The Use of the D-Optimal Mixture Design to Develop a Novel Refractory Ramming Mix of the MgO–SiO2–SiC–C System for Blast Furnace Pig Iron Runners

Abstract

In this study, to develop a ramming mix, the D-optimal mixture design method was used, which makes it possible to achieve in the new type of ramming mix the optimal concentration of carbonaceous raw materials – silicon carbide, graphite, pitch. Using the expert-design software and a special preparation methodology, 16 samples of varying compositions were prepared, and their physical properties, such as dried and fired strength, were evaluated. In order to determine the optimal formulation, 12 models were studied. The model with the highest percentage of desired properties at 78.5% contained 11.7 wt.% silicon carbide, 2.6 wt.% graphite, and 5.7 wt.% pitch. Thus, this is the optimal composition of a ramming mix of the MgO–SiO₂–SiC–C system for a blast furnace pig iron runner.