Silica (SiO2) bricks: identify the furnace/structure where silica bricks are generally NOT used for lining.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Beehive coke ovens

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Silica bricks are classic acidic refractories valued for their high refractoriness and good creep resistance at temperatures above the silica inversion range. They have been extensively used in specific high-temperature structures, especially where the load is mostly compressive and where thermal cycling can be managed.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Applications listed include traditional coke ovens (beehive and by-product), blast-furnace stove domes, and open-hearth roofs.
  • We seek the case where silica bricks are generally not used.
  • Historical usage patterns are considered.



Concept / Approach:
By-product coke ovens, stove domes, and open-hearth roofs have long, well-documented use of silica bricks thanks to their high softening temperature and structural stability at operating temperatures. The primitive beehive coke ovens historically relied more on fireclay and other simpler linings; their operating practice and construction did not commonly adopt premium silica-brick architecture as standard lining, especially compared to modern by-product batteries.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Check typical use: silica bricks are standard in by-product coke oven walls/roofs and stove domes.Open-hearth roofs (historical) also used silica due to high refractoriness.Beehive coke ovens, a rudimentary older technology, were not typically lined with silica bricks as standard practice.



Verification / Alternative check:
Textbook references and plant histories document silica in by-product coke oven batteries and blast-furnace stove crowns; beehive practice lacks that standardized silica-brick usage.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
By-product coke ovens: silica linings are common.Blast-furnace stove dome: classic silica application.Open-hearth roof: historically a major silica-brick user.



Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “coke ovens” as a single category; overlooking the difference between beehive and by-product batteries.



Final Answer:
Beehive coke ovens

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