter. Principles of refractory behavior under stress of environment are basic. They are, however, sometimes compromised in practice with negative effects on furnace life. It is the purpose of this paper to present laboratory demonstrations supporting the above thesis. Some of the specific subjects discussed include the dynamics of melter-bottom wear and approaches to the stabilization of this zonal problem. The use of mortars and sub-paving ramming mixture to control joint attack in the furnace bottom has merit. Consideration must be given to metal attack as well as to reaction between refractory and glass. Since thermal factors are of importance in control of corrosive and erosive attack, consideration must be given to thermal profiles through refractory structures.