Coke ovens, as large-scale thermal equipment, play a crucial role in the metallurgical and chemical industries. The demand for high - quality refractory materials in coke ovens is extremely high. In this context, silica bricks with a silica (SiO₂) content of over 94.5% have emerged as a top - choice material. But why does the silica content need to be above 94.5%? And how does high - purity silica ensure the long - term stability of coke oven operation?
Coke ovens are large - scale thermal equipment used for coke production. They operate under extremely high temperatures, often reaching over 1000°C. Therefore, the refractory materials used in coke ovens must have excellent heat - resistance, thermal shock resistance, and chemical stability. Silica bricks, made from quartz materials, have natural advantages in terms of refractory performance. Compared with other refractory materials, silica bricks have a relatively high melting point and can maintain their structural integrity at high temperatures.
Ordinary silica bricks usually have a silica content of around 90 - 92%. While they can meet the basic requirements of some coke ovens, their performance is far inferior to that of high - purity silica bricks with a silica content above 94.5%. High - purity silica bricks have a more stable crystal structure, which gives them better high - temperature strength and thermal shock resistance. For example, in a test, ordinary silica bricks showed visible cracks after being subjected to 10 thermal shock cycles at 1100°C, while high - purity silica bricks remained intact after 20 cycles.
High - purity silica bricks are widely used in key parts of coke ovens, such as the regenerator, flue, combustion chamber, carbonization chamber, and furnace top. In the regenerator, high - purity silica bricks can effectively store and transfer heat, improving the thermal efficiency of the coke oven. In the combustion chamber, their excellent high - temperature resistance ensures stable combustion and reduces energy consumption. In the carbonization chamber, they can withstand the chemical corrosion of coal and its by - products, protecting the internal structure of the coke oven.
High - purity silica can significantly improve the high - temperature resistance and thermal shock resistance of silica bricks. At high temperatures, the high - purity silica in the bricks forms a stable crystal structure, which can effectively resist the deformation and melting caused by high - temperature heat. In addition, high - purity silica can also reduce the porosity of silica bricks, making them more dense and resistant to chemical corrosion. This not only reduces the wear and tear of silica bricks during use but also extends the service life of the coke oven, ensuring the long - term stable operation of the equipment.
A steel company in Europe replaced the ordinary silica bricks in its coke oven with high - purity silica bricks. After two years of operation, the maintenance frequency of the coke oven was reduced by 30%, and the energy consumption was reduced by 15%. The company also reported an increase in coke quality, which brought significant economic benefits. This case clearly shows the advantages of high - purity silica bricks in ensuring the long - term stable operation of coke ovens and reducing production costs.
In conclusion, high - purity silica bricks with a silica content above 94.5% offer significant advantages in terms of refractory performance, thermal shock resistance, and long - term stability. They are an ideal choice for modern coke ovens. If you are looking for high - quality refractory materials for your coke oven, don't miss the opportunity to benefit from these high - purity silica bricks. Click here to learn more about our high - purity silica bricks and make a smart choice for your business!