Evaluation of refractory brick classes for the Cerro Matoso SA electric furnace

Crucible slag rests were employed to evaluate different refractory brick cl asses for the Cerro Matoso electric furnace. Comprehensive analysis was con ducted to evaluate the crucible erosion and characterize any slag/refractor y reaction products. The classes of refractories investigated were; tar-impregnated magnesia; rebonded fused grain magnesia-chrome; direct bonded magnesia-chrome; alumina-chrome; picrochromite; and magnesia-alumina (spinel). It was concluded that tar-impregnated MgO bricks were the most suitable for the slag chemistry and furnace environment according to corrosion and infi ltration resistance. A picrochromite (MgCr2O4) brick performed exceptionall y well with regards to erosion resistance, however the slag infiltrated ext ensively through the bride pores. Alumina-chrome, direct bonded magnesia-ch romite, and spinel (magnesia-alumina) bricks were evaluated as nor suitable for use in the furnace.