Umudike Journal of Engineering and Technology

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike


PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ENHANCED FIRECLAY REFRACTORY BRICKS FOR MELTING FURNACES

Oyelami, A. T.
College of Engineering, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B, 2240. Abeokuta, Ogun State. Nigeria

Kuye, S. I.
College of Engineering, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B, 2240. Abeokuta, Ogun State. Nigeria

Babalola, A. S.
College of Engineering, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B, 2240. Abeokuta, Ogun State. Nigeria



ABSTRACT

This work evaluated the geochemical properties of kaolin deposits at Mile 6 area of Abeokuta-Ajebo road, Ogun State, Nigeria for the purpose of evaluating its suitability to produce fireclay refractory bricks for lining of high-temperature equipment such as rotary and static melting furnaces. The clay samples were characterized by XRF method and later used for the development of the fireclay samples by blending with Groundnut Shell Ash (GSA) and Rice Husk Ash (RHA) additives in 5%, 10% and 15 % weighted values respectively in order to improve the bricks properties.  The clay material was predominantly silica oxide (SiO2) 33.71% and Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3) 47.64% while the other oxides present included Fe2SO3, CaO, NaO, MgO, K2O and TiO2, as impurities of about 3%. The GSA-additive bricks developed have relatively high density and shrinkage properties over the RHA-additive bricks at 10% and 15% additives. The refractoriness improved by 12.3% at 5% weighted additive value of GSA. It was discovered that as the GSA additives increases, there was a corresponding increase in linear Crushing Strength (CS) and linear decrease in CS as RHA additives increases. Increasing both additives in the bricks compositions resulted to increase in water absorption, increase in apparent porosity, and linear decrease in firing shrinkage. The work showed that the various additives added in (wt %) have significant influence on the physical and mechanical properties of the fireclay bricks produced from the Ajebo clay which make them suitable for use as lining refractory in high-temperature equipment such as rotary and static melting furnaces.


Keywords: Fireclay, Refractory, Furnace; Water Absorption, Apparent Porosity, Shrinkage


https://doi.org/10.33922/j.ujet_v6i1_8
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Published
Monday, June 01, 2020

Issue
Vol. 6 No. 1, June 2020

Article Section
GENERAL

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