Abstract: Disclosed are a new silica refractory brick, a method for making the same and a glass manufacturing furnace comprising the same. Said brick is made from quartz grains, contains calcium oxide binder, consists essentially of (i) silica and (ii) less than 1 weight percent of calcium oxide binder, and when subject to ASTM C-987 alkali vapor test at 1370° C. for 24 hours, has an erosion depth of less than 4 mm and a penetrated depth of less than 3 mm. The brick has reduced level of calcium oxide binder and improved resistance to alkalis and is particularly useful in oxygen-fuel fired glass furnaces.

Abstract: A fused silica refractory material made from quartz grains and a method of making the material which contains calcium oxide binder in an amount less than one weight percent. The reduction in calcium oxide binder prevents the degradation of fused silica refractory bricks in furnace environments containing alkali vapors, such as in oxygen-fuel fired glass furnaces. The invention also includes a method of preventing the degradation of silica refractory material by alkalis.