Slag & Refractory Characterization

Microbeam utilizes a variety of laboratory and SEM techniques to characterize slag and refractory materials to measure the penetration of slag that causes corrosion and the formation of protective layers. These methods allow for characterization of slag flow, slag corrosion and refractory corrosion resistance properties. 

Sessile Drop

Used to determine the wetting and refractory penetration behavior of ash on the surface of a refractory sample

Ash is placed on the surface of the refractory. The refractory with ash is placed in a furnace and heated at a steady rate until the ash melts. The melting of ash is monitored with a camera and the degree to which the ash interacts with the refractory is observed.

Static Cup

Used to determine slag penetration depth and slag height in a refractory cup

Ash/slag is placed in a cup made of refractory. The ash/slag is melted in a glass melting furnace and the penetration of the ash/slag into the refractory is observed by a cross-section of the refractory cup.

Rotating Finger

Used to determine slag erosion of the refractory finger

Ash/slag is placed in an alumina crucible and melted in a glass melting furnace. A finger of refractory material is rotated in the molten slag and the erosion of the finger by the slag is measured.

Rotating Bob Viscometry

Used to determine the on-cooling viscosity of slag, or ash, as a function of temperature

Slag or ash materials are melted, and a bob is submerged in the molten materials. The bob is rotated, and the torque on the rotating bob is measured as the materials are cooled. The viscosity is calculated at different temperatures.

T250

Used to determine the on-heating T250 temperature of slag or ash T250 is the temperature at which the viscosity equals 250 poise

Ash is placed in a crucible with a hole in the bottom. The crucible with ash is placed in a furnace and heated at a steady rate until the ash melts and runs through the hole. The flow of ash is monitored with a camera, and the stages of melting are recorded to determine the T250.

Stage 1
Initial

Stage 2
Sample before flow

Stage 3
Sample at flow point

Stage 4
Sample after flow point

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