1. Performance
(1)Low Thermal Conductivity:
The most prominent feature of insulation refractory bricks is their low thermal conductivity, typically ranging from 0.2 to 1.0 W/(m·K), much lower than that of conventional dense refractory materials. This excellent performance is due to their unique porous structure, which contains numerous tiny air pockets. These air pockets trap air, which has a very poor heat conduction property, effectively preventing rapid heat transfer and providing outstanding thermal insulation.
(2)Lightweight:
Insulation refractory bricks have a relatively low bulk density, typically ranging from 0.8 to 1.5 g/cm³. This significantly reduces the self-weight load of equipment such as furnaces and kilns, lowering the structural support costs. In industries where weight is a critical factor, such as aerospace, insulation refractory bricks meet the demanding requirements of high-temperature testing equipment.
(3)Certain Fire Resistance:
Although insulation refractory bricks do not have as high a fire resistance as materials like magnesia-chrome bricks, they still offer reliable heat resistance. Their fire resistance typically ranges from 1000°C to 1600°C. The raw materials, including fireclay, diatomite, and siliceous materials, form relatively stable structures at high temperatures, allowing the bricks to maintain their basic shape and provide thermal insulation within their working temperature range.
(4)Good Thermal Stability:
Due to the internal pore structure, which helps buffer thermal expansion and contraction stresses, insulation refractory bricks exhibit good thermal stability. They can function effectively in environments with fluctuating temperatures. For instance, in industrial kilns that operate intermittently, these bricks can withstand multiple heating and cooling cycles without breaking from thermal shock, thus extending their service life.
2. Functions
(1)Energy Saving and Consumption Reduction:
In industrial kilns, heating furnaces, and other equipment, a significant amount of heat is lost to the surrounding environment through the furnace lining. Insulation refractory bricks, as linings, can effectively block heat transfer, reducing heat loss and lowering fuel consumption, thereby improving energy efficiency. Studies show that properly using insulation refractory bricks can improve the thermal efficiency of industrial furnaces by 10% to 30%. For large industrial furnaces that run continuously over long periods, the energy-saving effects are particularly significant.
(2)Improving Working Environment Temperature:
In addition to reducing energy waste, insulation refractory bricks help lower the surface temperature of the furnace body, preventing workers from being exposed to high temperatures and improving working conditions. For example, by using insulation refractory bricks around the melting furnace in casting workshops, the furnace shell temperature is significantly reduced. This not only enhances the comfort of operators but also reduces ventilation and cooling costs within the workshop.
(3)Protecting Equipment Structure:
The thermal insulation properties of these bricks indirectly protect the furnace's metal shell and support structure by preventing heat-induced degradation. In high-temperature and high-pressure chemical reactors, insulation refractory bricks help maintain a lower temperature for the furnace shell, ensuring the mechanical performance and safety of the equipment. This prolongs the overall lifespan of the equipment and reduces maintenance costs.
In summary, insulation refractory bricks, with their unique properties, play a crucial role in industrial production, energy utilization, and labor protection, making them an essential material in many industries.
If you are interested in learning more about how insulation refractory bricks can benefit your business, feel free to reach out to us for more information. We look forward to hearing from you!