Corundum Brick Maintenance: Tips to Extend Lifespan
Corundum bricks are essential refractory materials in glass furnaces, but their lifespan depends heavily on proper maintenance. This guide provides actionable strategies to maximize performance and durability of these high-alumina bricks.
Understanding Corundum Brick Properties
Composed primarily of α-alumina (Al₂O₃ ≥ 90%), corundum bricks offer exceptional properties that make them ideal for glass furnace applications:
- High refractoriness (≥1790°C)
- Superior mechanical strength (Cold Crushing Strength ≥70MPa)
- Excellent chemical stability against glass melts
- Low porosity (Apparent Porosity ≤18%)
Critical Maintenance Practices
Thermal Shock Prevention
Gradual heating and cooling cycles are crucial. Follow these protocols:
Chemical Resistance Management
Glass furnace environments present multiple chemical challenges:
- Soda-lime attack: Monitor alkali vapor concentrations (Na₂O, K₂O)
- Batch carryover: Install effective doghouse designs to minimize contamination
- Thermal gradient zones: Apply zirconia-rich coatings in high-corrosion areas
Structural Integrity Monitoring
Regular Inspection Protocol
Implement quarterly inspections focusing on:
- Crack propagation patterns (use ASTM C133 standard measurements)
- Joint integrity between bricks
- Surface glass penetration depth (limit ≤5mm)
- Thermal deformation measurements
Repair Techniques
For localized damage, consider these remediation methods:
- Hot patching: Specialized refractory mortars for temperatures above 1000°C
- Gunning repair: Pneumatic application of corundum-based mixes
- Slag control: Chemical inhibitors to reduce corrosive interactions
Why Choose Our Corundum Bricks?
Our refractory solutions stand out through:
- Custom alumina content (92-99%) tailored to specific glass compositions
- Enhanced thermal shock resistance through proprietary microstructural design
- ISO 9001 certified manufacturing with batch traceability
- Technical support including thermal profile analysis and failure diagnostics
For optimal corundum brick performance in your glass furnace, contact our refractory specialists to schedule a comprehensive lining assessment.