Production and use of cast forsterite concrete blocks

The technology for the production of cast forsterite concrete blocks with excellent thermal-shock resistance has been developed. The production of these blocks has been organized at the Experimental Plant of the Eastern Institute of Refractories. The use of cast forsterite concrete blocks in open-hearth furnaces has made it possible to reduce threefold labor costs in maintenance, and to shorten the repair time also threefold; in pit furnaces it has been possible to lower labor costs in maintenance threefold and to reduce the repair time by 25%.