Effect of light ash of solid fuels on zirconia refractories

Conclusions

The action of the melts of the light ash of the Kuznetsk and the Berezovsk coals containing potash additive on zirconia refractories leads to their destruction due to destabilization of the cubic solid solution of CaO in ZrO₂ accompanied by the formation of α-ZrO₂, melilites, and a glass phase and the formation of spinellids, pyroxenes, and fayalite if iron-bearing compounds are present in the ash.

Intensive destruction of the CaO-stabilized zirconia refractory under the action of a mixture of the Berezovsk ash and potash is due to its low melting point and the high degree of saturation of the refractory with the melt additionally containing iron compounds.

The service life of the zirconia refractories subjected to the action of a mixture of the ash of the Kuznetsk coal and potash is longer owing to the smaller degree of melt penetration at a temperature up to 1580°C.