An experimental test system was designed to simulate the operating
conditions found in nonslagging coal gasifiers. The reaction products
that form when refractory linings in coal gasifiers are exposed to
alkali impurities (sodium or potassium) were experimentally determined.
Analysis of selected physical and chemical properties of the reaction
products, which typically form between the alkali and the refractory
will lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms behind refractory
failures associated with alkali attack.
The reaction products sodium aluminate (Na2O•Al203), N2C3A5
(2Na20·3CaO·5Al203), nepheline (Na20•Al203•2SiO2), potassium aluminate, (K2O•Al203), and kaliophilite (K2O•Al203•2Si02) were synthesized and
their solubility in water and coefficients of linear thermal expansion
were: measured. Of the compounds tested, the formation of potassium
aluminate would be the most detrimental to the gasifier lining. The
linear thermal expansion of potassium aluminate was 2.05% from room
temperature to 800°C, which was twice as large as the other compounds. Potassium aluminate also possessed the highest solubility in water which
was 8.893/L at 90°C.
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