The selection of refractory materials for glass kilns directly affects the kiln's lifespan, glass product quality, and production costs. Because the working environments of different parts of the kiln (temperature, molten glass erosion, alkaline vapor erosion, mechanical scouring, etc.) vary, the selection of refractory materials must be "reasonably matched and synchronized with the kiln's lifespan."
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| Glass Furnace Refractory Material |
Selection of Refractory Materials for Glass Melting Furnaces
The selection and configuration of refractory materials for glass melting furnaces should follow these basic principles:
① Select and configure refractory materials of appropriate quality based on the operating environment (temperature, atmosphere, raw material composition and state, and fuel, etc.) of each part of the furnace and the causes of refractory material damage.
② Select and configure bricks with appropriate physical and chemical properties and dimensions based on the furnace's planned lifespan and the damage rate of refractory materials in each part, ensuring that the lifespan of the refractory materials in each part matches the furnace's lifespan.
③ Avoid using refractory materials that will chemically react at the operating temperature. If this is unavoidable, a transition brick or transition layer should be used between the two types of bricks.
④ Minimize transverse brick joints in the pool wall areas in contact with molten glass to prevent upward drilling erosion that could exacerbate brick erosion.
⑤ When refractory mortar is required, it must be of the same properties as the bricks being laid. Refractory bricks and refractory mortars of different materials must not be mixed.
⑥ During cold repairs of the melting furnace, improvements should be made to address the causes of refractory material damage in the weak points that led to the shutdown.
⑦ The selection and configuration of refractory materials for the melting furnace should also consider the economic rationality of the total cost of the refractory materials. Based on current refractory material production levels and practical experience, the recommended material combinations for various structural components of a glass furnace are as follows.
Refractory Bricks Used in the Melting Pool of a Horseshoe Flame Glass Furnace
The specific selection of refractory materials for the melting pool of a horseshoe flame glass furnace (for bottles, jars, utensils, light bulbs, and fluorescent lamps) is as follows:
Melting Pool:
Pool Wall: For operating temperatures of 1400-1600℃, AZS-33 brick TC is selected. Selection criteria: Good corrosion resistance and thermal shock resistance to molten glass.
Lower Temperature Sections of the Pool Wall: For operating temperatures <1400℃, fused zirconia-mullite bricks are selected. Selection criteria: Good corrosion resistance and thermal shock resistance to molten glass.
Pool Bottom Paving Bricks: For operating temperatures of 1300-1500℃, fused AZS-33# brick D.C.L is selected. Selection criteria: Good corrosion resistance and thermal shock resistance to molten glass.
Pool Bottom: For operating temperatures <1400℃, clay bricks or high-alumina bricks are selected.
Feed port: Operating temperature 1400-1500℃, use either fused AZS-36# R.V or fused AZS-41# R.V. Selection criteria: Extremely strong resistance to glass corrosion.
Bubble section: Operating temperature 1400-1500℃, use fused AZS-41# D.C.L. Selection criteria: This brick is suitable for the most corrosive areas.
Electrode section: Operating temperature 1400-1600℃, use fused AZS-41# RD.C.L.
Upper Structure of the Melting Pool:
Charging Port Upper Part: Operating temperature 1400-1500℃, fused AZS-36# R.C. bricks selected. Selection criteria: Resistant to flying debris and possesses high resistance to flame impact and thermal shock.
Burner: Operating temperature 1500-1650℃, fused AZS-31# or 41# R.C. bricks selected. Selection criteria: Resistant to flying debris and flame impact.
Small Furnace Passage (Top and Side Walls): Operating temperature 1450-1600℃, fused β-Al₂O₃ or high-quality silica bricks selected. Selection criteria: Prevents the adhesion of flying debris and offers good resistance to alkaline vapor corrosion.
Lattice Wall: Operating temperature 1400-1600℃, fused α-Al₂O₃ bricks or fused AZS bricks selected.
Large arch of melting pool: Operating temperature 1300-1650℃, use high-density silica bricks or electrofused AZS bricks.
Hook bricks and nozzle bricks: Operating temperature 1500-1650℃, use electrofused AZS bricks.
