STABILITY OF CORNER PIECES

• The Technical and Simulation departments of TEIDE REFRACTORY SOLUTIONS are firmly committed to the use of finite element analysis software to determine the stability of corner pieces.

• Corner pieces have a specific geometry to enable them to adapt to the blast furnace closure or route, in order to reduce heat loss. This special geometry makes it necessary to shift the centre of gravity to the sides. When the centre of gravity is displaced, these pieces are likely to overturn.

Fig. 1: View of corner piece (left) and photo of piece that is starting to become unstable (right)

• A correct analysis of the centre of gravity is essential to prevent the piece from overturning due to tangential force on the upper face.

Fig. 2. Moment diagram used to determine the stability of a corner piece.

• The overturning of the piece around the corner axis takes place when the moment of the destabilising force is greater than the moment of the weight, with the appropriate safety factor, based on:

W×d= γ ×F×h

Where:

W: weight in N d: distance from centre of gravity to rotational axis in m y: safety factor, usually 1.65 F: horizontal destabilising force in N h: height with respect to the rotational axis where the F force is applied, usually the height of the piece in m

• Likewise, correct design and mounting that ensures the adequate distribution of the expansion joints to absorb the expansion due to thermal cycles is essential to achieve a safe, durable assembly.

• Please contact our sales staff if you need advice in calculating the stability of corner pieces.