Refractory Bricks and Their Construction Methods

Varieties of Fireclay Bricks

There is a wide variety of fireclay bricks, each having its own unique properties and applications.

Firstly, they can be basically categorized into alumina bricks, silica bricks, volcanic rock bricks, and ceramic bricks, etc. Alumina bricks are an outstanding refractory material. They are characterized by a high melting point, which enables them to remain stable in high-temperature environments without melting easily. Moreover, their coefficient of thermal expansion is extremely low, meaning that their volume changes are minimal when the temperature varies. This effectively prevents problems such as cracks caused by thermal expansion and contraction. In addition, alumina bricks possess good chemical stability. When confronted with various complex chemical substances and chemical reactions in high-temperature environments, they can maintain their performance without being affected. Thus, they perform exceptionally well in high-temperature settings.

Silica bricks also have their own merits. They have excellent resistance to erosion. When coming into contact with some corrosive substances, they can effectively resist erosion and ensure the integrity of their own structure. Meanwhile, their heat resistance is also remarkable, allowing them to work stably under high-temperature conditions and provide reliable protection for equipment that requires a high-temperature environment.

Volcanic rock bricks are characterized by their light weight. This property endows them with unique applications in many fields. For example, in terms of heat insulation, they can effectively block the transfer of heat and reduce heat loss; in terms of sound absorption, they can absorb and dissipate sound, playing a role in reducing noise; in terms of isolation, they can serve as a good isolating material to prevent mutual interference between different substances or environments.

The refractory keel bricks among ceramic bricks should not be overlooked either. They have good corrosion resistance. Whether in contact with various corrosive chemical reagents in chemical production or in other harsh environments, they can maintain their performance. Moreover, they have strong high-temperature resistance, which enables them to be widely used in industries such as chemical, metallurgical, and building materials, providing strong support for high-temperature equipment in these industries.

Construction Process of Using Refractory Bricks to Build Furnaces or Kilns

The process of using refractory bricks to build furnaces or kilns is a complex and meticulous one, involving several important steps.

The first step is to select the appropriate type of brick according to the temperature range that the refractory bricks can withstand. This is the crucial foundation of the entire construction process. Because if the selected bricks cannot withstand the corresponding high temperature, problems may occur during the use of the entire furnace or kiln, and even safety accidents may be triggered. Therefore, construction workers need to have a deep understanding of the temperature resistance performance of different types of refractory bricks and make a precise selection according to the designed temperature of the furnace or kiln.

Next, it is necessary to use a saw or a chisel to cut the bricks into the required size and shape. This step requires a high degree of precision because whether the size and shape of the bricks meet the requirements directly affects the subsequent laying and the stability of the entire structure. During the cutting process, it is necessary to ensure that the edges of the bricks are neat and the sizes are accurate. This requires construction workers to possess proficient operating skills and sufficient patience.

The next step is to prepare the cement that will bond the bricks together. Depending on the specific application scenario, different types of cement can be used, but usually, high-temperature refractory cement is used. This type of cement can maintain good bonding performance in high-temperature environments, ensuring that the bricks are tightly bonded together to form a solid whole. During the preparation of the cement, it is necessary to mix it strictly according to the specified proportion and method to ensure the quality of the cement.

Once the bricks are ready and the cement is also mixed, the step of laying the bricks begins. The bricks need to be laid in a specific pattern, and attention should be paid to making sure that the joints between them are not aligned. The purpose of doing this is to make the entire structure more solid and capable of withstanding high temperatures. During the laying process, construction workers need to operate carefully to ensure that the position of each brick is accurate. Then, use a trowel to apply the cement to the joints between the bricks to make the cement fully fill the gaps and further enhance the stability of the structure.

When the bricklaying and the cement are dry, the entire structure can be heated. During this process, it is necessary to increase the temperature gradually to avoid damage to the structure caused by too rapid a change in temperature.

Humor in the Construction Process

Although using refractory bricks to build furnaces or kilns is a serious and highly professional matter, it is also possible to find some humor in this process.

For example, one can imagine a group of bricklayers enthusiastically discussing the advantages of various cements in a pint of malt liquor. They might argue endlessly about the special properties of a certain type of cement and also share their experiences and interesting stories during the use of different cements. Such a scene is full of the flavor of life, adding some fun to the otherwise dull construction process.

Or perhaps, during the construction process, there might be a small incident. For example, a bricklayer might accidentally drop a brick and joke that it has just become a “refrigerator” brick instead of a “refractory” brick. Such humorous remarks can relieve the tense atmosphere in the construction environment and allow everyone to continue working with laughter.