Application of Dolomite in Refractory Materials

Dolomite is the main raw material for the production of magnesia-calcium refractory materials. The main component is magnesium calcium carbonate. The chemical composition is CaMg(CO₃)₂. The theoretical chemical composition is CaO 30.4%, MgO 21.7%, and CO₂ 47.9%. The composition is Mg can be replaced by Fe, Mn, Co, Zn, CA can be replaced by Pb, Na when the number of iron or manganese atoms exceeds Mg, it is called ankerite or manganese dolomite. After dolomite is heated, MgCO₃ decomposes at around 750°C and CaCO₃ decomposes at around 950°C. Dolomite is a cubic mineral with a relative density of 2.8 to 2.9 and a Mohs hardness of 3.5 to 4.5.

Dolomite is widely used in metallurgy, refractory materials, building materials, ceramics, glass, the chemical industry, agriculture and forestry, environmental protection and energy saving, and other fields. It is a non-metallic mineral resource that can be exploited in a variety of ways. With the development of modern science and technology, the development and application of dolomite has penetrated various fields of social development and has become a mineral resource with huge economic value.

Dolomite is one of the important raw materials for alkaline refractory materials. It is mainly used for lining the furnace walls of steelmaking converters, open-hearth furnaces, and electric furnaces, and is then used in thermal equipment such as refining devices outside the furnace and cement kilns. Dolomite can be used to make dolomite bricks. When dolomite bricks are used as furnace linings, spraying dolomite and gunning materials can significantly increase the furnace’s life.