Determination of certain properties of plastic clay-graphite mixtures with a plastometer

Abstract

The primary supplier of graphite-containing refractory parts (crucibles, muffles, baths) is Luga Abrasive Plant, in which at present in production of refractories by the plastic method a significant volume is occupied by manual operations including the preparation of the prepared clay for a crucible, transportation of it, forming of the crucible, etc.In perspective these operations are subject to mechanization, which involves a change in certain criteria of quality of forming mixtures.The purpose of this work was determination of qualitative criteria for evaluation of the quality of clay-graphite mixtures with a granular filler, silicon carbide, for the production of refractory parts by manual and mechanical methods.One of the criteria for evaluation of the quality of a mixture under plant conditions is the moisture content such as 22-25% for crucibles and baths and 18-20% for muffles.The mixtures for production of crucibles on potter's wheel type machines operating by the method of rolling out with the use of a pattern are subject to organoleptic evaluation by the purchaser of the mixture for the possibility of working of it in forming.Such an analyisis requires significant experience and dors not guarantee accuracy.