Optimization of the drying process of advanced refractory castables

• Grant number: 19/07996-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: May 01, 2020
• End date: April 30, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Ana Paula da Luz
• Grantee: Ana Paula da Luz
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Roberto Federico Ausas ; Victor Carlos Pandolfelli

Abstract

The growing advancement in the refractory castables technology has led to the development of multifunctional products with optimized packing and, therefore, showing better performance when exposed to mechanical and chemical stresses at high temperatures. However, new challenges were detected by the users of such monolithics, as the drying step of these advanced products became a critical stage, because a very aggressive heating procedure of these structures (presenting reduced porosity and permeability) may result in the explosion of the ceramic lining, whereas a slow schedule may not be feasible based on an economic and energetic point of view. Currently, the heating curves applied in the industrial environment are designed according to empirical knowledge and, therefore, there is a great potential for the use of a fundamental methodology (considering mathematical models + computational tools + selection/use of accurate data for the boundary conditions and physicochemical-thermal properties of the castables) to obtain a better understanding of the complex transformations that take place in the refractories microstructure during their first heat treatment, as well as to stablish more suitable drying schedules. The aim of this project is to carry out a systemic and critical evaluation of the experimental parameters and mathematical models proposed in the literature to describe the castables' drying process, in order to suggest new solutions for the definition of the heating schedules for advanced refractories that may result in lower cracking/explosion risk for these products and faster speed to complete this critical step during their first heating treatment. (AU)

Scientific publications

(7)

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

BEZERRA, B. P.; LUZ, A. P.; SALOMAO, R.; PANDOLFELLI, V. C.. Low-melting-point polymeric fiber performance as drying additives for refractory castables. CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL, v. 48, n. 3, p. 3504-3514, FEB 1 2022. (19/07996-0)

LUZ, A. P.; MOREIRA, M. H.; BRAULIO, M. A. L.; PARR, C.; PANDOLFELLI, V. C.. Drying behavior of dense refractory ceramic castables. Part 1-General aspects and experimental techniques used to assess water removal. CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL, v. 47, n. 16, p. 22246-22268, AUG 15 2021. (19/07996-0)

CUNHA, T. M.; MOREIRA, M. H.; SANTOS, M. F.; LUZ, A. P.; PANDOLFELLI, V. C.. Drying behavior of steel-ladle lining refractory castables under continuous heating rate. CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL, v. 48, n. 1, p. 1142-1151, JAN 1 2022. (19/07996-0)

LUZ, A. P.; MOREIRA, M. H.; SALOMAO, R.; BRAULIO, M. A. L.; PANDOLFELLI, V. C.. Drying behavior of dense refractory castables. Part 2-Drying agents and design of heating schedules. CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL, v. 48, n. 3, p. 2965-2987, FEB 1 2022. (18/19773-3, 19/07996-0)

MOREIRA, M. H.; DAL PONT, S.; AUSAS, R. F.; LUZ, A. P.; CUNHA, T. M.; PARR, C.; PANDOLFELLI, V. C.. Main trends on the simulation of the drying of refractory castables-Review. CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL, v. 47, n. 20, p. 28086-28105, OCT 15 2021. (13/07375-0, 19/07996-0)

MIGUEL, V. C.; FINI, D. S.; PINTO, V. S.; MOREIRA, M. H.; PANDOLFELLI, V. C.; LUZ, A. P.. Crack-free caustic magnesia-bonded refractory castables. CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL, v. 47, n. 12, p. 7-pg., 2021-05-07. (19/07996-0)

MOREIRA, M. H.; AUSAS, R. F.; DAL PONT, S.; PELISSARI, P., I; LUZ, A. P.; PANDOLFELLI, V. C.. Towards a single-phase mixed formulation of refractory castables and structural concrete at high temperatures. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER, v. 171, p. 19-pg., 2021-03-22. (19/07996-0, 13/07375-0)