Significance of Oxidation‐Reduction Reactions Within BOF Refractories

At steelmaking temperatures, carbon and oxide constituents of BOF refractories react via the vapor phase. The mechanism of these reactions involves the production of metal or suboxide vapor in a region of low O2 pressure and may include reoxidation and condensation in a region of high pO2. The faster wear rate of pitch-bonded brick in high-wear areas of the BOF, as compared to burned impregnated brick, is attributed to the pronounced porous region created near the hot face when internal oxidation-reduction reactions consume the carbon bond.