Low alumina content firebricks - are these ok? Tools, Tips and Techniques Discuss Low alumina content firebricks - are these ok? in the Pizza Oven Design and Installation forums; The folks at my local brickyard, as many of you have indicated in other posts, were almost completely oblivious to ...

[BrickOvenMike]

The folks at my local brickyard, as many of you have indicated in other posts, were almost completely oblivious to the differences between the different types of firebricks (low-medium-high duty). However, they were able to provide me with an MSDS-type information sheet ... WOOT

Anyways, these bricks are comprised of only 16% Al2O3 (alumina?), and I have read that the target alumina amount should be closer to 30%. Can anyone tell me if these bricks will work well in my hearth and dome?

Thank you!!
Mike

[Matt_Blacka]

Hi Mike,

Did you ever get an answer to this question. I have the opportunity to pick some bricks up that have about 25% Alumina, which is still a fair bit lower than the recommended 36%.

Matt

[BrickOvenMike]

Nah, I tend to ask questions on this forum that no one wants to / is able to answer ... Since posting this question, I have finished my oven with the lower alumina-content firebricks (dome and hearth) and they have worked fantastically! The oven takes a long time to heat up, but stays hot all that day and night.

[GianniFocaccia]

Mike,
Got any pics of your oven?
John

[Matt_Blacka]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for your reply. Everywhere I look I seem to find mixed answers regarding the need for 30+% Alumina in oven bricks.

Glad yours worked out well.

Matt

[Johnny the oven man]

Matt, there was a brick company in bacchus marsh that no longer makes bricks, and they had been making mostly 26% bricks for 100 years, all suitable for WFO's. They even made a dense brick in 18% which would have been ideal. Go with the bricks mate.

[BrickOvenMike]

Three pics attached...

[Matt_Blacka]

Thanks John. These are the bricks I'm talking about.

[Johnny the oven man]

Originally Posted by Matt_Blacka

Thanks John. These are the bricks I'm talking about.

Cant see any pics Matt. What branding have they got? Darley? Sth yarra?

[GianniFocaccia]

Very nice, Mike. Hopefully, your story will convince doubters to build with whatever firebrick is available. An oven built with 'less-than-ideal' firebricks is better than no oven at all.