Fireclay Arch Bricks (35-45% Alumina): Ideal for residential pizza ovens, fireplaces, and low-temperature industrial zones. These offer excellent thermal shock resistance.
High Alumina Arch Bricks (55-85% Alumina): Designed for the most punishing environments, such as cement kilns or steel ladles. These bricks resist slag penetration and maintain structural integrity up to 1700 degrees Celsius (3100 Fahrenheit).
Mullite and Corundum Arch Bricks: For specialized glass or petrochemical applications where zero-contamination and extreme heat resistance are non-negotiable.
(1) High temperature resistance
(2) Light weight
(3) Low thermal expansion coefficient
(4) High load softening temperature
(1) Iron and steel industry: used in high temperature parts such as electric furnaces and furnace covers.
(2) Chemical industry: used for refractory lining of various chemical reaction equipment.
(3) Cement and glass manufacturing: plays a key role in high temperature kilns to ensure the continuity and stability of the production process.
|
Item |
Index |
||||
|
Model |
SK35 |
SK36 |
SK37 |
SK38 |
SK39 |
|
Al2O3/% |
≥48 |
≥55 |
≥65 |
≥75 |
≥80 |
|
Fe2O3/% |
≤2 |
≤2 |
≤2 |
≤2 |
≤2 |
|
Body density（g/cm3） |
2.15 |
2.2 |
2.3 |
2.4 |
2.5 |
|
Refractory |
≥1750 °C |
≥1770 °C |
≥1790 °C |
≥1790 °C |
≥1790 °C |
|
Change in heating permanent line/% |
1450℃×2h -0.4~0.1 |
1450℃×2h -0.4~0.1 |
1450℃×2h -0.4~0.1 |
1500℃×2h -0.4~0.2 |
1500℃×2h -0.4~0.2 |
|
Cold pressing strength |
≥39Mpa |
≥44Mpa |
≥49Mpa |
≥54Mpa |
≥65Mpa |
|
Apparent porosity (≤) |
≤22% |
≤22% |
≤23% |
≤23% |
≤21% |
|
Load softening temperature [0.2MPa*0.6%]≥ |
≥1420 °C |
≥1470 °C |
≥1500 °C |
≥1520 °C |
≥1530 °C |
Arch Fire Brick: Engineering the Perfect Curve for High-Temperature Stability
In the architecture of heat, the arch is the strongest structural form. Whether you are constructing the crown of a glass melting furnace, the roof of a pizza oven, or the lining of a rotary kiln, the arch fire brick is the essential component that translates gravitational pressure into structural strength. Unlike standard rectangular bricks, arch bricks are tapered—meaning one end is thinner than the other—allowing them to form self-supporting circular or arched structures.
Highland Refractory provides a comprehensive range of precision-tapered arch bricks, engineered to withstand extreme thermal expansion while maintaining a gas-tight seal. Our bricks are manufactured to the tightest tolerances, ensuring that your masonry fits perfectly without the need for excessive cutting or thick mortar joints.
Types of Arch Bricks: Choosing the Right Taper for Your Geometry
In the refractory industry, "arch brick" is a broad term that encompasses several specific shapes. Selecting the correct type depends on the orientation of the taper relative to the brick's dimensions.
1. Wedge Bricks (End Arch)
Wedge bricks are tapered along their width. These are the most common choice for building the rings of a rotary kiln or the lining of a circular ladle. When laid, they form a circle where the brick's length runs parallel to the axis of the kiln.
2. Arch Bricks (Side Arch)
Side arch bricks are tapered along their thickness. These are typically used to create the arched roofs of rectangular furnaces or the domes of wood-fired ovens. In this configuration, the brick "stands" on its side to form the curve.
3. Key Bricks Key bricks are tapered on both sides of the width, forming a trapezoidal shape. They are essential for "locking" a ring in place. The final key brick driven into the top of an arch creates the compression required to hold the entire structure together through mechanical friction.
The Geometry of Heat: Calculating Your Arch Requirements
One of the most frequent challenges for engineers is determining exactly how many bricks are needed to complete a circle or arch. To build a stable arch, you must match the brick's taper to the intended radius.
To calculate the number of bricks required for a full 360-degree ring, you essentially divide the outer circumference of the ring by the thickness of the wider end of the tapered brick. If the taper of a standard brick does not perfectly match your specific diameter, Highland Refractory engineers recommend a "Mixed Lining" approach. This involves alternating between two different tapered bricks or combining tapered bricks with standard straight bricks to achieve the exact radius required.
Material Science: High-Performance Refractory Grades
A perfect shape is useless if the material cannot handle the thermal load. We offer arch bricks in several high-performance grades:
Fireclay Arch Bricks (35-45% Alumina): Ideal for residential pizza ovens, fireplaces, and low-temperature industrial zones. These offer excellent thermal shock resistance.
High Alumina Arch Bricks (55-85% Alumina): Designed for the most punishing environments, such as cement kilns or steel ladles. These bricks resist slag penetration and maintain structural integrity up to 1700 degrees Celsius (3100 Fahrenheit).
Mullite and Corundum Arch Bricks: For specialized glass or petrochemical applications where zero-contamination and extreme heat resistance are non-negotiable.
Why Highland Refractory is the Expert Choice for Arch Bricks
As a professional B2B exporter, Highland Refractory understands that precision is the difference between a furnace that lasts five years and one that fails in five months.
Dimensional Accuracy: We use high-pressure hydraulic presses to ensure the taper on every brick is consistent. Even a 1mm error in taper can lead to a "spiral" effect in a kiln lining, causing structural failure.
Dry-Assembly Testing: For complex arch projects, we perform a dry-assembly of the ring in our factory. We measure the gaps and verify the radius before the bricks are packed, giving you 100% confidence during installation.
Global Shipping Expertise: Arch bricks have fragile tapered edges. We use specialized packaging and reinforced edge protectors to ensure your order arrives in Europe, the USA, or Southeast Asia in perfect condition.
Installation Best Practices for Arch Masonry
Center-Support (Centering): When building an arch, always use a wooden or steel "center" support framework. This holds the bricks in place until the final key brick is installed and the arch becomes self-supporting.
Joint Thickness: Keep mortar joints as thin as possible (under 2mm). In an arch, the load should be transferred through brick-to-brick contact, not through the mortar.
Thermal Expansion: Always account for expansion. Ensure there is adequate space at the "skewbacks" (the angled bases of the arch) to prevent the roof from buckling when it reaches peak temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I build an arch using only standard rectangular bricks?
A: While possible by using "V-shaped" mortar joints, it is not recommended for high-heat applications. Thick mortar joints shrink and erode, leading to the eventual collapse of the arch. Tapered arch bricks provide a superior mechanical lock.
Q: What is a "skewback" brick?
A: A skewback is a specially shaped brick that acts as the transition point between a vertical wall and a curved arch. It provides the angled base upon which the first arch brick rests.
Q: How do I know if I need a Wedge or an Arch brick?
A: It depends on the orientation of your curve. If your curve is like a barrel (rotary kiln), you usually need a Wedge. If your curve is like a tunnel roof, you usually need an Arch brick. Our technical team can help you decide based on your project drawings.
Q: Do you provide custom tapers?
A: Yes. For large-scale industrial projects with unique radii, we can manufacture custom molds to provide a "perfect-fit" taper, minimizing installation time and maximizing lining life.
Build with Confidence. Build with Highland Refractory.
The stability of your kiln depends on the precision of your arch. Contact Highland Refractory today for a technical consultation, or send us your dimensions for a full bill-of-materials calculation.
Silicon carbide plates are mainly composed of silicon carbide (SiC) as the aggregate (with a content usually ≥ 80%).
