What is firebricks which is used in Down's Cell? What is its role?

1 Answer
Apr 20, 2018

Firebrick is a ceramic material that is used for lining furnaces and kilns.

Explanation:

Firebrick is stable at high temperatures and has low thermal conductivity.

A Downs cell operates at 600 °C. It consists of a steel shell lined with firebrick.

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The firebrick serves three functions:

  • It protects the steel shell from the corrosive effects of the molten #"NaCl"//"CaCl"_2# mixture

  • It acts as a thermal insulator, thus keeping the heat inside the cell and promoting energy efficiency

  • It acts as a self-sealing lining. The firebrick is thick enough that if a crack develops, the electrolyte freezes in the crack before it reaches the steel shell.