Fireclay Checker Brick SK33 SK34
Fireclay Checker Brick SK33 SK34 are derived from the standard Fireclay grades, primarily composed of ALUMINA (AL2O3) and SILICA (SIO2). Their performance is defined more by their structural geometry (high surface area) than by raw chemistry.
| GRADE | AL2O3 CONTENT | PRIMARY FUNCTION | SERVICE ZONE |
| SK33 Checker | 30% TO 35% | HEAT STORAGE/TRANSFER | LOW-TO-MID TEMPERATURE REGENERATOR |
| SK34 Checker | 38% TO 45% | HEAT STORAGE/TRANSFER | MID-TO-HIGH TEMPERATURE REGENERATOR |
KEY PROPERTIES AND PERFORMANCE
| PROPERTY | TYPICAL PERFORMANCE | VARIATION WITH AL2O3 CONTENT |
| HEAT CAPACITY | HIGH (DESIRABLE) | INCREASES SLIGHTLY WITH BULK DENSITY (BD), WHICH IS TYPICALLY HIGHER THAN STANDARD LINING BRICKS. |
| TEMPERATURE UNDER LOAD (TUL) | MODERATE (SK33) TO GOOD (SK34) | CRITICAL AS THE BRICKS SUPPORT A LARGE STACK LOAD. IMPROVES AS AL2O3 CONTENT RISES (SK34 IS BETTER). |
| THERMAL SHOCK | EXCELLENT | CRITICAL DUE TO REPEATED, RAPID THERMAL CYCLING. GOOD POROSITY AND MODERATE SIO2 HELP. |
| CORROSION | MODERATE RESISTANCE TO FLUE GAS | IMPROVES AS AL2O3 RISES. VULNERABLE TO ALKALI AND DUST CARRY-OVER, CAUSING BLOCKAGES. |
Fireclay Checker Brick SK33 SK34
ADVANTAGES AND KEY CHARACTERISTICS
Checker bricks are specialized heat exchange media. Their geometry (often with internal holes or complex patterns) is designed to maximize the contact surface area and turbulate gas flow.
- High Thermal Efficiency: They are engineered for REGENERATION—absorbing heat from hot waste gases during one cycle and releasing it to incoming cold air/gas during the next. This significantly reduces fuel consumption.
- Excellent Volume Stability: Fireclay grades are generally stable against volume changes, which is vital for maintaining the structural integrity of the tall checker settings.
- Custom Geometries: Offered in various patterns (e.g., Basketweave, K-checker) to optimize heat transfer efficiency versus pressure drop.
TYPICAL INDUSTRIES AND APPLICATIONS
Checker bricks are primarily used in operations that rely on cyclical heat recovery:
- Glass Industry: The most common user, in regenerators for glass melting tanks.
- Ferrous Industry: Hot blast stoves (HBS) used to heat air for the blast furnace.
- Coke Ovens: Regenerators for preheating combustion air.
FURNACE AREAS AND SERVICE ZONES
They are used exclusively in the regenerator chambers of large industrial furnaces:
- Lower Zones (Colder): SK33 grade is used here, where gas temperatures are lower and the risk of ALKALI CORROSION is high, as the alkalis tend to condense in this cooler area.
- Upper Zones (Hotter): SK34 grade is used here, providing better TUL and refractoriness to handle the peak temperatures delivered by the combustion gases.
- Checkers Stacks: Installed in deep, vertical columns, requiring the bricks to withstand significant compression load from the weight of the layers above.
KEY DATA SHEET PROPERTIES TO CONSIDER
Selection criteria are unique, focusing on thermal performance and structural integrity:
- Design/Geometry: The specific hole size, shape, and lattice pattern that defines the surface area and pressure drop.
- Bulk Density (BD): CRITICAL for heat storage capacity. A higher BD means more mass to store heat.
- Apparent Porosity (AP): Should be consistent. While higher porosity aids thermal shock, low porosity is needed to resist FLUXING and subsequent BLOCKAGE (the biggest failure mode).
- Refractoriness Under Load (TUL): MANDATORY check against the full weight of the checker stack and maximum expected temperature.
TECHNICAL GUIDANCE: The main enemy of checker bricks is BLOCKAGE (PLUGGING) caused by carry-over dust and volatilized alkalis condensing and reacting with the brick surface. For highly dusty applications, consider MAGNESIA or HIGH ALUMINA checkers, as they are more resistant to alkali attack and the subsequent viscous phase formation that plugs the air passages.
✨ Customization Services
We offer product customization services, allowing you to tailor the appearance, dimensions, or specific markings of items like refractory shapes or bricks. This includes options for incorporating specific geometric requirements to ensure seamless integration into your process systems.
🔬 Sampling for Testing & Validation
Free product samples are available for thorough testing and validation. This allows you to confirm the quality, compatibility, and performance of our materials—such as specific bricks, castables, or raw materials—before committing to a full order.
💡 Expertise in Refractory Solutions
Leverage our deep expertise to receive detailed, application-specific refractory solutions. We move beyond just selling products by providing comprehensive plans that encompass material selection, installation guidance, and performance optimization to maximize the lifespan and efficiency of your high-temperature processes.
Rabatec products are exclusively manufactured in facilities that have achieved rigorous ISO certifications across Quality (ISO 9001), Environmental Management, and Occupational Health & Safety. This commitment ensures every product, from refractory bricks to specialized equipment, meets the highest global benchmarks for performance, sustainability, and workplace safety.
📦 Logistics Excellence: Shipping, Packaging, and Marking
Minimizing Risk: We manage all logistics to minimize handling touchpoints and transit shock. Our carriers are pre-vetted for their experience in transporting heavy, fragile, and sensitive industrial materials.
Traceability: Every shipment includes comprehensive documentation and tracking information, providing end-to-end visibility and ensuring precise delivery coordination for your site.
Protection is Paramount: Our packaging strictly follows industry standards to prevent damage, corner chipping, and moisture absorption—especially critical for materials like Basic Refractory Bricks and Refractory Mortars & Mixes.
Robust Palletization: Products are secured on fumigated, high-strength export pallets (e.g., 1100x950mm or similar sturdy dimensions) using heavy-duty strapping and durable protective wrapping (polyethylene sheeting, cardboard, etc.) to withstand long-distance travel and multiple loadings.
Moisture Control: Sensitive materials are protected with appropriate sealing and, where necessary, desiccants or moisture-vapor proof enclosures to maintain the product's integrity until installation.
Clear Identification: All outer packaging is clearly marked on multiple sides with large, legible text for immediate identification and safe handling.
Full Traceability: Markings include all essential data points: Product Name, Quality Grade, Batch Number, Quantity, Net/Gross Weight, Order Number, and the Final Destination/Construction Area. This ensures every pallet can be accounted for and correctly staged upon arrival.
Safety & Compliance: We adhere to all regulatory requirements for marking, labeling, and placarding—especially for any items classified as Dangerous Goods—to ensure full compliance with international and domestic transport regulations.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question | Elaborated Answer |
Q: What is the Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) of your refractories? | A: Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) is a critical property that defines the maximum temperature our materials can withstand while under compressive stress before deforming (softening). Since we offer a wide range of materials—from Alumina-Silicate Bricks to high-performance Silicon Carbide Bricks—the RUL varies significantly. For specific product data, please refer to the product data sheet or submit a quote request for the material you are interested in. |
Q: Where are the Rabatec refractories and materials produced? | A: Our products are primarily sourced from specialized manufacturing plants in China. Crucially, these facilities have all undergone rigorous audits and achieved comprehensive ISO certifications (Quality, Environment, and Safety), ensuring that production adheres to the highest global standards for consistency and performance. |
Q: What refractory materials does the company offer? | A: We supply a comprehensive portfolio of advanced refractory solutions, including: Shaped Products: Alumina & Silica Bricks, Basic & Specialized Bricks (e.g., Magnesia), SiC & Structural Ceramics, and Precast Shapes. Monolithic Products: Refractory Castables, Mixes & Mortars. Insulation: Insulation Fibre and High-Performance Insulation Products. |
Q: How should I choose the appropriate refractory material for my application? | A: Selecting the correct refractory is paramount to process efficiency. The choice depends on three key factors: 1. Operating Environment: Maximum process temperature and thermal cycling (shock). 2. Chemical Attack: Type of slag, molten metal, or corrosive gas being handled (acidic, neutral, or basic). 3. Mechanical Stress: Abrasion, erosion, and static load requirements. We recommend utilizing our detailed refractory solutions service to consult with our engineers for an optimized, application-specific recommendation. |
Q: Which monolithic material should I choose when patching an existing lining? | A: For patching and minor repairs, the ideal monolithic material depends on the parent lining material, the patching depth, and the need for a rapid return to service. Common choices include: Refractory Mortars & Mixes (for minor joints/surfaces) or Plastic Refractories (for areas requiring physical compaction). Always choose a patch material chemically compatible with the existing lining to ensure proper bonding and service life. |
Q: Can I receive product samples before placing a major order? | A: Yes. We gladly provide product samples for your internal testing and validation purposes. This ensures you can confirm the quality, composition, and fit of the material—such as our Refractory Castables or Alumina-Silicate Bricks—in your specific operational environment before committing to a bulk purchase. |
Q: Do you provide certifications to verify material quality? | A: Absolutely. We provide product-related inspection certificates and quality assurance documentation upon request. This verifies that your order has passed all internal quality control checks and meets the required material specifications and industry standards. |
Q: What measures are taken for product protection during transport? | A: We ensure quick, reliable transport by using robust, industrial packaging that strictly follows industry standards. This includes high-strength palletization, heavy-duty strapping, and weather-resistant wrapping to protect fragile items like bricks and mixes from corner chipping, mechanical damage, and moisture during transit. |
