MgCr Refractory Brick Selection Guide: Key Performance Metrics for High-Temperature Converter Lining Applications

Choosing the Right Magnesium-Chrome Refractory Brick for Your Converter Linings

In steelmaking, the performance of your converter lining directly impacts furnace life, energy efficiency, and safety. Among refractory materials, magnesium-chrome bricks remain a top choice for high-temperature applications—especially in basic oxygen furnaces (BOFs) where temperatures exceed 1,600°C. But how do you ensure you’re selecting the best one?

Key Performance Metrics That Matter

A reliable magnesium-chrome brick must meet several critical technical standards:

• Refractoriness: Minimum 1,750°C — ensures stability under extreme heat.
• Volume Stability: Less than 0.5% change after 15 hours at 1,600°C — prevents cracking due to thermal stress.
• Thermal Expansion Coefficient: ~5–7 × 10⁻⁶ /°C — low expansion reduces spalling risk during heating cycles.
• Anti-Slag Resistance: >90% weight retention after 4-hour slag immersion test — crucial for longevity in acidic/basic environments.
• Thermal Shock Resistance: Withstands 50 rapid heating/cooling cycles without visible damage — essential for operational flexibility.

Why Silicon-Bonded Technology Makes a Difference

Traditional magnesia-chrome bricks often fail prematurely due to poor bonding. Our advanced silicon-bonded process forms a dense, interlocking microstructure that enhances structural integrity at operating temps. This means:

“After switching to our silicon-bonded bricks, one client reported an average furnace campaign increase from 1,200 to 1,800 heats—a 50% improvement in lining life.”

Your Practical Selection Checklist

These metrics aren’t just numbers—they’re the foundation of safer operations, lower maintenance costs, and fewer production interruptions. Whether you're managing a mid-sized mill or a large integrated plant, getting this right saves time, money, and lives.