Push Plate Kiln for Refractory Material Firing: High - Temperature
Durability
1. Brief Overview
The push plate kiln designed for refractory material firing is a
highly specialized industrial furnace. Refractory materials, by
nature, are substances that can withstand extremely high
temperatures without significant deformation, melting, or
degradation. These materials are crucial in various high -
temperature industrial processes, such as steelmaking, cement
production, and glass manufacturing. The push plate kiln is
engineered to subject these refractory materials to the intense
heat necessary for their proper processing.
Structurally, the push plate kiln consists of several key
components. The loading area is where the raw refractory materials,
often in the form of bricks, pre - formed shapes, or granular
materials, are placed onto the push plates. These push plates are
typically made of high - temperature - resistant materials
themselves, such as special alloys or advanced ceramics. They serve
as carriers to transport the refractory materials through the kiln.
The heating zone is the heart of the kiln. It is equipped with
powerful heating elements, which can be electric resistive heaters,
gas burners, or other heating sources depending on the specific
requirements of the refractory material and the scale of
production. The heating zone is designed to reach and maintain
temperatures that can range from 1200°C to over 1800°C. To ensure
uniform heating, the heating elements are strategically arranged,
and the kiln chamber is well - insulated. High - quality insulation
materials, such as ceramic fiber blankets and refractory bricks
with low thermal conductivity, are used to minimize heat loss to
the surroundings. This not only improves the energy efficiency of
the kiln but also helps in maintaining a stable high - temperature
environment inside the chamber.
The unloading area is where the fired refractory materials are
removed from the kiln. After passing through the heating zone, the
refractory materials have undergone the necessary thermal
treatment, which may include sintering, densification, or the
formation of specific crystal structures. The continuous operation
of the push plate kiln, with the steady movement of the push plates
from the loading area to the unloading area, allows for a high -
volume production of refractory materials. This makes it suitable
for large - scale industrial applications where a consistent supply
of high - quality refractory products is required.
2. Features
2.1 High - Temperature Resistance
The most prominent feature of the push plate kiln for refractory
material firing is its ability to withstand extremely high
temperatures. The construction materials of the kiln, including the
furnace lining, heating elements, and push plates, are carefully
selected to endure the harsh thermal environment. For example, the
furnace lining is often made of high - alumina refractory bricks or
advanced ceramic fiber composites. These materials have high
melting points and excellent thermal stability, ensuring that the
kiln can operate continuously at high temperatures without
structural failure.
2.2 Precise Temperature Control
To produce high - quality refractory materials, precise temperature
control is essential. The push plate kiln is equipped with advanced
temperature control systems. These systems use thermocouples and
temperature controllers to monitor and adjust the temperature in
different zones of the heating chamber. The ability to set and
maintain specific temperature profiles allows for the customization
of the firing process according to the requirements of different
refractory materials. For instance, some refractory materials may
require a slow heating rate to prevent cracking, while others need
a rapid increase in temperature to achieve the desired phase
transformation.
2.3 Large - Capacity Loading
This type of kiln is designed to handle large - sized and heavy
refractory materials. The push plates are engineered to support the
weight of the materials during the firing process. The loading area
can be configured to accommodate different shapes and sizes of
refractory products, whether they are standard - sized bricks or
custom - made refractory components. This large - capacity loading
feature enables high - volume production, meeting the demands of
industries that rely on refractory materials in large quantities.
2.4 Energy - Efficiency
Despite the high - temperature operation, the push plate kiln is
designed with energy - efficiency in mind. The well - insulated
furnace chamber reduces heat loss, and the optimized heating system
ensures that energy is used effectively. Some modern push plate
kilns also incorporate waste heat recovery systems. These systems
capture the heat from the exhaust gases and use it to pre - heat
the incoming air or the raw refractory materials. By recovering and
reusing this waste heat, the overall energy consumption of the kiln
is reduced, making the production process more sustainable and cost
- effective.
3. Applications
3.1 Steelmaking Industry
In the steelmaking industry, refractory materials are used
extensively. The push plate kiln plays a crucial role in the
production of refractory bricks and other components for
steelmaking furnaces.
3.1.1 Furnace Lining Bricks
The lining of a steelmaking furnace is subject to intense heat,
chemical corrosion from molten steel and slag, and mechanical
stress. Refractory bricks fired in a push plate kiln are used to
line the walls, roof, and bottom of the furnace. For example,
magnesia - carbon bricks, which are widely used in the lining of
electric arc furnaces, are fired in push plate kilns. The high -
temperature firing process in the kiln helps to densify the bricks,
improving their strength and corrosion resistance. The precise
temperature control in the kiln ensures that the bricks have a
uniform microstructure, which is essential for their performance in
the harsh environment of a steelmaking furnace.
3.1.2 Tundish Refractories
Tundishes are used in the continuous casting process of steel to
distribute the molten steel evenly to the molds. Refractory
materials for tundishes, such as alumina - zirconia - carbon (AZS)
refractories, are also produced using push plate kilns. These
refractories need to have excellent thermal shock resistance and
low porosity to prevent the penetration of molten steel. The firing
process in the push plate kiln helps to achieve the desired
properties of these tundish refractories, ensuring smooth and
efficient continuous casting operations.
3.2 Cement Industry
The cement production process involves high - temperature reactions
in rotary kilns. Refractory materials are used to line these rotary
kilns to protect the steel shell from the high - temperature
environment and to improve the energy efficiency of the kiln.
3.2.1 Rotary Kiln Lining
The lining of a cement rotary kiln consists of several layers of
refractory materials. The inner layer, which is in direct contact
with the hot cement clinker, is usually made of chrome - magnesite
or spinel - containing refractory bricks. These bricks are fired in
push plate kilns to enhance their refractoriness under load and
their resistance to the chemical attack from the cement raw
materials and clinker. The push plate kiln's ability to handle
large - sized bricks and its precise temperature control make it
suitable for producing the high - quality refractory linings
required for cement rotary kilns.
3.2.2 Burner Blocks
Burner blocks in cement kilns are subjected to extremely high
temperatures and the erosive action of the fuel flame. Refractory
burner blocks, often made of high - alumina materials, are fired in
push plate kilns. The firing process imparts the necessary hardness
and thermal stability to the burner blocks, allowing them to
withstand the harsh conditions in the kiln burner area and ensuring
efficient combustion of the fuel.
3.3 Glass Manufacturing Industry
In the glass manufacturing industry, refractory materials are used
in glass melting furnaces.
3.3.1 Furnace Superstructure Refractories
The superstructure of a glass melting furnace, which includes the
crown, sidewalls, and ports, is lined with refractory materials.
These refractories need to have high resistance to the corrosive
action of the molten glass and the high - temperature gases in the
furnace. Refractory products such as fused - cast AZS blocks, which
are used in the crown and sidewalls of glass furnaces, are produced
using push plate kilns. The firing process in the kiln helps to
eliminate porosity and improve the density of these blocks,
enhancing their resistance to glass corrosion and thermal fatigue.
3.4 Petrochemical Industry
In the petrochemical industry, high - temperature reactors and
furnaces are used for various processes such as cracking,
reforming, and combustion.
3.4.1 Reactor Linings
Refractory linings are used in petrochemical reactors to protect
the reactor walls from the high - temperature and corrosive process
fluids. Refractory bricks and castables made of materials like
alumina - silica or silicon carbide are fired in push plate kilns.
The firing process in the kiln improves the mechanical strength and
chemical resistance of these refractory linings, ensuring the safe
and efficient operation of the petrochemical reactors.
3.4.2 Furnace Insulation
Insulating refractory materials are used in petrochemical furnaces
to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency. Materials such
as ceramic fiber modules and lightweight refractory bricks are
fired in push plate kilns. The kiln firing process helps to set the
structure of these insulating materials, enhancing their thermal
insulation properties and durability under the high - temperature
conditions in petrochemical furnaces.
4. FAQs
4.1 What is the maximum temperature that a push plate kiln for
refractory material firing can reach?
The maximum temperature that a push plate kiln can reach depends on
its design and the type of heating system used. Generally, these
kilns can reach temperatures up to 1800°C or even higher. However,
the actual maximum temperature for a specific kiln is determined by
factors such as the refractory materials used in its construction,
the heating capacity of the heating elements, and the requirements
of the refractory materials being fired.
4.2 How long does it take to fire refractory materials in a push
plate kiln?
The firing time varies depending on several factors. These include
the type of refractory material, its size and shape, the desired
final properties, and the temperature profile of the kiln. For
example, some simple refractory bricks may be fired in a few hours,
while more complex refractory components or materials with specific
heat - treatment requirements may take 12 hours or more. The firing
time is carefully optimized to ensure that the refractory materials
achieve the desired quality and performance characteristics.
4.3 Can the push plate kiln be used for firing different types of
refractory materials simultaneously?
In most cases, it is not recommended to fire different types of
refractory materials simultaneously in the same push plate kiln.
Different refractory materials may have different heating
requirements, such as different heating rates, maximum
temperatures, and holding times. Firing them together may result in
one material not being properly processed while over - processing
another. However, if the materials have similar thermal
requirements, and the kiln is designed to handle such a situation,
it may be possible to fire them simultaneously, but this requires
careful planning and monitoring.
4.4 What are the common problems that may occur during the
operation of a push plate kiln for refractory material firing?
Common problems include uneven heating, which can lead to
inconsistent quality of the fired refractory materials. This may be
caused by issues with the heating elements, such as burnout or
improper installation. Another problem could be the wear and tear
of the push plates and the furnace lining over time due to the high
- temperature and mechanical stress. This can affect the operation
of the kiln and the quality of the products. Additionally, problems
with the temperature control system, such as inaccurate temperature
readings or malfunctioning controllers, can also occur, leading to
incorrect firing of the refractory materials. Regular maintenance,
calibration of the temperature control system, and inspection of
the kiln components can help prevent and address these issues.