An Assessment of Indian Dolomite for Oxygen Steelmaking

Abstract

Dolomite has been use as refractory lining material in B.O.F. since its inception. Performance of dolo lining depends largely on the physico-chemical properties of the material used. Good lining material is made from purer raw material with superior physical properties. In India, high purity dolomite has not been used so far. Study was undertaken with two samples with very low impurity content obtained from Madhya Pradesh area and one samplw with comparitively higher impurity level from Orissa region. Sintering characteristics, crystal growth and hydration resistance of these samples fired at tempe-ratures of 1600c, 1800c and 2000c were studies. It was found that sintering of higher purity dolomite required a temperature level of around 2000c. Crystal growth and hydration resistance improved with higher firing temperature. Good quality BOF lining material can be made with the high purity material obtained from Madhya Pradesh area.