Characterization and evaluation of selected kaolin clay deposits in Nigeria for furnace lining application

Abstract

Kaolin and ball clay samples from four states in Nigeria were examined with the aim of determining their chemical composition as well as testing for their suitability as refractory materials for furnaces lining applications. Three kaolin samples were taken from Ikpeshi in Edo, Kasadi in Kebbi and Alaasan in Osun state, while the ball clay sample used as the binder was taken from Badeggi in Niger state. The kaolin samples were tested and beneficiated in other to improve on their alumina contents after which they were characterized and produced as a refractory brick by mixing each kaolin sample with the ball clay in 70:30 ratio. They were then tested comprehensively for the following refractory properties such as: firing shrinkage, apparent porosity, bulk density, cold crushing strength, thermal shock resistance, refractory under load (RUL), thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope.The results were compared with standard refractory properties for fireclay bricks. The values obtained from the three clay samples (A, B, C) which are from Ikpeshi in Edo, Kasadi in Kebbi and Alaasan in Osun state respectively were within the recommended values for fireclay bricks, most especially sample C which has a refractoriness under load (RUL) of 1348 O C which is the temperature at which the bricks will collapse under a constant load of 0.2N/mm 2 . This compared favourably with the RUL of other countries in the world.

Raw kaolinitic–illitic clays as high-mechanical-performance hydraulically pressed refractories

“…The highest water absorption was determined in the CR4 at 1100 °C and the lowest in the CR18 at 1300 °C. The results were similar to the ranges for refractories studied previously [42]. The water absorption for the tested samples generally showed lower values compared to a chamotte [43] or ceramic tiles [7] and higher than traditional building bricks [44].…”

Physiochemical Characterization of Ethiopian Mined Kaolin Clay through Beneficiation Process

“…Te raw kaolin was benefciated to advance the aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ) and silicon (SiO 2 ) oxide purity by removing some impurities (soluble salts, feldspar, quartz, gris, muscovite, mica, titanium oxide, and iron oxide) through a consecutive benefciation process. Te removal of impurities and dirt from raw kaolin was accomplished through physical separation, followed by the wet/soaking process according to the procedures reported by Mokwa et al [31]. Te powdered bulk sample was soaked in deionized water for 48 h. Te slurry was plunged and screened through a 50 μm mesh sieve and then allowed to settle; the water was siphoned of and the samples were dried at 120 °C for 3 h. After efective drying, it was crushed by using a jaw crusher and then sieved through a 0.15-0.3 mm sieve size.…”

Influence of Palm Fruit Fibe and High Alumina Cement on Omifun Kaolin for Furnace Insulation

“…They are also characterized by an excellent capability to retain their dimensional and chemical integrity at elevated temperatures. Refractories are used in furnace linings, kilns, incinerators, and reactors [10] .…”