DEVELOPMENT OF RAMMING MASS FROM INDIGENOUS REFRACTORY MATERIALS FOR LINING MELTING FURNACES

Abstract

Aluminosilicate developed refractory ramming masses for lining melting furnaces were from suitable indigenous raw materials. Chemical analyses of the raw materials were done using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Rammed samples from several ratios of clay, silica. mica, bentonite and Durax were prepared using the American Foundrymen Society (AFS) standard rammer and thereafter tested for such properties as apparent porosity. volumetric firing shrinkage, cold compression strength. green compression strength. loss on ignition. thermal shock resistance and refractoriness. The effect of sintering temperature on the physical and the mechanical properties of the samples were studied and reported. Microstructural analyses of some samples were undertaken. Results indicated that 8 ramming cycles was just enough for production of the ramming masses. Two optimal ratios obtained from experiments have a refractoriness of 15000C, excellent thermal shock resistance and good cold compression strength over the sintering temperatures. They therefore qualify to serve as service lining in rotary and crucible furnaces for melting of cast iron and non-ferrous alloys and could serve as a viable alternative to imported ramming masses of the same service temperature.