Plug bricks are widely used in iron and steel industry, mainly in the following aspects:

I. Ladle tapping control

Plug brick is a key component in ladle tapping system, which is installed at the tapping hole at the bottom of ladle. It controls the outflow and opening and closing of molten steel through the cooperation with the plug rod. In the pouring process, the plug brick and the nozzle brick are in close contact to seal the molten steel. When pouring is needed, a gap is generated between the plug brick and the nozzle brick by lifting the plug rod, and the molten steel flows out from the nozzle.

II. Ingot and continuous casting process

In the process of ingot casting and continuous casting, plug bricks are used to control the flow of molten steel and ensure that molten steel can flow smoothly and evenly into the mold or crystallizer. The sealing performance and wear resistance of plug bricks are very important for preventing molten steel leakage and reducing steel water pollution.

III. Components of high-temperature refractories

Plug bricks are usually made of refractory materials such as high alumina, zircon or silicon carbide, which have excellent corrosion resistance, thermal shock resistance and high temperature strength. For example, zircon plug bricks are widely used in the inner lining of continuous casting steel drums, sprue bricks and plug bricks because of their good slag resistance and thermal shock resistance.

IV. Plug-rod control of ladle

In the stopper-type ladle, the stopper brick controls the flow of molten steel through the lifting of the stopper rod. This design can effectively adjust the outflow speed of molten steel and ensure the accurate control of pouring process.

V. Energy conservation and environmental protection

The high sealing performance of plug bricks can reduce the waste of molten steel and reduce energy consumption. In addition, its good corrosion resistance and wear resistance prolong the service life and reduce the replacement frequency of refractory materials, thus reducing the production cost.

In a word, plug brick plays an important role in iron and steel industry, and its performance and quality directly affect the efficiency and quality of molten steel pouring. With the progress of technology, the materials and production technology of plug bricks are constantly improved to meet the higher requirements of modern steel production for refractories.