The Properties of Open-Hearth Furnace Checker Bricks

JSGT_1936_V20_T574_T585

A strong similarity has been found in such of the physical properties of fireclay and semi-silica bricks as affect their use in the checkers of open-hearth furnaces. A comparison of the properties of used and unused checker bricks suggests that, provided the bricks are unglazed and can readily be freed from dust, they can be re-used without any loss in operating efficiency. Analyses of steel furnace checker dusts and of samples of slagged brick indicate that iron oxide (45%) and lime (10%) are the principal corroding materials, but that other oxides, notably those of sulphur, zinc, and the alkalis, may be present in considerable amounts. The problems involved in choosing between the various shapes and arrangements of checker bricks are discussed. No reliable method is yet available for comparing the thermal efficiencies of different settings.

T. Swinden & J. H. Chesters