Selecting fire bricks may seem simple, but it involves many hidden details. Many companies focus only on materials and price, neglecting crucial issues, ultimately leading to premature kiln damage and shutdown losses.
Henan Ruitai Lianxin Refractory Materials Co., Ltd., with years of experience in the industry, has summarized easily overlooked key points for selecting high-alumina bricks, magnesia-carbon bricks, and silica-mullite bricks, helping companies make accurate selections.
Selection Stage
1.1 Ignoring the Chemical Compatibility of the Working Medium
Many people only focus on the temperature resistance of fire bricks, neglecting the acidity or alkalinity of the medium. Using acidic silica bricks in alkaline slag conditions, or magnesia-carbon bricks in acidic media, will accelerate brick erosion.
For example, magnesia-alumina spinel bricks are needed in the calcination zone of cement kilns to resist alkaline slag erosion.
1.2 Blindly Pursuing Low Prices and Ignoring Life Cycle Costs
Clay bricks are inexpensive, but their lifespan is short in high-temperature, high-wear areas, and frequent replacements actually increase the overall cost.
Henan Ruitai Lianxin recommends prioritizing anti-sparing high-alumina bricks and silicon carbide bricks for core components. Although the initial investment is higher, the overall maintenance cost is lower.
Construction Stage
2.1 Neglecting Brick Joints and Expansion Joints
Uneven brick joints and missing expansion joints are common problems. Mortar joints should be controlled within 2mm and the mortar should be full.
Bricks expand at high temperatures; the absence of expansion joints will lead to compression cracking, especially in rotary kiln areas where precise pre-installation is necessary.
2.2 Incorrect Refractory Mortar Mixing
Using ordinary mortar with high-end refractory bricks will significantly reduce brick performance. Magnesia-carbon bricks require magnesia mortar, and high-alumina bricks are compatible with high-alumina mortar. Henan Ruitai Lianxin can provide matching solutions for bricks and mortars.
After-Sales Stage
If the kiln is not dried according to the heating curve after refractory brick installation, it is prone to cracking due to rapid moisture evaporation.
During daily use, neglecting regular inspections and failing to repair localized damage in a timely manner will lead to further damage. These seemingly minor issues directly impact the lifespan of the bricks.
Ruitai Lianxin
Henan Ruitai Lianxin not only provides high-alumina bricks, magnesia-carbon bricks, and silicon-mullite bricks, but also offers comprehensive services throughout the entire process. A professional team conducts on-site surveys to accurately match brick types. Technical guidance is provided during construction, standardizing brick joints and mortar usage; regular after-sales inspections promptly identify and address potential hazards.
If you have needs for fire brick procurement, selection consultation, or application matching, please contact us! Our professional team provides one-on-one service, strengthening the safety barrier for your production and reducing overall operating costs.