Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved refractory brick that provides many distinct advantages over prior art bricks. More particularly, the brick of the present invention facilitates the construction of an integral furnace lining that prevents the dislodgement or movement of individual bricks. The refractory brick of the present invention also provides a continuous refractory lining which affords improved lining lifetimes or furnace campaigns. Each brick comprises a refractory portion and a pair of steel portions. The steel portions are each contained within a recess formed along each of the major surfaces of the brick. The brick is utilized to form a refractory lining within a vessel wherein at least a part of the refractory portion of each brick is in contact with the refractory portion of adjoining bricks and the steel portions of each of the bricks is metallurgically bonded to the steel portions of adjoining bricks so as to provide an integral (monolithic) refractory wall.

Abstract: A refractory shape having improved resistance to erosion in metal melting vessels and high modulus of rupture, comprising an anhydrous refractory material, an anhydrous organic binder, from 0.3% to about 30% finely divided elemental carbon having a particle size ranging from 0.01 to about 1 mm, and from 0.3% to about 10% particulate elemental magnesium, based on the weight of the refractory shape. Addition of both elemental carbon and elemental magnesium results in a synergistic improvement in slag erosion resistance.

Abstract: A steel refining furnace and refractories therefor having improved thermal conductivity may be achieved by the use of refractory bricks containing 31/2 to 51/2% residual carbon and having metal plates and the like associated therewith externally and, in many instances, internally. The cold face of the brick should be protected by a metal shell. Such a brick will have high thermal conductivity to achieve a cooler hot face of the basic oxygen furnace lining whereby to improve and decrease the rate of slag erosion in the furnace and to improve the thermal shock resistance of the refractory lining. An improved furnace is realized by utilizing the novel brick in specific areas thereof such as under the lip ring and in the trunion areas.

Abstract: A composition which improves the hot strength of chemically bonded refractory shapes such as brick. The composition is comprised of refractory brickmaking size graded magnesia and chrome ore grain in a weight ratio between 90/10 and 30/70. The major portion of chrome ore grains must be smaller than 28 mesh; preferably, therefore, such chrome ore grains should be of a size that will pass 28 mesh screens and stay on 200 mesh screens. The lime (CaO) silica (SiO.sub.2) ratio is in the range of 0.2 to 2.5 depending on the total silica content of the system. Such silica content should never be more than about 2.5% by weight on the basis of an oxide analysis of the whole mix, but it may be as low as about 0.5% on the same basis. When the silica content is low (0.5 to 1.3%), the lime/silica ratio may be either high (1.8 to 2.5) or low (0.2 to 1.0). When, however, the silica content is high (1.4 to 2.5%), the lime/silica ratio must be low (0.2 to 1.0).