Stress regulation in the crown brickwork of an open-hearth furnace

Abstract

Alternation from melt to melt of variable loads exerted by the weight of the crown has a devastating effect on the crown refractories, and the greater the acting loads, the stronger the effect. A reduction in crown weight acting on the unit and the metal structures resting on it contributes to an increase in the stability of the refractory pieces. This can be achieved by transferring part of the weight of the crown onto the metal structure (framework) of the furnace. In this case, it is possible to regulate the stresses in the brickwork.