ASTM C201

ASTM C201 — Thermal Conductivity of Refractories

Industries that require the use of kilns, furnaces and vessels holding hot matter rely on refractory materials to complete the work. Common refractories in use include calcium, silicon oxides, magnesium and aluminum. Because these materials vary in properties, manufacturers must choose those with the desired properties.

The ASTM C201 test creates a stable and standardized environment to test refractories and identify them as insulating, conducting or nonconducting based on their thermal properties. VTEC can perform the ASTM C201 high-temperature thermal conductivity test and provide results in as little as two weeks.

What Is the Significance and Use of the ASTM C201?

Typical refractories resist decomposition and retain their form and strength at high temperatures. These materials are generally chemical-, pressure- and heat-resistant. ASTM C201 helps identify essential material properties and the viability of a particular refractory for design and safe product use.

Determining Material Properties

ASTM C201 is a standard test method for the thermal conductivity of refractories to determine their chemical, mechanical and physical properties and thermal transmission qualities. The guideline requires the tester to consider the real-world application and the material's operating environment when analyzing results. Such data is crucial for choosing the right material for the application without exceeding any innate temperature limits.

Specifying Product Design

The results of an ASTM C201 test provide a suitable basis for engineers to develop or modify concepts. They are readily acceptable for project specifications and construction featuring multilayer refractory designs.

Ensuring Safe Product Use

Knowing the thermal conductivity characteristics is ideal for industries like the military, machinery, iron and steel, and ceramics to select a material with their desired conditions for cold face temperature and heat loss. It also helps these industries ensure the quality of their products for safe use.

What Is the Scope of the ASTM C201 Test?

According to the standard test method for ASTM C201, this method is suitable for measuring the thermal conductivity of refractory materials when their conductivity does not exceed a specified factor per 1 inch or 25 mm of thickness. The test uses a heating chamber that can provide a temperature between 400 degrees Fahrenheit and 2,800 degrees Fahrenheit. As this heat flows through the refractory material, we will take multiple measurements:

• A water-cooled copper calorimeter will measure the quantity of the heat flow.
• Calibrated thermocouples will read the material's temperature.
• A multiple differential thermocouple will measure the temperature increase in the calorimeter's water.
• Calibrated differential 10X copper constantan thermocouples will measure the temperature difference between the inner guard and the calorimeter.

The large thermal gradient and steady conditions help determine the material's performance and characteristics. Test results are based on the average temperature with all values expressed in imperial system measurements to conform to the standard.

Several other in-depth ASTM test methods complement ASTM C201 when testing particular refractory material types. These tests include:

• Test Method C202
• Test Method C767
• Test Method C182
• Test Method C417