Analysis of the application and development trend of basic refractory bricks in the field of new energy

As a key refractory material, basic magnesia refractory bricks play an important role in the field of new energy. The limited traditional energy and environmental pollution problems have prompted people to turn to cleaner and renewable energy forms, such as solar energy, wind energy, biomass energy, etc. The widespread application of these new energy forms has promoted the development of related equipment and technologies, and basic magnesia refractory bricks are an indispensable part of these equipment. Its excellent performance in high temperature stability, corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity makes it an ideal choice for new energy equipment. Therefore, in-depth research and analysis of the application and development trend of basic magnesia refractory bricks in the field of new energy has important theoretical and practical significance.

1 Definition and classification of basic magnesia refractory bricks

Alkaline magnesia refractory bricks are an important refractory material, the main components of which are magnesium oxide (MgO) and basic oxides (such as CaO, Si0₂, etc.). This type of refractory brick is well-known in the industry for its excellent high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance. According to their chemical composition and physical properties, alkaline magnesia refractory bricks can be divided into different types, mainly including ordinary alkaline magnesia refractory bricks, alkaline magnesia-alumina refractory bricks and alkaline magnesia-iron refractory bricks. Ordinary alkaline magnesia refractory bricks are widely used in general industrial kilns due to their low cost; while alkaline magnesia-alumina refractory bricks are often used in high-temperature equipment such as converters and electric furnaces in the metallurgical industry due to their higher corrosion resistance. Therefore, understanding and classifying alkaline magnesia refractory bricks is of great significance for selecting suitable refractory materials and improving equipment durability.

2 Advantages of alkaline magnesia refractory bricks

2.1 High temperature stability

The high temperature stability of alkaline magnesia refractory bricks in the field of new energy is one of its most prominent advantages. High temperature stability means that the refractory material can maintain structural integrity and stable performance in extremely high temperature environments, and is not easily affected by factors such as thermal expansion and thermal shock. In the solar thermal power generation system, the concentrator undertakes the important task of concentrating sunlight to the collector tube or heat storage tank. Due to the high temperature of sunlight, the working environment of the concentrator is extremely harsh, and the refractory material needs to be able to stably withstand the impact of high temperature heat. With its unique crystal structure and chemical composition, alkaline magnesia refractory bricks can maintain the stability of the material at high temperatures, and are not prone to deformation or cracking, ensuring the long-term stable operation of the solar thermal power generation system. In the combustion chamber, the high-temperature combustion of the fuel will generate extremely high heat, which places extremely high demands on the stability of the refractory material. Alkaline magnesia refractory bricks can withstand the challenges of this high-temperature environment, maintain structural integrity, effectively extend the service life of the combustion chamber, and ensure the efficient energy conversion.

2.2 Corrosion resistance

Alkaline magnesia refractory bricks show excellent corrosion resistance in the field of new energy. Refractory materials can maintain stable chemical and physical properties when facing various corrosive media, and are not easily corroded or damaged. Alkaline magnesia refractory bricks have excellent corrosion resistance, mainly due to their special chemical composition and crystal structure.

Magnesium oxide (Mg0) itself has a strong alkalinity, which can neutralize the erosion of acidic substances, thereby slowing down the wear rate of refractory materials. In addition, alkaline magnesia refractory bricks usually contain a small amount of additives, such as alumina (Al₂0₃), which can further enhance the corrosion resistance of refractory materials and extend their service life. Alkaline magnesia refractory bricks can effectively resist the erosion of these media, maintain their structural integrity and stable performance, thereby extending the service life of the equipment and reducing maintenance costs. Especially for some equipment that has been in operation for a long time and exposed to corrosive media, the excellent corrosion resistance of alkaline magnesia refractory bricks is particularly critical. Therefore, the excellent corrosion resistance of alkaline magnesia refractory bricks in the field of new energy provides a solid guarantee for its wide application in various corrosive working environments and provides reliable support for the stable operation of new energy equipment.

2.3 Good thermal conductivity

The good thermal conductivity of alkaline magnesia refractory bricks directly affects the thermal energy transfer efficiency and working stability of energy equipment in high temperature environments. In solar thermal power generation systems, such as components such as solar concentrators or reflectors, the good thermal conductivity of alkaline magnesia refractory bricks can quickly transfer the concentrated heat of solar energy to the collector or energy storage device, thereby improving the efficiency of energy conversion. In addition, in fields such as wind power generation and hydrogen energy industry, the good thermal conductivity of alkaline magnesia refractory bricks also plays an important role. For example, in the hydrogen energy industry, the interior of the high-temperature reactor used for hydrogen production needs to withstand high temperature and high pressure environment, and the thermal conductivity of refractory materials determines the speed of energy conduction during the reaction process. Therefore, the good thermal conductivity of alkaline magnesia refractory bricks in the field of new energy not only helps to improve the efficiency of energy conversion, but also reduces the energy loss of energy equipment, thus providing important support for the development and utilization of sustainable energy.

3 Application of alkaline magnesia refractory bricks in the field of new energy

3.1 Application of alkaline magnesia refractory bricks in solar thermal power generation

In solar thermal power generation, alkaline magnesia refractory bricks are widely used in the construction of various key components, including solar concentrators or reflectors. In solar concentrators, alkaline magnesia refractory bricks, as an important supporting material, can withstand the high temperature energy from sunlight and effectively concentrate it on the collector tube. Its high temperature stability ensures that the concentrator will not be structurally deformed or damaged under long-term high temperature, thereby ensuring the stable operation of the solar thermal system. The reflector is designed to reflect sunlight onto the concentrator to improve energy conversion efficiency. The good thermal conductivity of alkaline magnesia refractory bricks can accelerate the heat transfer process of solar energy and further enhance the overall performance of the solar thermal power generation system.

3.2 Application of alkaline magnesia refractory bricks in wind power generation

Wind turbines convert wind energy into mechanical energy by rotating blades, and then convert it into electrical energy. In this process, the combustion chamber is one of the key components. It is used to burn fuel to produce high-temperature gas to drive the turbine to rotate. Due to the high temperature of the gas inside the turbine, the refractory material needs to be able to withstand high temperatures and maintain structural stability to ensure the safe operation of the turbine. In the high-temperature components of wind turbines, such as heat exchangers, exhaust ducts, etc., high-temperature resistant refractory materials are also required to ensure the stable operation of the system. The good thermal conductivity of alkaline magnesia refractory bricks enables it to quickly conduct the heat of high-temperature gas, which helps to maintain a stable operating temperature inside the system and improve energy utilization efficiency.

3.3 Application of basic magnesia refractory bricks in the hydrogen energy industry

In the hydrogen energy industry, the high-temperature reactor is a key equipment used to realize the process of producing hydrogen such as steam reforming reaction and methane reforming reaction. Basic magnesia refractory bricks have been widely used in the hydrogen energy industry due to their excellent high-temperature stability and corrosion resistance. First, basic magnesia refractory bricks can withstand long-term operation in high-temperature environments, maintain stable physical and chemical properties, and ensure the normal operation of the reactor. Secondly, basic magnesia refractory bricks can resist the erosion of corrosive gases such as hydrogen and water vapor, extend the service life of the equipment, and reduce maintenance costs. In the process of hydrogen production, the inside of the reactor needs to withstand a high-temperature and high-pressure working environment, and needs to maintain good thermal conductivity to ensure the efficient progress of the reaction process. Basic magnesia refractory bricks have good thermal conductivity, can quickly conduct heat to the entire reactor, maintain a uniform temperature distribution, and improve the reaction rate and efficiency.

3.4 Application of alkaline magnesia refractory bricks in biomass energy

Biomass energy is a renewable energy source that uses biomass resources such as wood and straw for energy conversion, including biomass combustion, gasification, fermentation and other processes. In the production and utilization of biomass energy, alkaline magnesia refractory bricks are often used in the internal structure construction of biomass combustion boilers or biomass gasification equipment. Since the high-temperature combustion gas generated during biomass combustion has high requirements for the internal materials of the equipment, refractory materials are needed to construct the furnace and internal structure of the boiler. Alkaline magnesia refractory bricks have been widely used in biomass combustion boilers due to their good high-temperature stability and corrosion resistance. They can effectively withstand the impact of high-temperature combustion gases and extend the service life of the equipment. In biomass gasification equipment, refractory materials are also needed to construct the internal structure of the reactor to withstand the erosion of high-temperature environments and corrosive gases. Alkaline magnesia refractory bricks have been widely used in biomass gasification equipment due to their good high-temperature resistance and corrosion resistance, which can effectively maintain the stable operation and efficient production of the equipment.

3.5 Discussion on application potential in other new energy fields

In addition to the already mentioned solar thermal power generation, wind power generation, hydrogen energy industry and biomass energy fields, alkaline magnesia refractory bricks also have broad application potential in other new energy fields. In geothermal power generation systems, geothermal wells are key components used to extract underground heat energy. Due to the harsh working environment of geothermal wells, refractory materials that can withstand high temperatures and corrosion are required to construct the well walls. Due to their high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance, alkaline magnesia refractory bricks are expected to be used in the construction of geothermal well walls in the field of geothermal power generation to improve the stability and reliability of geothermal power generation systems. Nuclear reactors in the nuclear energy industry are important equipment for energy conversion, and the internal structure of nuclear reactors also requires refractory materials that can withstand extreme high temperatures and radiation environments. In the field of energy storage, such as cogeneration systems or heat storage devices, high-temperature resistant refractory materials are also needed to carry high-temperature heat or heat storage materials.

4 Development trend of basic magnesia refractory bricks in the field of new energy

4.1 Industry development status and trend analysis

As the world pays more and more attention to renewable energy, emerging fields such as solar thermal power generation, wind power generation, and hydrogen energy industry have developed rapidly, bringing new opportunities and challenges to the basic magnesia refractory brick industry. In the current development status of the industry, basic magnesia refractory bricks, as key refractory materials, are widely used in key equipment such as solar concentrators in solar thermal power generation systems, combustion chambers of wind power generation equipment, high-temperature reactors in the hydrogen energy industry, and combustion boilers in the biomass energy field. Future development trends show that with the continuous innovation and promotion of global new energy technologies, the basic magnesia refractory brick industry will continue to maintain a rapid growth momentum. It is expected that the demand for new energy fields such as solar thermal power generation, wind power generation, and hydrogen energy industry will continue to expand, and the technical requirements for refractory materials will also be further improved. Therefore, the basic magnesia refractory brick industry needs to continuously strengthen technological innovation, improve product quality and performance, meet market demand, actively respond to environmental protection requirements, and expand the international market to achieve sustainable development and competitive advantages in the industry.

4.2 Application expansion driven by technological innovation

With the continuous advancement of science and technology, the field of refractory materials is also facing new challenges and opportunities. Driven by technological innovation, the alkaline magnesia refractory brick industry is expanding its applications in many aspects. First, the innovation of new material synthesis technology provides the possibility for the performance improvement and application expansion of alkaline magnesia refractory bricks. By improving the material formula and preparation process, new refractory materials with higher refractoriness, better corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity are developed, so that alkaline magnesia refractory bricks can adapt to more severe working environments, such as ultra-high temperature and corrosive gas environments, thereby expanding its application range in the field of new energy. Secondly, with the continuous emergence of new energy technologies, the alkaline magnesia refractory brick industry also needs to constantly adapt to and follow the development of new technologies. In response to different new energy equipment and process requirements, more specialized and customized refractory products need to be developed to meet the diverse needs of the market. For example, customized alkaline magnesia refractory bricks can be developed for specific components such as solar concentrators in solar thermal power generation systems and combustion chambers in wind power generation equipment to improve the performance and efficiency of the equipment. In addition, as the technical level of the alkaline magnesia refractory brick industry continues to improve, its application potential in other fields is gradually being tapped. In addition to traditional fields such as solar thermal power generation, wind power generation, hydrogen energy industry and biomass energy, alkaline magnesia refractory bricks can also be used in emerging fields such as geothermal power generation, nuclear energy industry, and energy storage, providing more reliable material support for the development of these fields. In short, technological innovation is the key driving force for the application expansion of the alkaline magnesia refractory brick industry. Only by continuously improving the technical level and developing more competitive products can we better meet the growing demand in the new energy field and promote the sustainable development of the industry.

4.3 Impact of environmental protection requirements on product design and production

With the improvement of global environmental awareness and increasingly stringent environmental regulations, the refractory industry must be committed to reducing the negative impact on the environment and actively taking measures to improve the environmental performance of products. When designing alkaline magnesia refractory bricks, it is necessary to consider environmental issues such as the source of materials, energy consumption in the manufacturing process, raw material utilization, and product life and waste disposal. The use of environmentally friendly materials, reducing energy consumption, and improving resource utilization are all key factors in designing environmentally friendly products. Waste gas emissions, wastewater treatment, and solid waste treatment in the production process are all key points of environmental protection requirements. Production enterprises need to adopt clean production technology, reduce or avoid the emission of harmful substances, and carry out effective wastewater treatment and solid waste disposal to ensure the environmental friendliness of the production process. More and more consumers and enterprises pay more attention to the environmental performance of products, and environmental certification and standards have become the threshold for products to enter the market. Therefore, products that meet environmental protection requirements can not only meet market demand, but also enhance the brand image and competitive advantage of enterprises and achieve long-term sustainable development. In short, environmental protection requirements have an important impact on the design and production of alkaline magnesia refractory brick products, prompting enterprises to continuously strengthen technological innovation, optimize production processes, and promote products to develop in a more environmentally friendly and sustainable direction to adapt to market demand and environmental changes.

4.4 Analysis of international market demand and competition pattern

With the increasing demand for renewable energy worldwide, the demand for alkaline magnesia refractory bricks, as one of the key components of new energy equipment, has also increased. In terms of competition pattern, the alkaline magnesia refractory brick industry faces competition from all over the world. The main manufacturers are distributed in Asia, Europe, North America and other regions, with certain technical strength and production scale. In the international market competition, corporate competition mainly focuses on product quality, price, delivery cycle, after-sales service and other aspects. Technological innovation and product upgrading are important means for enterprises to gain competitive advantages. By continuously improving product quality and performance, meeting customer needs and seizing market share. In addition, international market competition is also affected by factors such as trade policies and tariff barriers. With the increasing uncertainty of the global trade environment, trade frictions and trade protectionism are on the rise, and policy risks in the import and export links are also rising. Enterprises need to pay close attention to changes in international trade policies, take effective countermeasures, avoid trade risks, and maintain international market competitiveness. In the future, with the continuous development of new energy technologies and the expansion of their application scope, the international market demand for alkaline magnesia refractory bricks will further increase. At the same time, enterprises need to strengthen technological innovation, improve product quality and performance, and expand market share to adapt to the fierce competition in the international market and achieve long-term sustainable development.

5 Conclusion

In the field of new energy, alkaline magnesia refractory bricks, as key refractory materials, have developed in the fields of solar thermal power generation, wind power generation, hydrogen energy industry, biomass energy, etc. Through this article, we know that basic magnesia refractory bricks have advantages such as high temperature stability, corrosion resistance and good thermal conductivity, and have broad application prospects in new energy equipment. We must continue to strengthen technological innovation, improve product quality and environmental performance, actively expand the international market, in order to cope with the fierce competition environment, and make greater contributions to promoting the development of sustainable energy.