The significance of thermal conductivity in insulating and dense refractories lies in their ability to resist or conduct heat. In insulating refractories, low thermal conductivity is desired to minimize heat transfer and improve insulation properties, making them suitable for applications where heat conservation is important, such as in furnace linings or kiln walls. On the other hand, dense refractories with high thermal conductivity are desired for applications that require efficient heat transfer, such as in metallurgical processes or high-temperature furnaces, where the refractories need to withstand extreme temperatures and conduct heat away from the process materials. Overall, the thermal conductivity of refractories plays a crucial role in determining their suitability for specific industrial applications.

Fused cast AZS (alumina-zirconia-silica) plays a crucial role in glass furnace refractories. It is a high-quality refractory material that is manufactured by melting raw materials at extremely high temperatures and then cooling them rapidly to form a dense structure. The main function of fused cast AZS is to line the furnace walls, hearth, and crown in glass furnaces, protecting them from the harsh conditions of high temperatures, chemical attacks, and thermal shocks. It offers exceptional resistance to the corrosive effects of molten glass and other aggressive materials present in the furnace. Fused cast AZS has excellent thermal shock resistance, ensuring that it can withstand rapid changes in temperature without cracking or spalling. This property is essential in glass furnaces, where temperature fluctuations are frequent during the melting and cooling processes. Furthermore, fused cast AZS has a high refractoriness, meaning it can withstand extremely high temperatures without significant deformation or degradation. This is crucial in glass furnaces, as temperatures can reach up to 1600°C or higher. Moreover, fused cast AZS offers low thermal conductivity, which helps to reduce heat losses from the furnace, thus improving energy efficiency. It also provides good mechanical strength, allowing it to withstand the weight of the molten glass and other equipment within the furnace. In summary, fused cast AZS plays a vital role in glass furnace refractories by providing excellent resistance to high temperatures, thermal shocks, and chemical attacks. Its properties contribute to the overall efficiency, durability, and longevity of glass furnaces, ensuring smooth and reliable glass production processes.

Mullite is obtained through the calcination of aluminum and silica-rich raw materials, such as kaolin or alumina and silica mixtures. This calcination process involves heating the raw materials at high temperatures, typically around 1600-1800°C, in a kiln or furnace. The resulting mullite powder is then processed further by grinding and sieving to achieve the desired particle size distribution. This processed mullite powder can be used as a refractory material in various applications due to its excellent thermal and chemical stability, high melting point, and low thermal expansion characteristics.

The refractory raw materials commonly used in lining converters are magnesite, dolomite, chrome ore, and alumina.