Refractory well blocks play a vital role in the continuous casting process in the steel industry. Made from carefully selected refractory materials, they are able to withstand extreme conditions. Well block refractory is mainly made of materials such as high – alumina, magnesia – aluminum spinel, and refractory castables. The specific refractoriness can be adjusted by changing the composition and proportion of raw materials according to different application requirements. For example, well block refractory with a higher alumina content generally has a higher refractoriness.
| Difference | Tundish Well Block | Ladle Well Block |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Bottom of the tundish | Bottom of the ladle |
| Primary Function | Controls the flow rate of molten steel into the mold and improves steel cleanliness | Controls the flow rate of molten steel from the furnace into the ladle and, in some cases, adjusts the steel composition |
| Operating Stage | Continuous casting process | Steelmaking and teeming process |
| Category | Technical Specification | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 230 × 114 × 76 mm (standard) | Customizable according to furnace design, ±2 mm tolerance |
| Material Type | High-alumina refractory brick (Al₂O₃ ≥ 48%) | Options: standard high-alumina, magnesia-alumina, zircon bricks, etc. |
| Density | 2.2–2.6 g/cm³ | High-density bricks have better wear resistance; low-density bricks provide better insulation |
| Water Absorption | ≤ 6% | Lower water absorption improves durability |
| Compressive Strength | ≥ 80 MPa | Maintains load-bearing capacity under high temperature |
| Flexural Strength | ≥ 20 MPa | Resistant to thermal stress and mechanical impact |
| Refractoriness | 1600–1800 ℃ | Does not soften or crack |
| Thermal Shock Resistance | ≥ 20 cycles | No cracking under repeated heating and cooling |
| Thermal Conductivity | 1.0–2.0 W/m·K | Selectable for insulation or heat conduction |
| Chemical Composition | Al₂O₃: 48–60%, SiO₂: 30–45%, Fe₂O₃ ≤ 2%, CaO+MgO ≤ 3% | Acidic/alkaline properties adjustable according to requirements |
| Firing Condition | Fully sintered | Enhances strength and durability |
| Surface Accuracy | Flatness ≤ 1.0 mm | Ensures construction precision and reduces gaps |
Well block refractory features high refractoriness, withstanding over 1770°C. It has strong chemical resistance against acids and alkalis, plus excellent mechanical strength to endure stress and abrasion in high – temp settings.
Well block refractory has multiple applications. In metallurgy, it lines ladles and tundishes, protecting against molten metal’s high heat. In cement production, it’s used in rotary kilns to resist heat and chemical corrosion. In glass manufacturing, it safeguards melting furnaces. Its heat – resistant and durable nature makes it vital for these high – temperature industrial processes.