China Nonferrous Metallurgy

Since Cr furnace differs greatly from traditional pyrometallurgical furnaces in process, few research literature can be found about the corrosion mechanism of magnesia-chromite bricks. This paper studies residual refractory bricks of Cr furnace used in the scale-up test, and adopts such methods as chemical analysis, physical property test and electron microprobe to analyze the corrosion process and probe into the corrosion mechanism of magnesia-chromite refractory bricks by slag. The following conclusions are drawn. Furnace wall bricks suffer more damage than furnace bottom bricks. Damage to furnace wall bricks is mainly caused by corrosion and penetration of slag. MgO first dissolves in slag and slag reacts to generate silicate, hortonolite, magnesium ferrite and magnesium silicate in refractory materials. Copper matte does not react with refractory materials. By contrast, damage to furnace bottom bricks is mainly caused by penetration of copper matte and metal elements such as Cu, Fe and Pb.