The weight of a refractory per unit of its overall volume, pores included, in g/cm3 or lb/ft3. Dense high-alumina brick and castables typically fall between about 2.3 and 3.0 g/cm3, while insulating firebrick sits well under 1.0. Bulk density is measured on bricks and on site test pieces of monolithics, and a low result points to excess water, poor vibration or the wrong product.
Bulk density on the site samples is 2.4 against 2.7 on the data sheet, check the water log.
Also heard as
- BD
- density
Related terms
Apparent porosity
Share of a refractory's volume made up of open pores that liquids and gases can penetrate.
CCS
Cold crushing strength: the room-temperature compressive strength of a refractory, in MPa or psi.
Castable
Dry refractory mix of aggregate, fines and binder that is mixed with water and poured or pumped like concrete.