How to Insulate Stoker Firebrick

Insulating stoker furnaces with refractory mortar increases efficiency.

Insulating a stoker furnace with firebrick helps prevent heat from escaping out of the sides of the unit. Using firebrick as an insulator for the furnace effectively increases the efficiency of the furnace, thereby utilizing less material to fire the furnace and saving you money. When using firebrick, make certain that you use refractory mortar to maintain the strength of the insulated wall.

Things You'll Need

• Refractory mortar
• Mason's trowel
• Wheelbarrow
• Water
• Framing level

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Instructions

1. Outline a U-shape around the stoker furnace with one course of firebrick. Refrain from using mortar at first. Position the brick approximately 12 inches from the furnace itself, giving you plenty of room to clean behind the unit when necessary. In addition, keep the front of the furnace open so that you have access to the operating parts of the stoker furnace. Remove the bricks.

2. Mix a batch of refractory mortar with water in a wheelbarrow until it has reached the consistency of peanut butter.

3. Apply mortar to the floor in the desired location. After placing the first brick, tap it in place with the butt of your mason's trowel, and then use a framing level to be certain that it is even and level. For the next brick, butter the side of the brick that will butt against the first brick, and then position the brick where you want it installed. Continue in this manner until you have lain the entire first course, checking constantly with the level to make certain that the bricks are even and straight.

4. Apply the remaining courses of brick until you have built the firebrick wall above the level of the stoker furnace. While doing this, leave gaps at any places where the furnace requires access, such as a temperature gauge or a cleaning grate. Do not apply firebrick or mortar to any flue or chimney, or directly to the surface of the furnace.

Tips & Warnings

• Building a simple firebrick wall to surround the stoker furnace will appreciably reduce the ambient temperature of the surrounding room. Since heat rises, the warmth from the stoker furnace will be directed up instead of out. Over insulating the furnace, however, such as installing brick over the top of the furnace, could result in extreme heat buildup that could damage fittings on the furnace or make working in front of the open front of the furnace extremely uncomfortable.

• Install the firebrick insulation around the stoker furnace only while the furnace is cooled. Avoid heating up the furnace for at least 24 hours, until the mortar has fully set.

References

• "Building with Masonry: Brick, Block, and Concrete"; Dick Kreh; 1998