What is the role of refractory bricks?

Refractory bricks, also popularly known as refractory fire bricks, are famous for their excellent properties of thermal resistance. Moreover, some specific refractory bricks, such as high alumina refractory bricks, have very good ability of anti-acidity, anti-metal fluid corrosion and anti-oxidation. Therefore, refractory fire bricks have a wide range of applications. They play very important roles in many industrial fields. In this passage, I will introduce the pros and cons of dense refractory bricks and their detailed applications in the real world.

-        Advantages and disadvantages of refractory fire bricks

-        Multiple applications of refractory fire bricks

Advantages and disadvantages of refractory fire bricks

Refractoriness:

First of all, as its name indicates, refractory brick’s most fundamental as well as most prominent property is refractoriness which means it can withstand very high temperature (up to 1800 Celsius degrees) without failing.

Insulating nature:

It generally has a low thermal conductivity, meaning it cannot be cooled down rapidly, which is useful in saving thermal energy during the product manufacturing process and thus refractory fire bricks can achieve greater energy efficiency.

Convenient to store:

It is found that dense refractory bricks are more convenient to store than normal bricks. They are not easily affected by changes in climate condition. The only requirement is to keep them in a dry place, as these bricks might be damaged by moist.

Good physical features:

Refractory fire bricks are stronger and more durable as well than normal bricks. Moreover, they are generally lighter in weight, making them relatively easy to carry. Also, they are often customizable in shape and size, which enable buyers to get bricks according to their wish.

Other minor properties:

Also, the property of anti-oxidation makes it more stable and durable, which gives it a longer life span. Moreover, dense refractory brick with more than 48% in its content, also called as high alumina refractory brick, shows good ability of anti-acid corrosion and anti-alkaline corrosion, with which it is suitable for environment that exists possible chemical attack.

Potential disadvantages:

As refractory fire bricks are manufactured in kilns which provide extremely high temperatures to heat them, the producing process is not easy. Therefore, some of them have a slightly higher price than normal bricks.

Multiple applications of refractory fire bricks

Dense refractory bricks are widely used in the real world, including not only domestic usage but also industrial utility. In domestic scene, some of the brick ovens for baking and roasting have cooking floors made from refractory fire bricks. They can also be used in some professional industrial fields with extreme mechanical, chemical or thermal stresses. For example, when constructing a kiln or a furnace where extremely high temperatures are generated while working, they are often chosen as the building material. Besides, refractory fire bricks have other applications in protecting against corrosion under some harsh chemical conditions and they can also be used in providing thermal insulation. In general, refractory bricks are of great help and they play  indispensable roles in our daily lives and industrial manufacturing.