The effect of slag composition control on the performance of magnesite-chrome refractory linings in top blown rotary converters

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 90, No. 1014, 1997

G. Cuthbert, R. White, and B. Martin, Copper Cliff Nickel Refinery, INCO Limited, Copper Cliff, Ontario, and C. Doyle, J. Hrepic, and C. Díaz, J. Roy Gordon Research Laboratory, INCO Limited, Sheridan Park, Mississauga, Ontario

A program initiated to improve the service life of the magnesite-chrome refractory in the top blown rotary converters at INCO’s Copper Cliff Nickel Refinery identified slag corrosion as a major wear mechanism. Target slag compositions were established to produce a non corrosive slag. A plant program to achieve this target slag by the addition of controlled amounts of dolime and MgO was instituted. Addition to rates of the slag modifiers was optimized based on the slag composition assays achieved and the requirement to address corrosion effects on the high alumina content ladle refractory. A 60% gain in TBRC refractory performance was eventually achieved and has been maintained yielding a net annual savings of $700,000. A significant gain in available converter operating time has also been realized.

Mots Clés: Corrosion control, Magnesitechrome refractory linings, Metallurgy, Refractories, Rotary converters, Slag composition control.