Performance Evaluation of Refractory Bricks produced from locally sourced Clay Materials

J Osarenmwinda,C P Abel

doi:10.4314/jasem.v18i2.1

Abstract

The performance evaluation of refractory bricks produced from some local clay deposits in Delta State, Nigeria was investigated. Four major sites in Delta State renowned for abundant clay deposits were selected, namely; Oghara, Ekpan, Ubeji and Jeddo. The clay samples were crushed, milled (pulverised) and sieved to produce very fine grains of less than 250 μm particle size distribution for all samples. They were then tested for shrinkage, bulk density, Loss on ignition , cold compression strength, apparent porosity, and thermal shock resistance. Also, their mineralogical composition and fusion temperatures were examined. The results shows that kaolin deposit at Oghara was found to be the best material suitable for the lining of the walls of most high thermally operated equipment as the expected operational temperatures of most of them are below 1200°C. It had a bulk density, porosity,cold compressive strength,shrinkage,loss of ignition,slag resisance of 1.74g/cm3 ,31.44%,100kg/cm2 ,5% and 12.18% respectively. Oghara clay was found to be less dense, contains more porosity, and possesses low iron content and higher refractoriness with fusion temperature above 1200°C. Ekpan clay is also suitable for medium thermal application in furnaces, kilns and stoves, while the rest could be beneficiated to improve on their insulating properties.Keywords: Refractory bricks, clay material, performance evaluation, porosity, slag resistance.

Highlights

Introdution: Refractories are inorganic, non-metallic, porous and heterogeneous materials composed of thermally stable mineral aggregates, a binder phase and additives
Olokode et al,2012 investigated the suitability of using clay – cow dung to produce insulating firebrick and to determine the optimal ratio of the constituent.Two clay samples were collected from Ilese Awo clay deposit
2003).Since Nigeria have some sample reserve of Kaolin and Ball Clay which could be exploited for economic purposes as reported by Aderibigbe, 1989, this work threfore is focused on the performance evaluation of refractory bricks produced from locally sourced clay materials from Oghara, Ekpan, Ubeji and Jeddo communities in Delta State, Nigeria; to serve as good alternative to the imported refractory bricks

Summary

Introduction

Introdution: Refractories are inorganic, non-metallic, porous and heterogeneous materials composed of thermally stable mineral aggregates, a binder phase and additives. Materials: The materials for investigation are clay samples from Oghara, Ekpan, Ubeji and Jeddo communities of Delta State, Nigeria respectively; and a sample of imported refractory castable.

Results

Conclusion