MECHANICAL STRESS STUDY FOR PRODUCT OPTIMIZATION

TEIDE R&D department using FEM simulation technics is constant optimizing the refractory pieces design. In new installations or in the existing ones, our target is to maximize the pieces lifespan. Depending on the mechanical and thermal requirements it is needed to choose one type of design or another.

For the draught-hole blocks, this point is especially critical when appearing smoothness problems on support surfaces.

For replacement of draught-hole blocks in existing kiln cars, it has to be taken in account the special solicitation of a non-flat surface. In order to avoid mechanical stress that compromised the pieces, we make an study to optimize the design to be applied.

On the upper image we can see the current sitting situation of the draught-hole blocks. The start design, with a little support on both lower sides, can be seen on the left side of this image.

On the lower image we can see the piece with a load set has a high stress concentration on the zones colored in red. This instance can imply future problems.

With a design modification we can reach the proposal on the right side of the lower image. It has a wider sitting surface and a triple void structure, which highly reduces the stress concentration. In the same working conditions, the new design allows us to be sure that the piece will be less sensitive to mechanical stresses.