ASTM F1312-19(2023)

Standard Specification for Brick, Insulating, High Temperature, Fire Clay

ABSTRACT
This specification covers thermal insulating bricks made from fire clay that are used as backup insulation for refractory furnace linings of boiler furnaces. The bricks shall be composed of heat-resistant materials that have been burned or fired to produce the desired density, strength, and structure. Representative bricks shall be tested, and shall conform accordingly to specified values of bulk density, modulus of rupture, and reheat change.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers two types of thermal insulating brick for industrial or marine boiler furnaces. Type I is a special, 2500 °F (1371 °C) maximum service temperature, insulating firebrick that is used as backup insulation for refractory furnace linings.2 Type II is a standard insulating brick that, in general, is used where there may be direct contact with combustion gases, such as forge and stress relieving furnaces.3  
1.2 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.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 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: 30-Apr-2023
• ICS: 81.080 - Refractories
• Technical Committee: F25 - Ships and Marine Technology
• Drafting Committee: F25.07 - General Requirements

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C133-24 - Standard Test Methods for Cold Crushing Strength and Modulus of Rupture of Refractories
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM C210-95(2024) - Standard Test Method for Reheat Change of Insulating Firebrick
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM D6251/D6251M-23 - Standard Specification for Wood-Cleated Panelboard Shipping Boxes
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM C210-95(2019) - Standard Test Method for Reheat Change of Insulating Firebrick
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM D6880/D6880M-19 - Standard Specification for Wood Boxes
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM D6251/D6251M-19 - Standard Specification for Wood-Cleated Panelboard Shipping Boxes
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM D4727/D4727M-15e1 - Standard Specification for Corrugated and Solid Fiberboard Sheet Stock (Container Grade) and Cut Shapes
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2015
• Refers: ASTM D4727/D4727M-15 - Standard Specification for Corrugated and Solid Fiberboard Sheet Stock (Container Grade) and Cut Shapes
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2015
• Refers: ASTM C210-95(2014) - Standard Test Method for Reheat Change of Insulating Firebrick
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2014
• Refers: ASTM C155-97(2013) - Standard Classification of Insulating Firebrick
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2013
• Refers: ASTM D3953-13 - Standard Specification for Strapping, Flat Steel and Seals
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2013
• Refers: ASTM D3953-12 - Standard Specification for Strapping, Flat Steel and Seals
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM D4727/D4727M-12 - Standard Specification for Corrugated and Solid Fiberboard Sheet Stock (Container Grade) and Cut Shapes
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Refers: ASTM D5118/D5118M-12 - Standard Practice for Fabrication of Fiberboard Shipping Boxes
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Refers: ASTM D6880/D6880M-11 - Standard Specification for Wood Boxes
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2011

Overview

ASTM F1312-19(2023), Standard Specification for Brick, Insulating, High Temperature, Fire Clay, is an internationally recognized standard developed by ASTM. This specification details the requirements for fire clay-based insulating bricks designed for high-temperature use, particularly as backup insulation in refractory furnace linings. The standard applies to two types of thermal insulating bricks, supporting both industrial and marine boiler furnaces as well as applications where bricks may be exposed to direct combustion gases.

The primary objective of ASTM F1312 is to ensure the quality, durability, and safety of insulating firebricks, promoting their reliable use in environments exposed to extreme heat. By establishing specific criteria for physical properties, manufacturing quality, and performance characteristics, this standard helps industry professionals select the right materials for high-temperature insulation needs.

Key Topics

• Types of Insulating Brick
  • Type I: Special insulating firebrick, suitable for use up to 2500 °F (1371 °C) as backup insulation in furnace linings.
  • Type II: Standard insulating firebrick, withstanding up to 2800 °F (1538 °C), typically used where there is exposure to combustion gases.
• Physical and Mechanical Properties
  • Required bulk density limits for each type.
  • Minimum modulus of rupture for mechanical strength.
  • Linear reheat change limits after exposure to specified temperatures to ensure dimensional stability.
• Testing and Inspection
  • Standardized test methods for verifying dimensions, density, strength, and reheat change.
  • Defined sampling procedures and inspection levels for quality assurance.
• Workmanship and Appearance
  • Requirements for homogeneous structure, absence of defects, and structural integrity during handling.
• Packaging and Marking
  • Guidelines for packaging methods to ensure safe transit and storage.
  • Marking requirements for identification and compliance with shipping regulations.

Applications

The ASTM F1312 specification is crucial for industries where high-temperature insulation is required to provide thermal protection and maintain energy efficiency. Common applications include:

• Industrial and Marine Boiler Furnaces: Used as backup insulation behind refractory linings to minimize heat loss and protect supporting structures.
• Forge Furnaces and Stress Relieving Furnaces: Type II bricks are particularly suited for these environments due to their resilience in direct contact with combustion gases.
• High-Temperature Processing Equipment: Insulating bricks specified under ASTM F1312 help maintain stable operating temperatures and extend the life of furnaces.
• Power Generation and Petrochemical Plants: Ensures the safe and efficient operation of high-heat equipment.
• Military and Defense Applications: Approved for use by U.S. Department of Defense agencies, meeting stringent operational requirements.

Organizations benefit from using bricks conforming to ASTM F1312 by achieving enhanced furnace efficiency, reduced operational costs, and better compliance with safety and quality standards.

Related Standards

ASTM F1312 makes reference to several other standards for testing, classification, and packaging, including:

• ASTM C134: Test Methods for Size, Dimensional Measurements, and Bulk Density of Refractory Brick and Insulating Firebrick.
• ASTM C133: Test Methods for Cold Crushing Strength and Modulus of Rupture of Refractories.
• ASTM C155: Classification of Insulating Firebrick.
• ASTM C210: Test Method for Reheat Change of Insulating Firebrick.
• ASTM D1974/D1974M, D4727/D4727M, D6880/D6880M, D6251/D6251M, D5118/D5118M, D3953: Specifications and practices concerning packaging and shipment.
• MIL-STD-129, MIL-STD-147, MIL-STD-2073-1: U.S. military standards for marking and military packaging.
• ANSI/ASQ Z1.4: Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes.

Using ASTM F1312 in conjunction with these related standards ensures best practices in the selection, testing, and use of insulating fire clay bricks in high-temperature applications. This comprehensive approach supports safety, reliability, and consistency across various industrial and military sectors.

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: F1312 − 19 (Reapproved 2023) An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Brick, Insulating, High Temperature, Fire Clay
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1312; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope C134 Test Methods for Size, Dimensional Measurements,
and Bulk Density of Refractory Brick and Insulating
1.1 This specification covers two types of thermal insulating
Firebrick
brick for industrial or marine boiler furnaces. Type I is a
C155 Classification of Insulating Firebrick
special, 2500 °F (1371 °C) maximum service temperature,
C210 Test Method for Reheat Change of Insulating Firebrick
insulating firebrick that is used as backup insulation for
2 D1974/D1974M Practice for Methods of Closing, Sealing,
refractory furnace linings. Type II is a standard insulating
and Reinforcing Fiberboard Boxes
brick that, in general, is used where there may be direct contact
D3953 Specification for Strapping, Flat Steel and Seals
with combustion gases, such as forge and stress relieving
3 D4727/D4727M Specification for Corrugated and Solid Fi-
furnaces.
berboard Sheet Stock (Container Grade) and Cut Shapes
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
D5118/D5118M Practice for Fabrication of Fiberboard Ship-
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
ping Boxes
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
D6251/D6251M Specification for Wood-Cleated Panelboard
and are not considered standard.
Shipping Boxes
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
D6880/D6880M Specification for Wood Boxes
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
2.2 Military Specification:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
MIL-L-10547 Liners, Case, and Sheet, Overwrap; Vapor-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- proof or Waterproof, Flexible
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2.3 Military Standards:
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
MIL-STD-129 Marking for Shipment and Storage
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
MIL-STD-147 Palletized Unit Load 40 Inch by 48 Inch
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4-Way (Partial) Pallet Skids, Runners, or Pallet Type Base
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
MIL-STD-2073-1 Standard Practice for Military Packaging
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
2.4 ASQ Document:
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 Sampling Procedures and Tables for In-
spection by Attributes
2. Referenced Documents
3. Classification
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C133 Test Methods for Cold Crushing Strength and Modu-
3.1 Refractory insulating brick shall be of the following
lus of Rupture of Refractories
types, as specified (see Section 6): Type I — 2500 °F
(1371 °C), Type II — 2800 °F (1538 °C). Type II brick is part
of Group No. 28 of Classification C155.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F25 on Ships
and Marine Technology and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F25.07 on
4. Ordering Information
General Requirements.
Current edition approved May 1, 2023. Published June 2023. Originally 4.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include
approved in 1990. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as F1312 – 19. DOI:
the following information as necessary to describe the material
10.1520/F1312-19R23.
adequately:
Type I is a replacement for MIL-B-16008C, Brick, Insulating, High
4.1.1 ASTM designation and year of issue,
Temperature, Fire Clay
Type II is a replacement for MIL-B-16305B Class B, Brick, Refractory,
Insulating.
4 5
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from DLA Document Services, Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Ave.,
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, http://quicksearch.dla.mil.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American Society for Quality (ASQ), 600 N. Plankinton Ave.,
the ASTM website. Milwaukee, WI 53203, http://www.asq.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1312 − 19 (2023)
4.1.2 Type insulating firebrick required, 9. Sampling
4.1.3 Dimensions required (see 7.1), and
9.1 For purposes of sampling, an inspection lot for exami-
4.1.4 Optional requirements, if any (see Supplementary
nation and tests shall consist of all material of the same size
Requirements S1, S2, and S3).
and shape offered for delivery at one time.
9.2 The sample unit for the tests of Section 10 shall be one
5. Materials and Manufacture
brick.
5.1 Bricks shall be composed of heat-resistant materials
9.3 The sample size (the number of sample units) for the
which have been burned or fired to produce the desired density,
tests of Section 10 shall be as specified in Table 2.
strength, low heat conductivity, and structure.
10. Test Methods
6. Physical and Mechanical Properties
10.1 Testing of the End Item—The end item shall be tested
6.1 The average bulk density shall not exceed 45.0 lb/ft
for the applicable characteristics as shown in Table 2 from each
(720 kg/m ) for Type I brick. The bulk density shall be a
lot presented for examination for each size and shape of brick.
3 3
maximum of 60 lb/ft (993.1 kg/m ) for Type II brick (see
10.2 Dimensions and Bulk Density—Dimensions and bulk
10.2).
density shall be determined in accordance with the test method
6.2 The modulus of rupture shall average not less than 100
specified in Test Methods C134.
psi (700 kPa) for Type I brick. The modulus of rupture shall
10.3 Modulus of Rupture—The modulus of rupture shall be
average not less than 175 psi (1206.6 kPa) and not more than
determined in accordance with the test method specified in Test
two of the ten bricks tested shall show less than 150 psi
Methods C133.
(1034.6 kPa) for Type II brick (see 10.3).
10.4 Reheat Change—The reheat change shall be deter-
6.3 Bricks shall show an average linear reheat change of not
mined in accordance with Test Method C210, except that the
more than 1 % when heated at 2450 °F (1343 °C) for Type I
Type I test specimens shall be maintained at a temperature of
bricks. Bricks shall show an average linear reheat change of
2450 °F (1343 °C) for 24 hours. Type II test specimens shall be
not more than 2 % when heated at 2750 °F (1510 °C) for Type
maintained at a temperature of 2750 °F (1510 °C) for 24 hours.
II brick (see 10.4).
11. Inspection
7. Dimensions and Permissible Variations
11.1 Unless otherwise specified in the contract or purchase
7.1 Insulating brick shall be furnished in the dimensions
order, the supplier is responsible for the performance of all
specified (see 4.1.3). Standard size brick shall be 9 in. by
inspection requirements specified herein. Except as otherwise
1 1
4 ⁄2 in. by 2 ⁄2 in. (229 mm by 114 mm by 64 mm), 9 in. by
specified, the supplier may use his own or any other facilities
4 ⁄2 in. by 2 in. (229 mm by 114 mm by 51 mm), or 9 in. by
suitable for the performance of the inspection requirements
1 1
4 ⁄2 in. by 1 ⁄4 in. (229 mm by 114 mm by 32 mm), as specified.
specified herein, unless disapproved by the purchaser. The
7.2 Dimension Tolerances—Length, width, and thickness purchaser reserves the right to perform any of the inspections
set forth in the specification where such inspections are deemed
dimensions of brick shall have the tolerances as specified in
Table 1 (see 10.2). necessary to ensure that supplies and services conform to
prescribed requirements.
8. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
12. Product Marking
8.1 Bricks shall be of homogeneous structure, and shall be
12.1 Bricks shall be marked with the manufacturer’s brand
free from cracks, laminations, segregations, void defects, or
name and Type I or II in accordance with this specification by
soft centers. All corners and edges shall be sufficiently strong
indelible stamping or stenciling.
to prevent excessive crumbling or chipping when handled or
shipped.
13. Packaging
13.1 Bricks shall be packed in containers which will ensure
acceptance by common carrier and safe delivery to destination
TABLE 1 Dimension Tolerances
at the lowest applicable rate. Containers shall comply with
Dimension-inches (millimetres) Tolerances-inch (millimetres)
commercial carrier regulations.
9 (229 mm) ± ⁄32 in. (3 mm)
1 1
2 (51 mm) to 4 ⁄2 (114 mm) inclusive ± ⁄16 in. (2 mm)
14. Keywords
1 1
1 ⁄4 (32 mm) ± ⁄32 in. (1 mm)
14.1 brick; insulating brick; fire clay
F1312 − 19 (2023)
TABLE 2 Instructions for Testing
Specification Reference Requirements Applicable to Results Reported as
Number
Characteristic Determinations Sample Size
Numerically to
Requirement Test Method Individual Unit Lot Average Pass or Fail
A
per Unit
Nearest
Density 6.1 10.2 . . . X 1 . . . 0.1 lb/ft 10
Modulus of rupture 6.2 10.3 . . . X 1 . . . psi 10
Reheat change 6.3 10.4 . . . X 1 . . . 0.1 % 3
A
Test reports shall include all values on which average results are based.
SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS
The following supplementary requirements (see Supplementary Requirements S1, S2, and S3) shall
apply only when specified in the contract or purchase order (see 4.1.4).
S1. Referenced Documents S2.1.2 Examination of Preparation for Delivery—An ex-
amination shall be made in accordance with Table S2.2 and
S1.1 The following documents shall apply only when one or
Table S2.4 to determine that the packing and markings comply
more of the requirements of Supplementary Requirements S2
with the requirements of Table S2.3 of this specification.
or S3 are specified in the contract or purchase order (see 4.1.4):
S2.1.2.1 The sample unit shall be one shipping container,
S1.1.1 ASTM Standards:
fully packed, selected just before the closing operation.
Practice D1974/D1974M
S2.1.3 Examination of palletized unit loads, as applicable.
Specification D3953
Unless palletization is not required (see S3.5), an examination
Specification D4727/D4727M
in accordance with Table S2.3 and Table S2.4 shall be made to
Practice D5118/D5118M
determine that palletized u
...