How to Choose the Right Corundum Brick for Your Project?
Selecting the right corundum brick is critical for glass furnace performance and longevity. This guide explores key factors like alumina content, thermal shock resistance, and industry standards to help technical evaluators and decision-makers make informed choices.
Understanding Corundum Brick Fundamentals
Corundum bricks, composed primarily of α-Al2O3 (alumina), offer exceptional refractoriness (up to 1850°C) and chemical stability. Their performance varies significantly based on:
- Alumina content: Ranging from 75% to 99%, affecting thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance
- Bonding systems: Ceramic, phosphate, or cement-bonded varieties for different thermal cycling needs
- Porosity: Dense (≤18%) vs. insulating types with distinct thermal shock behaviors
Key Selection Criteria for Glass Furnaces
1. Thermal Performance Requirements
Glass melting zones demand bricks with:
2. Chemical Resistance Considerations
Alkali-rich glass batches require:
- Low-porosity formulations (≤15%) to minimize penetration
- Zirconia-enhanced corundum for soda-lime glass contact zones
- ASTM C27-98 standard compliance for chemical stability
Cost-Performance Optimization
Strategic material selection by furnace zone can extend campaign life by 30-50%:
- Hot spots: Premium 99% Al2O3 with ZrO2 additives
- Transition zones: 90-95% Al2O3 with balanced properties
- Cooler sections: Standard 75-85% Al2O3 for cost efficiency
Why Partner With Our Refractory Experts?
With 15+ years serving glass manufacturers, we provide:
- Custom formulations tested to EN 993-5 standards
- Furnace-specific thermal modeling for optimal brick selection
- Global supply chain with 60-day lead times for urgent projects
Contact our technical team for a free furnace analysis and corundum brick performance simulation.