Effects of Alkalis and Zinc on the Wear of Blast Furnace Refractories and the Tuyere Displacement

The Amagasaki No. 1 Blast Furnace, Kobe Steel, Ltd., was blown out in the course of operation and dissected. Complete pictures for the profiles of worn linings in different zones, particularly in the tuyere zone, were obtained and mineralogical examinations of the refractories were made with particular attention to the behaviors of alkalis and zinc. Penetration of alkalis into the brick and formation of alkali aluminosilicate which would accompany the cracking and swelling are main causes of the wear of the refractories. The turning-up of the tip of tuyere would be due to the swelling of the tuyere fireclay brick.