As a reaction vessel for steelmaking, the converter’s shell is formed by welding steel plates and consists of, from the outside in, an insulating layer, a permanent layer, and a working layer. In China, magnesium-carbon bricks with a carbon content of 14–18% are commonly used as refractory materials for converters, whereas European countries generally opt […]

Due to the wide variety of refractory materials and the diverse raw materials used in their production, spent refractories come in many different types. When determining how to process spent refractories, different treatment methods should be considered based on factors such as the degree of erosion, the location of use, and the type of refractory

The bottom argon blowing technique in ladles not only effectively balances the composition and temperature of molten steel but also causes the reaction products between slag and refractory materials to rise to the surface through dispersed microbubbles, thereby enhancing cleanliness. Argon blowing treatment plays a crucial role in improving ingot quality and stabilizing ingot casting

Refractory materials refer to inorganic non-metallic materials with a refractoriness of no less than 1580°C. They serve as structural materials for thermal equipment such as high-temperature kilns, as well as materials for industrial high-temperature vessels and components, capable of withstanding corresponding physical-chemical changes and mechanical stresses. Refractory materials are high-temperature structural materials manufactured from natural

Many factories do not opt for the manufacturer’s integrated construction services when purchasing refractory castables. Instead, they typically handle the installation themselves or hire separate construction crews after purchasing the castables. This often leads to issues upon receiving the materials: when requesting application and construction methods from the manufacturer, water-mixed materials frequently become too thin

The composition and microstructure of the binder system determine the performance of refractory castables. The development history of refractory castables is also the history of binder evolution. Figure 1 illustrates the progression of unshaped refractory castables from cement-bonded to low-cement-bonded, ultra-low-cement-bonded, and cement-free bonding systems. Calcium aluminate cement The cementitious binder in refractory castables typically

To address the current challenges of nozzle service failure and inability to enhance continuous casting production efficiency caused by erosion of refractory materials at the slag line region of submerged nozzles, this study focuses on the ZrO₂-C submerged nozzle commonly used in continuous casting of low-carbon aluminum-killed steel at a certain steel mill. Samples were

Refractory ramming mixes are typically composed of 60% to 65% refractory aggregates, 35% to 40% powdered materials, and a very small proportion of binders and other additives. They are unshaped refractory materials applied through vigorous ramming. Compared to refractory castables and plastic refractories, ramming mixes exhibit higher bulk density, and the density of the lined

The integrated taphole plug is a core control component in continuous casting processes, where its installation quality directly impacts steel flow stability, mold liquid level control precision, and production safety. Based on industry practices and technological innovations, this paper systematically outlines key technical points for integrated taphole plug installation, providing steelmakers with actionable operational guidelines.