A Study of Crystalline Compounds Formed in Slags on Boiler-Furnace Refractories

Abstract

For several years the action of boiler-furnace refractories under various service conditions has been investigated. The present method of investigation used by the Bureau of Standards at Columbus is similar to that used by the Geophysical Laboratory in studying the lime-alumina-silica system, with the addition of iron. It is known as the quenching method. The apparatus consists of two furnaces, a preheater and a quenching furnace automatically controlled. The length of time required for each melt depends on its composition. Each melt determines an equilibrium point, a number of which are necessary for determining the point sought, i.e., the temperature at which the primary phase for that composition disappears and the charge becomes a clear glass. A number of the latter points determine a surface known as an “isopleth.” In working out the system one component is held constant, in this case iron, and the others are varied. In conjunction with the above, field slags, the data of which are known, are being quenched and their results compared with those of the component system.

The paper is a progress report of the work done to date, of the methods used and the difficulties encountered in a laboratory study of the equilibrium relation of oxides composing the slags on boiler-furnace refractories at high temperatures. No data or conclusions are presented.