Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Abstract:
Akure laterite was investigated to determine its suitability for application in furnace lining. The chemical compositions were determined, and specimen tested for properties such as thermal shock resistance, refractoriness, linear shrinkage, bulk density, and apparent porosity. The physical parameters were measured using ASTM C20-00 and ASTM C133-93 standards while the chemical analysis was carried out using the Energy Dispersing X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (ED - XRFS). It was used to line a furnace used for thermal heating. Results obtained show that the laterite's composition is more of silica (42.5%), followed by Alumina (23%) and calcium oxide (11.8%). It has a shrinkage percentage of 9%, bulk density of 1.91 g/cm3 and a high cold crushing strength of 64 kg/cm2. It was concluded that the laterite is a suitable furnace lining material, but produced silica bricks. Physical inspection in application also confirmed the applicability, as no crack occurred.

Keywords: laterite, furnace lining, thermal heating, crushing strength, silica bricks.

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