Where are carbon bricks NOT used? Select the lining application in which carbon bricks are generally unsuitable due to oxidizing conditions.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Combustion chamber of blast furnace stoves

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Carbon and graphite bricks provide high thermal conductivity and refractoriness in reducing atmospheres, but they are vulnerable to oxidation. Correct placement therefore hinges on the local gas chemistry of the furnace zone.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Reducing (low-oxygen) conditions protect carbon; oxidizing flames destroy it.
  • Blast furnace stoves have combustion chambers with strongly oxidizing conditions during firing.
  • Blast furnace hearths and certain electric furnace zones may be neutral or reducing.


Concept / Approach:
Carbon bricks should be avoided where free oxygen and high temperatures coincide, such as combustion chambers. In contrast, they are widely used in the hearth of a blast furnace and in other zones engineered to limit oxygen potential. For chemical equipment handling certain non-oxidizing environments, carbon’s corrosion resistance can also be advantageous.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the options with oxidizing vs. reducing environments.Recognize the combustion chamber as strongly oxidizing.Conclude that carbon bricks are not used there.


Verification / Alternative check:
Plant lining practices avoid carbon in direct-flame zones; specifications often call for high-alumina, silica, or other oxide refractories in combustion chambers.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Electric furnaces: may include carbon components depending on zone and practice.Chemical-resistant equipment: carbon can be suitable if the chemistry is non-oxidizing.Blast furnace hearth: a classic application for carbon blocks.Torpedo ladle working lining: depends on design, but carbon-containing linings are used in some configurations.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming carbon can tolerate any hot zone regardless of atmosphere.Ignoring local gas chemistry variations within a single furnace.


Final Answer:
Combustion chamber of blast furnace stoves

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