Abstract
The cast iron foundry industries use a large amount of scrap zinc in their process which has contributed to the reduction of the refractory campaign on induction furnaces by the generation of zinc vapor that migrates to the center of the refractory lining, condensing in outer regions of the furnace which generates a short circuit between the turns. The refractory lining used in the furnaces is a dry mass based on silica conformed by vibration. Four silica refractories were compared, based on the morphology and particle size distribution to explain the densification behavior. Open porosity, water absorption and linear retraction of the sintered mass were also evaluated. The mass that presented a higher vibrated and sintered density would be indicated to minimize the penetration of vapors and slags. The only restriction would be the greater influence of the compaction process of this material.
Keywords:
silica; refractory mass; induction furnace
