An ISO 9001 : 2015 Certified Company

Petrochemicals Industry

Alumino-silicate bricks, engineered for high performance in harsh environments, are crucial for the construction and maintenance of structures within the petrochemical industry. These bricks, featuring alumina (Al₂O₃) content ranging from 30% to 85%, are tailored to withstand the severe thermal, mechanical, and chemical stresses encountered in various petrochemical processing applications.

Composition and Classification

Low-Alumina Bricks (30-45% Al₂O₃)

  • Al₂O₃ Content: 30-45%
  • SiO₂ Content: 55-70%
  • Application: Suitable for secondary linings and lower temperature zones, such as storage areas and insulation layers.

Medium-Alumina Bricks (45-60% Al₂O₃)

  • Al₂O₃ Content: 45-60%
  • SiO₂ Content: 40-55%
  • Application: Ideal for moderate temperature applications, including vessel linings, reactor walls, and certain parts of fluid catalytic cracking units.

High-Alumina Bricks (60-85% Al₂O₃)

  • Al₂O₃ Content: 60-85%
  • SiO₂ Content: 15-40%
  • Application: Essential for high-stress areas such as reformers, ethylene crackers, and areas directly exposed to combustion processes.

Physical and Thermal Properties

Property Low-Alumina Bricks Medium-Alumina Bricks High-Alumina Bricks
Cold Crushing Strength (CCS) 20-30 MPa 30-50 MPa 50-80 MPa
Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) Up to 1300°C Up to 1450°C Up to 1600°C
Apparent Porosity 22-28% 18-24% 14-20%
Thermal Conductivity 1.1-1.3 W/m·K 1.3-1.5 W/m·K 1.5-1.7 W/m·K

Advantages in Petrochemical Applications

  • Thermal Stability: The high alumina content ensures superior performance at elevated temperatures, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of petrochemical reactors and furnaces.
  • Mechanical Strength: Enhanced CCS values provide resilience against the mechanical stresses resulting from the operation and maintenance of heavy equipment.
  • Chemical Resistance: Alumino-silicate bricks offer excellent resistance to chemical corrosion, especially against the harsh chemicals used in petrochemical processing.
  • Energy Efficiency: Improved thermal conductivity of these bricks helps in minimizing heat loss, thereby improving the energy efficiency of petrochemical plants.

Applications

  • Reformers and Crackers: High-alumina bricks are used in these applications for their ability to withstand high temperatures and corrosive environments, ensuring longevity and reliability.
  • Fluid Catalytic Cracking Units (FCCUs): Medium to high-alumina bricks are utilized in FCCUs to protect the structural integrity against thermal and chemical degradation.
  • Piping and Heat Exchangers: Low to medium-alumina bricks serve as effective insulation materials, providing thermal management that enhances the overall efficiency of the system.

By selecting the appropriate alumino-silicate bricks based on their alumina content and specific property requirements, petrochemical facilities can optimize performance, extend refractory life, and enhance operational efficiency. These materials are integral to maintaining the safety, productivity, and cost-effectiveness of the petrochemical industry.