Refractory cement

[Dubi]

From most articles and posts I have read the usual material is Fire Cement and Perlite but I have also seen reference to a Plaster and Sand mix.

My construction will uses 44 gal drum so the requirement quantity is quite large. Where I am located cement is about 1$ a Kg and Perlite is about twice that. A Plaster and Sand mix would be much cheaper but is it as effective as Fire Cement and Perlite.

I would appreciate any suggestions/advice fellow posters can offer.

 

[Jack3M]

Well perlite has air spaces within it so using perlite would make for better insulation and thus less heat loss. The idea of plaster is spooky as it is really quite fragile. Fire clay and perlite and sand has worked for me in the past. BUT I think overall KaoWool is much better. Remember any wetted refractory needs to dry, cure, and then fired. Do not just fire, it will explode

 

[Dubi]

Well perlite has air spaces within it so using perlite would make for better insulation and thus less heat loss. The idea of plaster is spooky as it is really quite fragile. Fire clay and perlite and sand has worked for me in the past. BUT I think overall KaoWool is much better. Remember any wetted refractory needs to dry, cure, and then fired. Do not just fire, it will explode

Thank you very much. I will go for the Fire Clay and Perlite.

 

[Willyb]

Hi Guys

I am planning on using the perlite/fire clay on my furnace and was wondering what is the mixture of these two materials? Thanks

Cheers
Willy

 

[Jack3M]

That is loaded question. The size of the perlite makes a big difference. I just guess.

 

[Dubi]

Hi Willy, we are going for a 1:3 mix but that could change once we see the perlite size.
We will do a few tests before the final mixture.