Jeronimo Guarco (K1-MET GmbH) gave a presentation on “Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Shear-Induced Erosion of Alumina Refractories in Alumina-Saturated Slag”.

Using a novel finger-test apparatus and CFD simulations, the study investigated high-temperature erosion profiles and the evolution of erosion parameters over time. The results show that the critical shear stress decreases as the interaction between refractory and slag develops, providing new insights into the combined effects of precorrosion and shear-driven erosion under real operating conditions. The findings contribute to a better understanding of refractory wear and could support efforts to extend refractory service life in metallurgical vessels.

Zeinab Naji gave a talk on “Thermomechanical Response Analysis of Refractories in a Ruhrstal-Heraeus Degasser Vessel”.

The study uses von Mises creep model, the Drucker–Prager model, and the concrete damage plasticity model to evaluate inelastic response of the refractory lining in direct contact with molten steel. The results demonstrate that only creep and shear mechanisms are activated during the initial preheating phase and govern inelastic deformation near the hot face, while tensile failure contributes only negligibly. Furthermore, creep leads to a larger joint opening at the hot face and results in a reduced radial displacement of the steel shell.