Fireclay Brick SK33 (Standard)
MAIN CHEMICAL COMPOSITIONS & CATEGORIES
Fireclay bricks are composed primarily of ALUMINA (AL2O3) and SILICA (SIO2). The SK33 grade falls into the medium-duty range.
| CATEGORY | AL2O3 CONTENT | MAX SERVICE TEMP. | CLASSIFICATION |
| SK33 | 30% TO 35% | 1300°C – 1350°C | MEDIUM DUTY FIRECLAY |
| MEDIUM DUTY | 30% TO 45% | ~1400°C | GENERAL PURPOSE |
| HIGH DUTY | 45% TO 60% | ~$1500°C | HIGHER ALUMINA CONTENT |
KEY PROPERTIES AND PERFORMANCE
| PROPERTY | TYPICAL PERFORMANCE (SK33) | VARIATION WITH AL2O3 CONTENT |
| TEMPERATURE UNDER LOAD (TUL) | MODERATE (LOWER END) | INCREASES SIGNIFICANTLY WITH AL2O3 CONTENT. |
| THERMAL SHOCK | VERY GOOD | IMPROVES AS AL2O3 DECREASES AND POROSITY INCREASES. |
| CORROSION | GOOD RESISTANCE TO ACIDIC SLAG | RESISTANCE TO ALKALI PENETRATION IS OFTEN GOOD. POOR RESISTANCE TO HIGHLY BASIC SLAG. |
| MECHANICAL STRENGTH/WEAR | MODERATE | INCREASES WITH FIRING TEMPERATURE AND AL2O3 CONTENT. |
ADVANTAGES AND KEY CHARACTERISTICS
Fireclay bricks, especially the SK33 grade, are the MOST COST-EFFECTIVE refractory solution, offering reliable service where temperatures and stresses are low to medium.
- Cost-Efficiency: Lowest initial lining cost among all refractory bricks.
- Good Thermal Shock Resistance: The composition allows it to handle temperature fluctuations better than denser, high AL2O3 products.
- Ease of Use: Easy to cut, lay, and install, favoring large-volume general lining work.
- Alkali Resistance: Shows good performance against NA and K alkali vapors common in processes like cement and glass.
TYPICAL INDUSTRIES AND APPLICATIONS
Fireclay bricks are used as the standard, general-purpose refractory:
- Ferrous Industry: Back-up linings for steel ladles, soaking pit walls, and general shell linings.
- Non-Ferrous Industry: Flues, ducts, and fume stacks.
- Cement & Lime: Preheater sections, rotary kiln hoods, and coolers (areas below the hot zone).
- Ceramics & Glass: General furnace structures, support piers, and regenerator checker settings.
FURNACE AREAS AND SERVICE ZONES
SK33 bricks are ideal for areas that are not in direct contact with highly corrosive slag, molten metal, or extreme temperatures:
- Back-Up Lining: The most common application, placed behind high-performance refractories (like High Alumina or Magnesia) for insulation and structural support.
- Lower Temperature Working Lining: Primary lining in flues, stacks, and the less severe zones of industrial furnaces (e.g., kiln discharge ends).
- Ducts and Stacks: Where gas erosion and temperature are moderate.
KEY DATA SHEET PROPERTIES TO CONSIDER
For SK33 bricks, the focus is on stability and consistency:
- Chemical Analysis: Ensure AL2O3 is within the 30-35% range, and FE2O3 is low (under 2.0%) to minimize fluxing.
- Apparent Porosity (AP): Typically 20-28%. Porosity is desired here for thermal shock resistance.
- Cold Crushing Strength (CCS): Must be adequate for the structural height and load (usually moderate).
- Linear Change on Reheating (LCR): CRITICAL. Must show minimal permanent volume change to ensure lining stability after firing.
- Refractoriness Under Load (TUL): Ensure the TUL is safely above the maximum expected service temperature.
TECHNICAL GUIDANCE: Fireclay bricks like SK33 are your foundational, low-cost solution. NEVER specify this grade for zones where BASIC SLAGS (high CAO or MGO) are present, as this will lead to rapid chemical attack. Their primary value is in low-stress, large-volume applications and as reliable back-up insulation.
✨ Customization Services
We offer product customization services, allowing you to tailor the appearance, dimensions, or specific markings of items like refractory shapes or bricks. This includes options for incorporating specific geometric requirements to ensure seamless integration into your process systems.
🔬 Sampling for Testing & Validation
Free product samples are available for thorough testing and validation. This allows you to confirm the quality, compatibility, and performance of our materials—such as specific bricks, castables, or raw materials—before committing to a full order.
💡 Expertise in Refractory Solutions
Leverage our deep expertise to receive detailed, application-specific refractory solutions. We move beyond just selling products by providing comprehensive plans that encompass material selection, installation guidance, and performance optimization to maximize the lifespan and efficiency of your high-temperature processes.
Rabatec products are exclusively manufactured in facilities that have achieved rigorous ISO certifications across Quality (ISO 9001), Environmental Management, and Occupational Health & Safety. This commitment ensures every product, from refractory bricks to specialized equipment, meets the highest global benchmarks for performance, sustainability, and workplace safety.
📦 Logistics Excellence: Shipping, Packaging, and Marking
Minimizing Risk: We manage all logistics to minimize handling touchpoints and transit shock. Our carriers are pre-vetted for their experience in transporting heavy, fragile, and sensitive industrial materials.
Traceability: Every shipment includes comprehensive documentation and tracking information, providing end-to-end visibility and ensuring precise delivery coordination for your site.
Protection is Paramount: Our packaging strictly follows industry standards to prevent damage, corner chipping, and moisture absorption—especially critical for materials like Basic Refractory Bricks and Refractory Mortars & Mixes.
Robust Palletization: Products are secured on fumigated, high-strength export pallets (e.g., 1100x950mm or similar sturdy dimensions) using heavy-duty strapping and durable protective wrapping (polyethylene sheeting, cardboard, etc.) to withstand long-distance travel and multiple loadings.
Moisture Control: Sensitive materials are protected with appropriate sealing and, where necessary, desiccants or moisture-vapor proof enclosures to maintain the product's integrity until installation.
Clear Identification: All outer packaging is clearly marked on multiple sides with large, legible text for immediate identification and safe handling.
Full Traceability: Markings include all essential data points: Product Name, Quality Grade, Batch Number, Quantity, Net/Gross Weight, Order Number, and the Final Destination/Construction Area. This ensures every pallet can be accounted for and correctly staged upon arrival.
Safety & Compliance: We adhere to all regulatory requirements for marking, labeling, and placarding—especially for any items classified as Dangerous Goods—to ensure full compliance with international and domestic transport regulations.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question | Elaborated Answer |
Q: What is the Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) of your refractories? | A: Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) is a critical property that defines the maximum temperature our materials can withstand while under compressive stress before deforming (softening). Since we offer a wide range of materials—from Alumina-Silicate Bricks to high-performance Silicon Carbide Bricks—the RUL varies significantly. For specific product data, please refer to the product data sheet or submit a quote request for the material you are interested in. |
Q: Where are the Rabatec refractories and materials produced? | A: Our products are primarily sourced from specialized manufacturing plants in China. Crucially, these facilities have all undergone rigorous audits and achieved comprehensive ISO certifications (Quality, Environment, and Safety), ensuring that production adheres to the highest global standards for consistency and performance. |
Q: What refractory materials does the company offer? | A: We supply a comprehensive portfolio of advanced refractory solutions, including: Shaped Products: Alumina & Silica Bricks, Basic & Specialized Bricks (e.g., Magnesia), SiC & Structural Ceramics, and Precast Shapes. Monolithic Products: Refractory Castables, Mixes & Mortars. Insulation: Insulation Fibre and High-Performance Insulation Products. |
Q: How should I choose the appropriate refractory material for my application? | A: Selecting the correct refractory is paramount to process efficiency. The choice depends on three key factors: 1. Operating Environment: Maximum process temperature and thermal cycling (shock). 2. Chemical Attack: Type of slag, molten metal, or corrosive gas being handled (acidic, neutral, or basic). 3. Mechanical Stress: Abrasion, erosion, and static load requirements. We recommend utilizing our detailed refractory solutions service to consult with our engineers for an optimized, application-specific recommendation. |
Q: Which monolithic material should I choose when patching an existing lining? | A: For patching and minor repairs, the ideal monolithic material depends on the parent lining material, the patching depth, and the need for a rapid return to service. Common choices include: Refractory Mortars & Mixes (for minor joints/surfaces) or Plastic Refractories (for areas requiring physical compaction). Always choose a patch material chemically compatible with the existing lining to ensure proper bonding and service life. |
Q: Can I receive product samples before placing a major order? | A: Yes. We gladly provide product samples for your internal testing and validation purposes. This ensures you can confirm the quality, composition, and fit of the material—such as our Refractory Castables or Alumina-Silicate Bricks—in your specific operational environment before committing to a bulk purchase. |
Q: Do you provide certifications to verify material quality? | A: Absolutely. We provide product-related inspection certificates and quality assurance documentation upon request. This verifies that your order has passed all internal quality control checks and meets the required material specifications and industry standards. |
Q: What measures are taken for product protection during transport? | A: We ensure quick, reliable transport by using robust, industrial packaging that strictly follows industry standards. This includes high-strength palletization, heavy-duty strapping, and weather-resistant wrapping to protect fragile items like bricks and mixes from corner chipping, mechanical damage, and moisture during transit. |
