China's Refractories

Abstract:

To reveal the damage mechanism of high chrome bricks for opposed multi nozzle gasifier with expanded diameter, the chemical composition and the morphology of a used high chrome brick were researched using XRF, SEM and EDS, and the properties of the high chrome bricks were improved by adding ultra fine alumina, alumina-chrome-iron oxide synthetic material with spinel structure, and chromium metal. The results show that (1) the high chrome brick is seriously damaged by the chemical dissolution of chrome as well as the chemical reactions at the slag/brick interface, the slag penetration and the structural spalling; (2) FeO in the slag reacts with Cr₂O₃ in the brick to form a FeCr₂O₄ layer on the particle surface thus leading to spalling; CaO reacts with SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ in the brick forming a metamorphic layer of low melting point materials; due to the different thermal expansion coefficients of the metamorphic layer and the original brick, cracks appear and continue to expand and deepen under multiple temperature and pressure fluctuations thus leading to spalling of brick layer; (3) the improved brick has decreased apparent porosity, increased bulk density and compressive strength, and better thermal shock resistance compared with the original brick; after one cycle of on-site application, the furnace lining surface is smooth and flat with little damage, indicating that the improved high chrome bricks basically meet the working condition requirements of the opposed multi nozzle gasifier with expanded diameter, however, the final effects need to be evaluated in detail after the whole furnace service.

Key words: multi nozzle gasifier, high chrome brick, damage mechanism, improvement