Authors: A. Sadri, G. Walters, M. Lachemi
1st CSCE Specialty Conference on Infrastructure Technologies, Management and Policy, Toronto, Canada, June 2005
Abstract
Refractory linings in metallurgical furnaces undergo deterioration and wearing with time. The deterioration is caused mainly by thermal stress and chemical attack resulting in loss of heat transfer capability, and load bearing ability. The degree and mechanism of deterioration depend on many different factors. Failure of the lining is dangerous and could affect the structural integrity of the furnace. Nondestructive Testing (NDT) and monitoring of the refractory lining would lead to better safety, longer service life of the vessels, controlled maintenance and increased production. Now for the first time accurate thickness measurements and monitoring of the refractory lining in operating furnaces is possible using acousto ultrasonic-echo technique (AU-E). This paper presents the details of AU-E technique in addition to laboratory measurements to determine parameters leading to the in-situ measurements. Finally, two case studies are presented to substantiate the theoretical and laboratory measurements.
