Refractory Corrosion Comparison Through a Rotary Drum Furnace Slag Test for the Lead Industry

Abstract

RHI Magnesita performs a variety of corrosion tests to simulate the operating conditions in lead smelters and compare the performance of different refractories. In this study, six refractory grades were submitted to corrosion tests in a rotary drum furnace using six Fe₂O₃–SiO₂–CaO synthetic slags with varying contents of sodium carbonate or anhydrous borax. This study aims to gather information about the relationship between different sodium levels in the slag and the corrosion resistance of bricks used in the lead industry. The rebonded magnesia-chromite grade showed the highest overall wear resistance. High sodium content in the slag (≥20% NaCO₃ or Na₂B₄O₇) favored the corrosion of the alumina-chromia brick, while low sodium content led to higher corrosion of the direct-bonded magnesia-chromite grades due to increased amounts of CaO and SiO₂ in the slag. The results obtained in this study can be used to recommend refractory grades based on the slag chemical analysis.