What types of uses are there for alumina bricks?

Many. Any application in which high heat temperatures are involved is an ideal one in which to use alumina bricks. Be it chimneys, kilns, or blast furnace linings, these brick products are absolutely necessary for proper installation.

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What’s the difference between alumina bricks and fireclay bricks?

A fireclay brick is a type of alumina brick. Beneath the heading alumina brick there are a number of variations of this particular brick family, all of which function superbly under high heat situations.

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What exactly is alumina?

Alumina is a white granule that is produced from the refining of bauxite. Bauxite is a rock that represents the chief component of aluminum.

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How are these bricks sold?

This will depend on your project and needs. One of our specialists will be happy to review your project and put together a comprehensive estimate for your particular project.

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Are crushed alumina bricks really that useful?

Indeed they are. In the interest of raising the alumina content of your filler, many use this crushed product in industrial applications. A premium high quality material, crushed alumina brick can certainly be an important facet of many industrial applications.

What are these types of mortars best used for?

Refractory mortar, unlike ordinary mortar is impervious to extremely high temperatures thus making it perfect for use in fireplaces, brick ovens, chimneys, basically anywhere in which the mortar product would be exposed to a great deal of heat.

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How do I know if I need heat or air setting mortar?

It is best to consult an engineer first. He/she will be able to effectively gauge which type of mortar would be most suited to your project. Our specialists are certainly here to help as well.

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How thick should refractory mortar joints be?

Just as with any type of mortar project, there is a range of recommended thicknesses as far as joints. And again, this may be a question for your contractor and/or engineer to determine.

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Do refractory mortars cost a lot more than standard mortar products?

Generally they are a bit more, how much of course depends on your project, the type of mortar and the quantity. Again, we would be happy to work up a custom quote for you.

Where does Rock Salt come from?

It is the byproduct of dried up enclosed seas and ancient lakes. Currently companies extract this salt through a variety of methods. Our Egyptian rock salt largely comes from the Siwa oasis, one of the richest areas in Egypt and the world as far as halite. Not to mention, Siwa salt boasts a 99.2% purity level.

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How does rock salt melt ice?

The science behind this is quite simple really. When added to water, rock salt lowers the freezing point by 20-30 degrees. This in essence, makes it so that ice does not form as it would should water stand alone (unmixed with rock salt). So it is not melting the ice per se; rather, our Egyptian rock salt prevents the formation of the bond that would otherwise occur between pavement and ice.

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Where can I find out more about the science of rock salt as a premier ice melting agent?

Google it! The internet is filled with pertinent information about this topic and many such similar topics pertaining to rock salt, sodium chloride and a wide variety of Egyptian rock salt and mineral products.

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How is rock salt generally sold?

Sold either in bulk or (for smaller scale applications) packaged and bagged, rock salt can be delivered in a number of ways. We can certainly customize a packaging solution for your Deicing rock salt needs.

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Is rock salt edible?

Generally speaking no. This particular form of halite is not meant to be ingested. Salt must go through a purification process before it can be eaten. Our rock salt is specifically meant for de-icing applications.

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How much does rock salt typically cost?

This will depend on the amount and type you are looking to purchase. From raw salt to washed salt we carry a variety of rock salts, representing a number of stages in the salt process. We will be happy to quote you for all of your Egyptian rock salt needs.

What are castables made from?

There are a number of different components, but the primary ones are oxides of alumina and silica.

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What types of things are castables used for?

Quite a wide and diverse variety. From the linings of large furnaces to kilns to combustion chambers. Any application in which a heat resistant material needs to be pumped in in order to create a casted form, castables can be used.

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From where does the word castable derive?

A castable is a dry product that when mixed with water becomes a product which can be poured into a form and thus shaped accordingly. This form is cast…the material is consequently castable in nature.

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How are castables shipped?

Depending upon your needs we offer a variety of shipping and packaging options. Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you and your business; therefore, we will come up with the perfect packaging and shipping option for your refractory castables.

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What types of temperatures can castable materials withstand?

The short answer: incredibly high ones. Depending on whether we are dealing with low cement castables, light weight or dense, the heat resistances vary. It is best to consult with one of AIMR’s professionals to determine which type best suits your needs.

Is there a lot of creosote associated with anthracite coal products?

No in fact there isn’t. One of the highest quality coals there is, it is a “clean coal.” Therefore it burns extremely efficiently. There is very little if any soot or creosote build up involved.

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How many BTU’s are in anthracite coal?

It can range, but generally speaking there are around 14,000 BTU’s per pound of anthracite coal.

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What does anthracite look like?

Anthracite, harder than what you expect from coal, has a metallic tint to it. It is also noted for having the fewest impurities in the coal family, thus earning is “clean coal” nickname.

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How can I purchase anthracite coal?

We offer a variety of options when it comes to buying anthracite. Importing only the finest quality available we can discuss your needs and figure out the best way for you to procure your coal.

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Where are the biggest anthracite deposits located?

AIMR imports anthracite primarily from Peru and Russia. Both areas known for their coal deposits, the quality of the product is unmatched. Also, anthracite is prevalent in the United States, China and India.

Where is Kaolin found?

Kaolin derives from kaolinite—a type of clay originally discovered in southeastern China (thus the name Chinese clay). Kaolinite is the byproduct of the decomposition of various minerals, including feldspar.

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What exactly is calcination?

The process of calcination involves heating a mineral or clay product, such as Egyptian Kaolin in a high temperature furnace, and in this way, processing the material. In this particular instance, the resultant product is calcined kaolin which is extremely useful in the production of various ceramics and porcelains.

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Can Kaolin be used in anything other than ceramics and porcelains?

Certainly. In fact, kaolin historically has been used in numerous products and industries. Papermaking can often involve kaolin. Additionally, kaolin may be used in plastics, paint, rubber and certain types of concrete production.

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Is Kaolin costly?

As with anything, this will depend on the amount and type of kaolin product you are looking to purchase. AIMR carries a range of sizes and grades of kaolin. We would be happy to work up a customized estimate based on your needs.

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Is Kaolin readily available?

Yes. In certain regions there is an abundance of the mineral everyday being harvested, An given the ever growing demand for kaolin and kaolin products, certainly mining and production will not slow down anytime soon.