A Service Spalling Test for Refractories ¹

Brief comments are made on various spalling test methods and the shortcomings of these when used as suitability tests. An outline is given of the development of a service spalling test which was designed to simulate as closely as possible the conditions encountered in furnaces where spalling is important. The test differentiates between structural and thermal spalling and this is desirable because each type is caused by different conditions in service and is resisted by distinctly different properties in refractories. The data obtained in developing the test show the importance of wall thickness or the degree of insulation on the spalling of refractories in service.