Egyptian raw materials for refractories

Abstract

The Egyptian refractory raw materials available for application in the production of acidic and basic refractories are reviewed. Egyptian quartz and quartzite raw materials can be utilized in the production of shaped and unshaped silica refractories for lining coke ovens and ductile–iron induction furnaces, respectively. Also, the semi-silica and fireclay bricks currently produced from the available kaolinitic clays can be economically applied for lining steel ladles and tundishes, beside the aluminous fire clay bricks. On the other side, dense and hydration resistant shaped and unshaped lime, dolomite and MgO-dolomite refractories for lining and repairing of steel and cement furnaces can be produced from their available raw materials. In addition, shaped cordierite bodies can be produced as furniture for tunnel kilns used in firing white ware ceramics and forsterite bricks for lining the lower courses of the glass tank heat exchangers from varieties of serpentinite rocks.