Dense brick side arches are important load-bearing and refractory structures commonly found in high-temperature industrial furnaces and kilns, widely used in heating furnaces, annealing furnaces, glass furnaces, and various metallurgical furnaces. Their primary function is to provide lateral support within the arch structure, while simultaneously resisting high temperatures, thermal shock, and erosion from the furnace atmosphere, significantly impacting the safe operation and service life of the furnace.
Dense bricks are typically high-alumina bricks or corundum bricks (such as AK90 and AK99), characterized by high Al₂O₃ content, high bulk density, high compressive strength, and excellent erosion resistance. In the arch sides, these materials effectively resist long-term high temperatures (generally above 1300℃) and periodic thermal stress changes, preventing structural cracking or collapse. Furthermore, the good dimensional stability of dense bricks helps maintain the integrity of the arch structure.
In structural design, dense brick side arches typically employ wedge-shaped bricks with tongue and groove (T&G) joints to enhance the interlocking force between masonry elements and overall stability. This design not only improves construction efficiency but also reduces the risk of displacement due to thermal expansion during high-temperature operation. Furthermore, a reasonable arch angle design and brick type matching are crucial for stress dispersion and extending furnace lining life.
In practical applications, dense brick side arches are often used in conjunction with lightweight insulation materials (such as lightweight castables or ceramic fibers) to form a composite structure of “dense layer + insulation layer,” thereby reducing heat loss and improving energy efficiency while ensuring strength.
Overall, the dense brick side arch is not only a key aspect of furnace structural design but also a core factor affecting equipment stability and economy. Choosing appropriate materials and structural forms directly impacts the furnace’s operational performance and maintenance costs.