Why can’t reverberatory furnaces be separated from magnesia-chrome bricks?

Reverberatory furnaces must withstand the erosion of high-temperature slag and molten metal for extended periods of time, and the lining material directly determines their operating cycle. Magnesia-chrome bricks are a common choice for reverberatory furnace linings due to their balanced high-temperature performance.

1.Why do we need basic refractory materials at high temperatures?

The molten metal and slag in the reverberatory furnace are alkaline, and acidic bricks are easily corroded. The main crystal phases of magnesia-chrome bricks are periclase and magnesia-chrome spinel, which are chemically alkaline and compatible with the furnace environment, so the erosion rate is low.

In addition, it has a high refractoriness under load temperature and can maintain structural integrity above 1600°C, thereby extending the life of the furnace lining.

2.The core advantages of magnesia-chrome bricks

The reason why reverberatory furnaces cannot do without magnesia-chrome bricks is closely related to their unique mineral composition and performance advantages.

The temperature of the reverberatory furnace fluctuates greatly when charging and discharging materials, and the furnace lining needs to withstand repeated rapid cooling and heating. The spinel phase inside this brick can buffer thermal stress, so it has fewer cracks and less spalling.

At the same time, its high temperature strength can resist melt erosion and mechanical wear, reducing the number of furnace shutdowns and maintenance.

In addition, magnesia-chrome bricks also have excellent slag resistance. Its main component MgO has strong stability to alkaline slag, while Cr₂O₃ can effectively resist the erosion of acidic slag. The two work together to reduce slag penetration.

3.Balanced choice between thermal conductivity and cost

If the lining of the reverberatory furnace is too thick, it will increase heat loss, and if it is too thin, it will easily burn through. Magnesia-chrome bricks have a moderate thermal conductivity, which can not only provide an erosion-resistant barrier in the inner layer, but also control the heat flow by adjusting the thickness to keep the furnace shell temperature within a safe range.

Compared with other alkaline bricks, the characteristics of this brick are highly matched with the working conditions of the reverberatory furnace. After understanding the working conditions, choosing magnesia-chrome bricks of corresponding grade and paying attention to dimensional accuracy and installation details can further extend the furnace life. At the same time, if you need stable supply and technical support, it is also essential to choose an experienced refractory brick supplier.