Studies on the development of Zircon refractories from Travancore Beach Sand

Abstract

Studies on the effect of minor additions of sodium carbonate, titanium, magnesium oxide, alumina, lime and Travancore china clay on the sintering characteristics of zircon sand, packing densities of mixtures consisting of zircon grog, sand and ball mill fines and properties of refractory bodies compounded from mixtures with high packing density values have been carried out. Binding characteristics of various temporary binders have been studied. Results of semi-pilot plant production of standard size bricks from these compositions are given. These studies indicate that zircon refractories comparable to improved ones can be manufactured from the zircon sand of Travancore beach. They showed excellent resistance to the attack of molten aluminium alloy, electric furnace slag and basic open hearth slag as well as severe thermal shocks. Some of their important uses are as linings for aluminium re-melting furnace as well as in the glass tank furnaces.