Effect of Slag Basicity on Alumina Dissolution and Diffusivity: A High-temperature Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy Study

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Abstract

Alumina is one of the crucial and extensively utilized refractory components. As the refractory wear due to dissolution at elevated temperatures during operation is a major threat to refractory lifespan, quantifying dissolution is important for developing cost-effective and resource-efficient refractories. This study investigated the dissolution of alumina particles in
two silicate and one calcium aluminate slags at 1 450, 1 500, and 1 550 °C using high-temperature confocal laser scanning microscopy (HT-CLSM). Dissolution was quantified in terms of diffusivity, with all influencing factors, including Stefan flow and bath movement, incorporated into the determination process. The trends observed in total dissolution time and diffusivity in three slags at three experimental temperatures could not be explained solely on the basis of slag basicity. Two parameters, considering the influencing factors, were introduced to explain these trends. Furthermore, the linear trend observed in Arrhenius plots of diffusivities supports the diffusivity results. Additionally, good agreement between the diffusivities of alumina in one silicate slag obtained via CLSM and rotating finger test investigations verified the reliability of the results.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)27-34
Number of pages8
JournalChina's refractories
Volume33
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Jun 2024