Dec. 28, 2022
Refractory bricks are blocks of refractory ceramic material used for the lining of furnaces, kilns, fireboxes and fireplaces. Refractory bricks are primarily designed to withstand high temperatures, but should also usually have a low thermal conductivity to save energy.
Typically dense bricks are used in applications with extreme mechanical, chemical or thermal stresses, such as the interior of wood-burning kilns or furnaces, where they are subject to abrasion from wood, melting of ash or slag and high temperatures.
Dense refractory bricks have a high thermal mass, which is sometimes a useful characteristic as they can retain heat, for example after a fire has been extinguished in a pizza oven. Kiln bricks are made by firing a clay-based composition in a kiln until it is partially vitrified and can also be glazed for special applications. Refractory bricks usually contain 30-40% alumina and the main raw materials are usually clinker and other materials. The maximum service temperature increases as the alumina content increases and kiln bricks with an alumina content of 80% and above can be produced.
Circle Fireclay Bricks
Most bricks are pressed or extruded. Common shapes are straight, arched, wedge, keyed, rotary kiln bricks (RKB) and square-edged bricks. Larger blocks are usually produced by air hammering the brick mix into wooden or steel moulds sized to fit the desired shape.
Straight Fireclay Bricks
The standard refractory brick size is 9 x 4½ x 2½ inches, also known as a brick equivalent (beq). This size is most commonly used in the construction of ceramic kilns. However, an equally popular standard size used in industrial furnace construction is the 9 x 4½ x 3 inch series. 3 inch series bricks reduce the number of joints in the kiln.
Straight - Standard straight rods are 9 x 4½ x 2½ in. or 9 x 4½ x 3 in. and are available in larger sizes up to 18 in. long, 9 in. wide and 4½ in. thick.
Square Edge Tile - This term refers to "large" straight rods that range from 12 x 12 inches to 24 x 12 inches and are 1½ to 3 inches thick.
Soap - A term used to describe a half tile that is 9 x 2¼ x 2½ inches or 9 x 2¼ x 3 inches in width.
Splits - A term used to describe a brick less than 2½ inches thick where the crack is 1, 1¼, 1½ and 2 inches thick.
Arch - This shape has a thickness that tapers along its entire length along its width and is used for spring or round barrel gable roofs that are 4½" or 6" thick.
Wedge - This shape has a thickness that tapers along its entire length and is used to make spring or round barrel arches 9, 12 or 13 inches thick.
Skew - A shape with a certain taper on one side or end that allows the construction of a springing arch. Four main types are available for side and end tapers associated with arch rises.
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