Refractory selection for crowns of glass furnace regenerators must recognize both the functions of the refractories and the operating environment within the chambers.

The main function of crowns is to limit thermal losses. The main operating factors to be considered are temperature, repeated temperature cycling, airborne particulates, volatiles and load. Fuel and glass composition must also be considered when deriving the refractory specifications.

The main refractories for the crowns of glass furnace regenerators include basic refractories, silica brick, mullite brick and alumino silicates refractories. In making the choice, the resistance to creep and chemical attack must be taken into consideration.

The temperature is very important for the refractory choice. Basic refractories have limits in creep resistance. If the temperature is close to 1,500°C and the material is under a strong compression, life limiting creep will ensue. As a consequence, basic refractories can be used only if the operating temperature is lower than 1,500°C (1,460-1,480°C).

Considering only creep resistance, silica brick is the best refractory because of its lack of glassy phase and its different crystalline structure, which avoids plane slipping. Furthermore, creep starts only at temperatures close to 1700°C. Mullite brick is another quality suitable for the crowns for its excellent creep resistance.

Basic refractories have a very good chemical resistance to the alkaline gases coming from the glass furnace, but they are susceptible to carry-over enriched with silica and subsequent forsterite formation at the hot face. This chemical reaction increases volume and leads structure to a collapse.

Basic refractories can be used in the crowns temperatures lower than 1,500°C (1,460-1,480°C). Silica brick is not suggested for crowns because condensation of alkali in the colder zones of the masonry would lead to corrosion, loss of mass and also holes.

Mullite brick reacts with alkali and slags to form a series of layers which prevent alkali penetrating into the refractory and wear proceeds at a minimal rate while the thermo-mechanical properties are preserved. Mullite brick is a good choice for crowns but it must have high mullite content (95-97%).

Zhengzhou sunrise refractory Co., Ltd. is a refractory supplier from China, specializing in various refractories for glass furnaces, such as fused cast AZS block, magnesia bricks, silica brick and mullite bricks.