Secrets to Extending the Service Life of Clay Special-Shaped Bricks

Clay special-shaped bricks are like loyal guardians of industrial equipment. We need to take good care of them to make them “live longer”.

I. Careful Installation

(A) Preparing the Base

Before installation, the base should be clean and level. Remove debris and residues. When installing in a kiln, control the flatness error of the base. Use refractory cement to level the uneven areas to ensure that the bricks are evenly stressed.

(B) Layout and Expansion Joints

Arrange the layout according to the usage environment and thermal expansion characteristics. In places with large temperature changes, such as kilns, reserve expansion joints with a width of 5 – 10 mm according to the thermal expansion coefficient and temperature of the bricks. Fill the joints with high-temperature-resistant fiber materials to avoid damage to the bricks.

(C) Using the Right Adhesive

Select a high-quality adhesive that matches the bricks. Apply it evenly with a thickness of 2 – 3 mm to fill the gaps, enhance the sealing property, and strengthen the bond between the bricks.

II. Optimizing the Usage Environment

(A) Stabilizing the Temperature

Temperature has a significant impact on the bricks. In a high-temperature environment like a kiln, keep the temperature stable. When firing ceramics, control the heating and cooling rates reasonably. If possible, use an automatic temperature control system to reduce damage caused by thermal stress.

(B) Preventing Chemical Erosion

Protect the bricks when there are chemical substances present. In a chemical kiln, for example, improve the production process to reduce corrosive gases, or apply an anti-corrosion coating to the bricks.

(C) Reducing Impact

Avoid subjecting the bricks to mechanical impact and vibration. For instance, in an ore smelting furnace, improve the way of ore feeding to make the ore enter the furnace smoothly.

III. Regular Maintenance and Inspection

(A) Visual Inspection

Regularly (monthly or quarterly) check the bricks for cracks, spalling, or wear. Repair small cracks with high-temperature-resistant materials. If there is spalling, promptly analyze the situation and replace the damaged bricks.

(B) Performance Testing

Use professional equipment to test the thermal insulation performance, mechanical strength, etc. of the bricks. If there are problems, consider replacing some of the bricks to ensure their performance remains stable.

Taking good care of clay special-shaped bricks will enable them to better protect industrial equipment.