Cracks are the defect of fused cast AZS block which will seriously affect the quality of fused cast AZS and economic benefits. There are different kinds of cracks that are caused by different reasons.
According to the depth of the cracks, the cracks of fused cast AZS can be divided into surface cracks and deep cracks (or internal cracks). The surface cracks include longitudinal cracks, transverse cracks, electrical cracks and corner cracks. The deep cracks are mainly micro-cracks caused by the crystal phase transformation of baddeleyite. According to the thermal state of the melt, the cracks can also be divided into high temperature cracks and normal temperature cracks.
The cracks generally start from the corners and mainly in the edge and seldom in the center. The larger the size, the more possible to form cracks. The more complex the shape, the easier to miss angles and edges. The darker the block, the more the cracks. The cracks of fused cast AZS block are also related to its micro-structure. The denser the micro-structure, the less the cracks.
The reasons that cause the cracks are as follows:
1) During the cooling process, the temperature in the surface drops faster than in the inside, which causes a big temperature difference between the inner and outer layer. The temperature difference causes inconsistent shrinkage between the inner and outer layer, which causes the thermal stress. The thermal stress may broke the surface and cause cracks. The thermal stress is generally proportional to the temperature difference.
2) During the casting process, due to the gas, impurities or the uneven surface of the mold, the solidified shell grows unevenly in the early stage. The thermal stress concentrates in the thin parts and may cause cracks. Although the cracks can be filled with the residue, the crystals formed in those parts are vulnerable. Shrinkage of the melt when solidifying may cause cracks again.
3) The crystal phase transformation of baddeleyite can cause volume change. At 1050℃~950℃, baddeleyite is transformed from the tetragonal crystals to monoclinic crystals, which cause 9% volume expansion. The volume change and the temperature difference between the inner and outer layer produce a stress, which is the main reason of deep cracks.
Since cracks can seriously affect the quality of fused cast AZS, cracks must be avoided. Careful operation and oxidizing production can effectively reduce or avoid cracks. Sunrise offers high quality fused cast AZS block 33#, 36#, 41# for glass furnace. High purity raw material, scientific formula, advanced technology and professional guide all contribute to high quality fused cast AZS production.