Investigation of degradation mechanism of high alumina refractory in a coal gasifier

Abstract

High alumina refractory used in a coal gasifier was analyzed and the degradation mechanism by molten slag was investigated. The depth of refractory severely damaged by slag varied between 12∼40 mm, including the adhered slag layer. The sample also showed the cracks formed in parallel to the slag/refractory interface. The degree of degradation varied with the micro-structures in the refractory. Fused alumina grains showed the uneven boundary and pore formation just along the edges, while the tablet alumina showed the slag penetrated between sintered alumina around which the formation of Al-Fe phase was observed. Calcium aluminate cements were not observed at the high temperature zone near the slag/refractory interface, probably due to dissolution into molten slag. Around large grains of alumina, rod shape alumina, which appeared to be recrystallized during cooling, were observed, and large pores were also formed around those grains. Therefore, in high alumina refractories, hot molten slag dissolves the bonding phase and rod-shape alumina phase is recrystallized upon cooling. During this process, cracks are developed due to structural change, and the degradation occurs by physical causes such as structural spalling.