Refractory is a material that has unmatched resistance to decomposition. This material can resist heat, pressure, and all types of chemical attacks. Still, it retains strength as well as form. Refractories are non-metallic, porous, polycrystalline, inorganic, and heterogeneous. These materials are composed of oxides, carbides, nitrides, etc. of the materials that include:
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Silicon
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Aluminum
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Magnesium
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Calcium, and
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Zirconium.
Refractory materials are useful for the following functions:
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Serving as a powerful thermal barrier between the wall of a containing vessel and a hot medium
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Combatting physical stresses
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Preventing erosion of vessel walls
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Protecting against corrosion
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Providing thermal insulation.
What are refractory bricks?
Bricks are the most significant construction materials. Mankind has been using them for thousands of years. But when it comes to withstanding high temperatures, normal bricks cannot serve the purpose. Here the bricks that India’s top basic refractory bricks suppliers produce come into play. As conventional bricks always tend to crack at high temperatures, they are replaced by refractory bricks. Refractory bricks are special types of bricks well-known for their unmatched ability to combat high temperatures. Some of the other names of these bricks are ceramic bricks or fire bricks.
Some of the primary characteristics of refractory bricks include the following:
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Refractory bricks are generally yellowish-white in color
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They have excellent thermal resistance and great compressive strength
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Their chemical composition drastically differs from the chemical composition of normal bricks
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Refractory bricks contain around 25 to 30% alumina and 60 to 70% of silica
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They also contain oxides of magnesium, calcium, and potassium
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Refractory bricks find application in the construction of kilns, furnaces, etc.
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They can withstand temperatures up to 2100 degrees Celsius
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They have the incredible thermal capacity that helps different structures to remain stable at extreme temperatures.
Properties of refractory bricks at a glance
The basic refractory bricks suppliers in India who also ensure the magnesia bricks supply in the country offer refractory bricks that have the following properties:
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The water absorption of a refractory brick is 5 to 10%.
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They have a high fusion point.
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Refractory bricks resist high temperatures.
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They have outstanding compressive strength.
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The weight of fire bricks is 150 lbs per cubic ft.
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The size of a refractory brick is 9×4.5×2.5 inches or 9×2.7×2.25 inches.
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Refractory bricks also have unmatched chemical resistance
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They also do not react with the gases of the furnace.
Some of the major types of refractory bricks
Basic refractory bricks
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Basic refractory bricks as the name suggests are basic
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They have excellent corrosion as well as chemical resistance
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Basic refractory bricks consist of Bauxite bricks, Magnesite Bricks, and dolomite bricks
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Magnesite bricks contain 3 to 5% of iron oxide and 85% of magnesium oxide
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These bricks are ideally suitable for the lining of the furnaces
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These bricks come with the capability of withstanding temperatures up to 1800 to 2100 degrees Celsius
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In the case of Dolomite bricks, the capacity remains between 1400 to 1600 degrees Celsius
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Dolomite bricks contain a high amount of dolomite
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Bauxite bricks can withstand temperatures up to 1600 degrees Celsius
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They contain 85% of bauxite.
Neutral refractory bricks
Neutral refractory bricks are perfect materials when it comes to separating the acid and basic lining in the furnace. They consist of spinal bricks, forsterite bricks, chromite bricks, and carborundum. Neutral refractory bricks also have a high percentage of magnesite and chrome.
Acid refractory bricks
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Silica and ganister bricks are the acid refractory bricks
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Silica bricks contain 93% of Silicon dioxide
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They have excellent strength and fusion points
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These bricks are also hard and perfectly suitable for acid lining in furnaces
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Acid refractory bricks are capable of withstanding temperatures up to 2000 degrees celsius.
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The basic refractory bricks suppliers in India produce silica bricks using sandstone or quartzite
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Ganister bricks contain 10% clay, 2% of lime, and 85% of silica,
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They are also hard in nature and capable of withstanding temperatures up to 2100 degrees celsius.
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Acid refractory bricks are not ideal for undergoing rapid temperature. It is because they tend to spall.
Advantages of Using Refractory or Fire Bricks
Using refractory bricks offers a large number of advantages. For their unique high-end insulating power, they are costlier than conventional bricks. However, they provide some unique advantages in exchange for your extra investments. The basic refractory bricks suppliers in India who also ensure the magnesia bricks supply in the country offer refractory bricks that have the following advantages:
Excellent Insulation
Fire bricks are principally utilized for their incredible insulating nature. They can stop heat to infiltrate through them. They also keep the structure comfortable in both summer and winter.
Stronger than Normal Bricks
Refractory bricks are stronger than conventional bricks. This is why they are more durable than ordinary bricks. They are amazingly lightweight also.
Any Shape and Size
The basic refractory bricks suppliers in India who also ensure the magnesia bricks supply in the country offer refractory bricks that are customizable. Most of the manufacturers and suppliers provide customized bricks in the desired sizes and dimensions to the buyers.
Applications of Refractory Bricks
Refractory bricks find applications where heat insulation is of great importance. The example includes furnaces. They are an ideal choice in almost all types of extreme weather conditions. Various reputed developers are even using these bricks in housing construction projects. In hot conditions, refractory bricks keep the interior cold and in cold conditions. They also keep the house warm inside.
Concluding Remarks
RHI Magnesita is the global leader in refractories. The company has the largest number of locations around the world. It offers the most innovative, reliable products and services. The company also provides the most robust supply and quality security. As one of the top basic refractory bricks suppliers in India, RHI Magnesita is committed to innovation in every aspect of its business. The company’s R&D investment and the team of experts are unrivaled. It always drives breakthroughs in the following:
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Materials and data
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New business models, and
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Efficient new processes.
All these transform what is possible under extreme conditions. The company also cooperates with public and private research institutions all over the world.