On the high-temperature battlefield of industry, sintered magnesia bricks endure temperatures exceeding 1600°C, yet they continue to perform their duties.
From the steelmaking furnaces of steel mills to the rotary kilns of cement plants, how do these “refractory warriors” actually perform?
1. Steel Plants: The “Anti-Corrosion Pioneer” in Steelmaking Furnaces
Steel production is the core battlefield for sintered magnesia bricks.
In steelmaking equipment like converters and electric arc furnaces, molten steel temperatures reach as high as 1600°C, accompanied by strong alkaline corrosion from the slag.
The high magnesium oxide content (≥90%) and strong resistance to alkaline corrosion make sintered magnesia bricks the guardians of furnace linings.
Key Performance:
Magnesium oxide reacts with the acidic oxides in slag to form high-melting-point minerals, forming a “protective layer” that prevents further slag erosion of the bricks.
Operational Scenario:
Magnesium bricks, such as in converter walls, must withstand molten steel and sudden temperature fluctuations. Their high-temperature structural stability ensures a continuous and safe steelmaking process.
2. Cement Kiln: The “High-Temperature Backbone” of the Rotary Kiln
In cement production, the firing zone of the rotary kiln reaches temperatures exceeding 1450°C, and the material is subjected to continuous rolling friction, placing extremely high demands on refractory materials.
Sintered magnesia bricks play the role of the “high-temperature-resistant backbone” here.
Core Advantages:
A high refractoriness under load (≥1550°C) ensures the kiln body does not deform under high temperatures. Low porosity (<18%) prevents the penetration of calcium, silicon, and other components in cement clinker.
Environmental Upgrade:
Traditional cement kilns once used chromium-containing refractory bricks. However, the risk of hexavalent chromium contamination has prompted the industry to move towards “chromium-free” refractory bricks.
At this time, sintered magnesia bricks, due to their environmental friendliness and durability, have become the preferred choice for green cement kilns.
3. Why do high-temperature industries worldwide trust sintered magnesia bricks?
The irreplaceable nature of sintered magnesia bricks stems from three key characteristics.
“Innately High-Temperature Resistance”:
Magnesium oxide has a melting point of up to 2852°C, forming a dense ceramic structure after sintering, making it easily resistant to extreme industrial temperatures.
“Strong Chemical Resistance”:
It is particularly resistant to alkaline environments and has a lifespan 2-3 times longer than clay bricks and high-alumina bricks.
“Price-Performance”:
Although the unit price is higher than that of ordinary refractory bricks, its long lifespan and low maintenance costs make it a significant economical option.