Although both converter and ladle use clay bricks in steelmaking process, there are obvious differences between them in usage scenarios, performance requirements and brick types:

I. Usage scenarios and functions

Converter: Converter is mainly used for blowing operation in steelmaking process. The temperature is extremely high and the chemical environment in the furnace is complex. The furnace lining needs to withstand the erosion of high-temperature molten steel and slag, and at the same time it needs to resist frequent temperature changes. Clay brick is mainly used to protect furnace lining in converter, which has the functions of heat insulation, corrosion resistance and thermal shock resistance.

Ladle: Ladle is mainly used to store, transport and treat molten steel, and its lining needs to withstand the high temperature and erosion of molten steel. Clay brick is mainly used for permanent layer in ladle, which plays the role of heat insulation and protection of metal shell.

II. Performance requirements

Converter: Because the operating environment of converter is worse, clay brick is required to have higher corrosion resistance, thermal shock resistance and wear resistance. Clay brick needs to withstand higher temperature and more frequent temperature changes in converter, so its thermal shock resistance is particularly important.

Ladle: The clay brick lining the ladle mainly plays the role of heat insulation and protection, and the brick is required to have good heat insulation performance to reduce the temperature drop of molten steel. In addition, the clay brick of ladle also needs to have certain corrosion resistance to prevent the corrosion of molten steel and slag.

III. Types of bricks

Converter: Clay bricks used in converters are usually high-alumina clay bricks or anti-spalling clay bricks, which have higher Al₂O₃ content and can provide better corrosion resistance and thermal shock resistance.

Ladle: The clay bricks used in the ladle are mostly light and heat-insulating clay bricks, which are characterized by low thermal conductivity, good heat-insulating effect and light weight, which can reduce the overall weight of the ladle.

IV. Service life

Converter: Because the operating conditions of converter are more harsh, the service life of clay brick is relatively short, and it usually needs to be repaired regularly.

Ladle: The service life of clay brick in the permanent layer of ladle is longer, but high-performance high-alumina brick or castable is usually used in the working layer to prolong the service life.

V. Economy

Converter: Because the converter requires high performance of clay brick, its cost is relatively high.

Ladle: The permanent layer of ladle is made of lightweight heat-insulating clay brick, which is relatively low in cost and can effectively reduce the overall weight of ladle and improve transportation efficiency.

Generally speaking, although both converter and ladle use clay bricks, there are obvious differences in performance requirements and type selection of bricks due to different usage scenarios and functions. Converter pays more attention to the corrosion resistance and thermal shock resistance of brick, while ladle pays more attention to heat insulation and economy.