Pilot Plant studies on the production of Forsterite Refractories: Part I- Study of Process Variables

Abstract

Investigations undertaken at National Metallurgical Laboratory on forsterite refractories have been reviewed. Relevant process details as developed on a laboratory scale have been discussed. Pilot Plant studies on the production of these refractories from basic rock, utilizing two alternative processes, have been described. The results indicate that it is possible to process serpentine to make forsterite refractories by a one stage process provided serpentine powders are properly graded and blends of high packing densities are used. Magnesite additions in such bodies should preferably contain certain proportion of light calcined magnesia. Fabrication pressure of the order of 10,000-14,000 p.s.i. appears to be optimum for these mixes. The results also confirm that on a large scale, the two stage process originally developed for this work yields good compacts of satisfactory properties. This process however, is expensive both in initial capital outlay as well as in process coasts.