High Alumina Brick – Andalusite-Based
MAIN CHEMICAL COMPOSITIONS AND CATEGORIES
Andalusite-based bricks are high ALUMINA (AL2O3) products. They use natural ANDALUSITE, which forms high-strength MULLITE upon firing.
- CATEGORY: ANDALUSITE
- AL2O3 CONTENT: 50% TO 65%
- KEY RAW MATERIAL: NATURAL ANDALUSITE
- PRIMARY ADVANTAGE: EXCELLENT VOLUME STABILITY
KEY PROPERTIES AND PERFORMANCE
- PROPERTY: TEMPERATURE UNDER LOAD (TUL)
- TYPICAL PERFORMANCE: VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT
- VARIATION: INCREASES SIGNIFICANTLY. MULLITE FORMATION AIDS TUL AT LOWER AL2O3 LEVELS.
- PROPERTY: THERMAL SHOCK
- TYPICAL PERFORMANCE: GOOD
- VARIATION: IMPROVES DUE TO MULLITE’S LOW COEFFICIENT OF THERMAL EXPANSION, MINIMIZING STRESS.
- PROPERTY: CORROSION
- TYPICAL PERFORMANCE: VERY GOOD RESISTANCE TO ACIDIC AND NEUTRAL SLAGS
- VARIATION: IMPROVES AS AL2O3 RISES. POOR AGAINST HIGHLY BASIC SLAGS.
- PROPERTY: VOLUME STABILITY
- TYPICAL PERFORMANCE: EXCEPTIONAL
- VARIATION: CRITICAL ADVANTAGE. THE EXPANSION OF ANDALUSITE COMPENSATES FOR FIRING SHRINKAGE, CREATING A TIGHT LINING.
ADVANTAGES AND KEY CHARACTERISTICS
Andalusite bricks are prized for structural integrity and reliability, making them a high-value upgrade from standard fireclay.
- SUPERIOR HOT STRENGTH: The structure is dominated by MULLITE, which provides exceptional load-bearing capacity at high temperatures.
- EXCELLENT VOLUME STABILITY (PCE): The controlled expansion during firing ensures a TIGHT, STABLE LINING structure with minimal joint allowance needed.
- LOW CREEP/HIGH TUL: Exhibits low deformation, maintaining the furnace’s geometry over long operational campaigns.
- RESISTANCE TO WEAR: High density and low porosity improve resistance to material abrasion and slag penetration.
TYPICAL INDUSTRIES AND APPLICATIONS
Andalusite is a premium refractory for critical, high-temperature structural zones:
- FERROUS INDUSTRY: Hot Blast Stoves (hot zones), high-wear areas of Reheat Furnaces, and ladle safety linings.
- CEMENT AND LIME: Rotary Kiln pre-heater towers, calcining zones, and tertiary air ducts.
- GLASS INDUSTRY: Regenerator upper structures, crowns, and port linings.
- PETROCHEMICALS: High-temperature reactors and cyclones.
FURNACE AREAS AND SERVICE ZONES
They are used in zones demanding both high temperature and structural load:
- HIGH-TEMPERATURE STRUCTURAL WALLS: Where the lining must support significant weight (e.g., furnace crowns, support arches).
- HOT BLAST STOVE CHECKER TOP: Used in the upper, hottest section of the checkers due to its excellent TUL and thermal cycling resistance.
- EROSION ZONES: Used in areas combining high heat and particle abrasion.
KEY DATA SHEET PROPERTIES TO CONSIDER
Selection must prioritize structural and thermal stability indicators:
- MULLITE CONTENT: A high proportion is the best indicator of good hot strength and stability.
- REFRACTORINESS UNDER LOAD (TUL): Should be exceptionally high (often exceeding 1600°C) and the creep rate should be low.
- BULK DENSITY (BD): Typically higher than standard Fireclay, indicating lower permeability and better chemical resistance.
- APPARENT POROSITY (AP): Must be low to moderate to prevent penetration of fluxing agents and alkali vapors.
TECHNICAL GUIDANCE: Andalusite bricks are excellent for bridging the performance gap between Fireclay and higher AL2O3 Bauxite or Corundum bricks. The superior volume stability makes them ideal for constructing large, complex structures where lining integrity under compression is paramount.
✨ 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. |
