Fireproof Concrete for Lining of Soak Pits

The Siberian State Academy of Mining and Metallurgy together with the joint-stock company of the West-Siberian Metallurgical Works and UralNIIStromprojekt have developed compositions and technology for fireproof concrete made from local materials and industrial by-products. The concrete is designated for the production of unburnt blocks and bricks to be used for lining heating facilities of metallurgical enterprises (there are four of them in Novokuznetsk). Concrete for producing blocks for soaking pits consists of the following components: quartzites of three grading fractions (0 to 8 mm - 36%, 0 to 3 mm - 50%, powder fraction - 14%) and a binder (technical grade liquid glass) with a density of 1.42 to 1.44 g/sq cm (10-14% above 100% aggregate). The technical grade liquid glass was made by solution of silica fume with the fineness of 60 to 90 sq m/g and beyond 90% free SiO2 content in sodium hydroxide. The technical grade liquid glass developed increased the strength of concrete and its heat resistance by 35 to 45% and 25 to 30%, respectively, as compared with the commonly used liquid glass. The service life of the blocks manufactured at the pilot plant of the West-Siberian Metallurgical Works in walls of a soaking pit was 18 months, while that of the blocks produced by the Pervouralsky plant ranges from 6 to 12 months. The construction of a department for producing blocks and bricks from the above concrete is in the stage of completion at the West-Siberian Steel Works.