Clay Refractories
Clay refractories are materials used to line furnaces, kilns, incinerators, and reactors to resist heat and corrosion from chemical attack. These materials are also known as brick and fireclay, and may also be referred to as ceramic or non-metallic refractories. Clay refractories are composed of a variety of raw materials such as clay, alumina, silica, and magnesia, and are made up of three main components; bricks, mortar, and castables.
Clay refractories are known for their high temperature resistance, chemical stability, and resistance to thermal shock. When exposed to high temperatures and chemicals, these refractories possess excellent thermal insulation, high melting point and good strength. This makes them ideal for a variety of applications, ranging from glass manufacturing and pottery making to heat treatment and manufacturing of metals and alloys.
Clay refractories can be used in a variety of applications such as in furnaces, kilns, and glassworks. They are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, depending on the application for which it is used. The most commonly used bricks are referred to as dense firebricks, and are designed to provide insulation from heat. They are also used to line furnaces and foundries to reduce heat loss.
Clay refractories may also be used to form the shapes and sizes for structural components such as headers, burners, and coils. In addition, they are used to protect walls, flooring, and roofing from fire, heat, and corrosion.
The physical and chemical properties of clay refractories depend on a variety of factors. The main factors include the type of clay used, and the components and their proportions. Other factors include the type of firing process and temperature, the rate and method of cooling, and the environment in which they are used.
Physical properties of clay refractories include the density and porosity, thermal conductivity and thermal shock resistance, and resistance to thermal fatigue. Mechanical properties include modulus of elasticity, yield strength, and creep resistance.
Chemical characteristics of clay refractories include the composition and structure. These include the oxides contained in the refractory, such as those of alumina, silica, and magnesia, and other oxides such as calcium, iron, and manganese.
Different firing processes produce different properties in clay refractories. The most common process involves firing the refractories in a kiln at temperatures up to 1000°C. A common characteristic of all kinds of clay refractories, however, is that they become more dense and durable as the firing temperature increases.
Clay refractories possess different attributes and characteristics, depending on the raw materials used, type of firing process, and cooling rate. The most important characteristics are their high temperature resistance, chemical stability, thermal shock resistance, and resistance to corrosion and abrasion.
To sum up, clay refractories are materials used to line furnaces, kilns, and other equipment that requirements high temperature resistance, chemical stability, and resistance to thermal shock. Clay refractories are composed of a variety of raw materials such as clay, alumina, silica, and magnesia, and possess different attributes and characteristics depending on the raw materials and firing process. They are used in a variety of applications such as lining furnaces and kilns, and forming shapes and sizes for structural components such as headers, burners, and coils.
