ASTM C980-23

Standard Specification for Industrial Chimney Lining Brick

ABSTRACT
This specification covers solid kiln fired brick made from clay, shale, or mixtures thereof suitable for use in masonry construction in contact with the chemicals present in flue gases found in industrial chimneys. These brick are normally used with chemical-resistant mortars. Chimney lining bricks are classified according to types: Types I, II, and III. The following test methods shall be performed for the materials to meet the specified requirements: sulfuric acid boil test: compressive strength test; water absorption; sizes; warpage; and texture.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers solid kiln fired brick made from clay, shale, or mixtures thereof suitable for use in masonry construction in contact with the chemicals present in flue gases found in industrial chimneys.  
1.2 The brick and tile covered herein are intended for use in harsh chemical environments where resistance to thermal shock may be a consideration. These brick are normally used with chemical-resistant mortars.  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-May-2023
• ICS: 91.100.15 - Mineral materials and products
• Technical Committee: C15 - Masonry – Manufactured Masonry Units, Mortars and Grouts
• Drafting Committee: C15.02 - Brick and Structural Clay Tile

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C1232-23 - Standard Terminology for Masonry
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM C67/C67M-19 - Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Brick and Structural Clay Tile
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM C67/C67M-18 - Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Brick and Structural Clay Tile
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2018
• Refers: ASTM C1232-17 - Standard Terminology for Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM C1232-15a - Standard Terminology of Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM C1232-15 - Standard Terminology of Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM E11-13 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM C1232-12 - Standard Terminology of Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2012
• Refers: ASTM C1232-10c - Standard Terminology of Masonry
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2010
• Refers: ASTM C1232-10b - Standard Terminology of Masonry
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2010
• Refers: ASTM C1232-10a - Standard Terminology of Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-May-2010
• Refers: ASTM C1232-10 - Standard Terminology of Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2010
• Refers: ASTM C1232-09b - Standard Terminology of Masonry
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2009
• Refers: ASTM C1232-09a - Standard Terminology of Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009
• Refers: ASTM E11-09e1 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-May-2009

Overview

ASTM C980-23: Standard Specification for Industrial Chimney Lining Brick defines the requirements for solid, kiln-fired brick made from clay, shale, or mixtures thereof, which are used as linings in industrial chimney masonry. These industrial chimney lining bricks are intended to endure direct contact with harsh chemicals present in flue gases, while also facing high temperatures and thermal shocks. The standard establishes classifications for brick types, outlines physical and chemical performance requirements, and references rigorous testing methods to ensure product reliability in aggressive industrial environments.

Key Topics

• Material Composition: Covers bricks produced from kiln-fired clay, shale, or mixtures of both, emphasizing compatibility with chemically-resistant mortars.
• Brick Types:
  • Type I: Used where low absorption and high acid resistance are not key considerations.
  • Type II: Required where lower absorption and higher acid resistance are necessary.
  • Type III: Specified for environments demanding the lowest absorption and highest acid resistance.
• Testing and Compliance:
  • Sulfuric Acid Boil Test: Evaluates acid resistance and solubility under severe conditions.
  • Compressive Strength: Assesses the brick’s load-bearing capability.
  • Water Absorption: Tests the brick’s tendency to absorb water, relating to durability.
  • Dimensions and Warpage: Ensures size consistency and minimal distortion.
  • Texture and Surface Quality: Requires freedom from open surface cracks and major defects.
• Performance in Harsh Environments: Designed for exposure to chemicals and thermal cycling commonly found in industrial flue gases.

Applications

ASTM C980-23 chimney lining brick is critical in a variety of industrial contexts where chemical and thermal resistance are essential:

• Industrial Chimneys: Used in the lining of flues within power plants, manufacturing facilities, and process industries to safeguard structural components from corrosive gases.
• Masonry Construction: Essential for new builds and maintenance of industrial stacks, ensuring long-term structural integrity and occupational safety.
• Chemical Processing Plants: Suitable for environments where acids, including sulfuric acid released in flue gases, present a durability challenge.
• Retrofitting and Repair: The specification guides replacement brick selection to maintain regulatory compliance and consistent performance in older chimneys.

Related Standards

• ASTM C20: Test Methods for Apparent Porosity, Water Absorption, Apparent Specific Gravity, and Bulk Density of Burned Refractory Brick and Shapes by Boiling Water.
• ASTM C67/C67M: Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Brick and Structural Clay Tile.
• ASTM C1232: Terminology for Masonry - provides vital definitions relevant to industrial chimney lining brick.
• ASTM E11: Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves, used in sample preparation and testing procedures.

Practical Value

By adhering to ASTM C980-23, designers, engineers, and facility owners can ensure:

• Enhanced Safety: Mitigation of chimney failure risks due to chemical and thermal attack.
• Regulatory Compliance: Confidence that installation materials meet or exceed industry and international standards.
• Longevity and Reliability: Selection of the appropriate brick type based on specific environmental exposures leads to improved service life and lower maintenance costs.
• Quality Assurance: Reference to detailed testing methods and acceptance criteria supports consistency in supplied materials and construction outcomes.
• Optimization for Intended Use: The three-type classification enables cost-effective material selection tailored to specific industrial scenarios.

Selecting chimney liner brick in compliance with ASTM C980-23 ensures optimal performance, safety, and cost effectiveness for industrial chimney applications.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: C980 − 23
Standard Specification for
Industrial Chimney Lining Brick
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C980; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
Sieves
1.1 This specification covers solid kiln fired brick made
from clay, shale, or mixtures thereof suitable for use in
3. Terminology
masonry construction in contact with the chemicals present in
3.1 Definitions—For definitions relating to industrial chim-
flue gases found in industrial chimneys.
ney lining brick, refer to Terminology C1232.
1.2 The brick and tile covered herein are intended for use in
4. Classification
harsh chemical environments where resistance to thermal
shock may be a consideration. These brick are normally used
4.1 The physical and chemical properties of chimney lining
with chemical-resistant mortars.
brick differ from supplier to supplier mainly because their
composition is determined by the source of raw materials.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
Chimney lining brick, regardless of these differences, are
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
considered to be of three types noted as follows:
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
4.1.1 Type I—For use where low absorption and high acid
and are not considered standard.
resistance are not major factors.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.1.2 Type II—For use where lower absorption and higher
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
acid resistance are required.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1.3 Type III—For use where lowest absorption and highest
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
acid resistance are required.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
NOTE 1—Types I, II, and III may not differ significantly in their
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
resistance to thermal shock, and selection of brick type should be based
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
upon their absorption and acid-resistant service requirements.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5. Physical Properties and Chemical Resistance
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Requirements
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.1 Compressive Strength—When tested in accordance with
Test Methods C67/C67M, Section 6 (Compressive Strength),
2. Referenced Documents
the brick shall conform to the requirements for “Minimum
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Compressive Strength” as shown in Table 1.
C20 Test Methods for Apparent Porosity, Water Absorption,
5.2 Water Absorption—When tested in accordance with Test
Apparent Specific Gravity, and Bulk Density of Burned
Methods C20, the brick shall conform to the requirements for
Refractory Brick and Shapes by Boiling Water
“Maximum Water Absorption by 2-h Boiling” as shown in
C67/C67M Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Brick
Table 1.
and Structural Clay Tile
C1232 Terminology for Masonry 5.3 Sulfuric Acid Boil Test—When tested in accordance with
Section 8, the brick shall conform to the requirements for
“Maximum Average Weight Loss by H SO Boil Test” as
2 4
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C15 on
shown in Table 1.
Manufactured Masonry Units and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
C15.02 on Brick and Structural Clay Tile.
6. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations
Current edition approved June 1, 2023. Published June 2023. Originally
6.1 Sizes—The sizes of brick shall be as specified by the
approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as C980 – 17. DOI:
10.1520/C0980-23.
purchaser. When tested in accordance with Test Methods
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
C67/C67M, Section 11 (Measurement of Size), the brick shall
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
conform to the requirements for “Permissible Variations in
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. Dimensions” as shown in Table 2.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C980 − 23
A
TABLE 1 Physical Properties and Chemical Resistance Requirements
Maximum Water Absorption by 2-h Maximum Average
Minimum Compressive Strength, Gross Area, psi (MPa)
Designation Boiling, % Weight Loss by
Average of 10 Individual Average of 10 Individual H SO Boil Test, %
2 4
Type I 8 500 (58.6) 8 000 (55.2) 6.0 7.0 20
Type II 10 000 (69.0) 9 000 (62.2) 4.0 5.0 12
Type III 12 000 (82.8) 10 000 (69.0) 1.0 1.5 8
A
One complete set of tests for each of the above requirements shall be performed from brick randomly selected from every 100 000 bricks.
A
TABLE 2 Permissible Variations in Dimensions and Warpage
performance of these other tests and appropriate qualifying
Dimensions
data should be resolved between the purchaser and the seller.
Maximum
Permissible Warpage 8.2 Apparatus:
Variations in
8.2.1 Crusher, jaw-type.
Dimensions
Dimensions
8.2.2 Sieves, ⁄4-in. (6.3-mm) and No. 4 (4.75-mm), (equiva-
Between Largest Maximum
Maximum Face and
and Smallest Brick Permissible
lent to 3-mesh and 4-mesh sieves, respectively, in the Tyler
Diagonal Dimensions,
in a Random Deviation,
series), conforming to Specification E11.
in. (mm)
Sampling of 10 In. (mm)
8.2.3 Mechanical Shaking Device, producing a lateral and
Brick, %
1 1
Height 3 up to 9 ⁄2 (241) incl ⁄8 (3.0)
vertical motion of the sieve, accompanied by a jarring action so
Length 5 . .
as to keep the sample moving continuously over the surface of
Width 5 .
the sieve.
A
One complete set of tests for each of the above requirements shall be performed
8.2.4 Drying Oven.
from brick randomly selected from every 100 000 bricks.
8.2.5 Analytical Balance and Weights, 0.01-g sensitivity.
8.2.6 Desiccator.
8.2.7 Erlenmeyer Flask, 750-mL, of heat-resistant and
chemically resistant glass.
6.2 Warpage—When tested in accordance with Test Me
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: C980 − 17 C980 − 23
Standard Specification for
Industrial Chimney Lining Brick
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C980; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope*
1.1 This specification covers solid kiln fired brick made from clay, shale, or mixtures thereof suitable for use in masonry
construction in contact with the chemicals present in flue gases found in industrial chimneys. These brick are normally used with
chemical-resistant mortars.
1.2 Terminology related to industrial floor brick is found in TerminologyThe brick and tile covered herein are intended for use in
harsh chemical environments where resistance to thermal shock may be a consideration. These brick are normally used with
C1232.chemical-resistant mortars.
1.3 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and healthsafety, health, and environmental practices and determine
the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C20 Test Methods for Apparent Porosity, Water Absorption, Apparent Specific Gravity, and Bulk Density of Burned Refractory
Brick and Shapes by Boiling Water
C67C67/C67M Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Brick and Structural Clay Tile
C1232 Terminology for Masonry
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions relating to industrial chimney lining brick, refer to Terminology C1232.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C15 on Manufactured Masonry Units and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C15.02 on Brick
and Structural Clay Tile.
Current edition approved June 1, 2017June 1, 2023. Published July 2017June 2023. Originally approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 20132017 as
C980 – 13a.C980 – 17. DOI: 10.1520/C0980-17.10.1520/C0980-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C980 − 23
4. Classification
4.1 The physical and chemical properties of chimney lining brick differ from supplier to supplier mainly because their composition
is determined by the source of raw materials. Chimney lining brick, regardless of these differences, are considered to be of three
types noted as follows:
4.1.1 Type I—For use where low absorption and high acid resistance are not major factors.
4.1.2 Type II—For use where lower absorption and higher acid resistance are required.
4.1.3 Type III—For use where lowest absorption and highest acid resistance are required.
NOTE 1—Types I, II, and III may not differ significantly in their resistance to thermal shock, and selection of brick type should be based upon their
absorption and acid-resistant service requirements.
5. Sulfuric Acid Boil Test
5.1 When tested in accordance with Section 9, the brick shall conform to the requirements for “Maximum Average Weight Loss
by H SO Boil Test” as shown in Table 1.
2 4
5. Physical Properties and Chemical Resistance Requirements
5.1 Compressive Strength—When tested in accordance with Test Methods C67C67/C67M, Section 6 (Compressive Strength), the
brick shall conform to the requirements for “Minimum Compressive Strength” as shown in Table 1.
5.2 Water Absorption—When tested in accordance with Test Methods C20, the brick shall conform to the requirements for
“Maximum Water Absorption by 2-h Boiling” as shown in Table 1.
5.3 Sulfuric Acid Boil Test—When tested in accordance with Section 8, the brick shall conform to the requirements for “Maximum
Average Weight Loss by H SO Boil Test” as shown in Table 1.
2 4
6. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations
6.1 Sizes—The sizes of brick shall be as specified by the purchaser. When tested in accordance with Test Methods C67C67/C67M,
Section 11 (Measurement of Size), the brick shall conform to the requirements for “Permissible Variations in Dimensions” as
shown in Table 2.
6.2 Warpage—When tested in accordance with Test Methods C67C67/C67M, Section 12 (Measurement of Warpage), the tolerance
on warpage of the brick shall be as indicated in Table 2.
7. Finish and Appearance
7.1 Black Heart—Brick when broken may have a dark area that has a steely appearance and is sharply delineated from the
surrounding normal color of the brick it is known as black heart or black core. Black heart is generally the result of the reduction
of iron minerals during the firing process. Its presence, regardless of size in brick that otherwise meet the physical and chemical
requirements of this specification, shall not be cause for rejection.
A
TABLE 1 Physical Properties and Chemical Resistance Requirements
Maximum Water Absorption by 2-h Maximum Average
Minimum Compressive Strength, Gross Area, psi (MPa)
Designation Boiling, % Weight Loss by
Average of 10 Individual Average of 10 Individual H SO Boil Test, %
2 4
Type I 8 500 (58.6) 8 000 (55.2) 6.0 7.0 20
Type II 10 000 (69.0) 9 000 (62.2) 4.0 5.0 12
Type III 12 000 (82.8) 10 000 (69.0) 1.0 1.5 8
A
One complete set of tests for each of the above requirements shall be performed from brick randomly selected from every 100 000 bricks.
C980 − 23
A
TABLE 2 Permissible Variations in Dimensions and Warpage
Dimensions
Maximum
Permissible Warpage
Variations in
Dimensions
Dimensions
Between Largest Maximum
Maximum Face and
and Smallest Brick Permissible
Diagonal Dimensions,
in a Random Deviation,
in. (mm)
Sampling of 10 In. (mm)
Brick, %
1 1
Height 3 up to 9 ⁄2 (241) incl ⁄8 (3.0)
Length 5 . .
Width 5 .
A
One complete set of tests for each of t
...