Ceramic fibre blankets come in two types: spun-fibre ceramic fibre blankets and blown-fibre ceramic fibre blankets. Many customers are unsure how to choose between them or which one is best suited to their needs. In fact, for most applications, there is little difference between the two; however, in certain specific applications, one type may indeed be more suitable than the other. Therefore, today Mu Yi will explain how to choose between spun-fibre and blown-fibre blankets.

Spun-fibre and air-jet-spun blankets are actually distinguished by the type of fibre formation used in the manufacture of ceramic fibre blankets. We generally classify ceramic fibre blankets into two categories: spun-fibre ceramic fibre blankets and air-jet-spun ceramic fibre blankets. The differences lie in the following aspects:

1. Fibre diameter: Spun fibres are slightly thicker, typically ranging from 3.0 to 5.0 μm, whilst spun-jet fibres are generally 2.0 to 3.0 μm in diameter;

2. Fibre length: Spun fibres are longer, typically ranging from 150 to 250 mm, whilst spun-jet fibres are generally 100 to 200 mm in length;

3. Thermal conductivity: Spun-fibre blankets are superior to spun-fibre blankets due to their finer fibres;

4. Tensile and flexural strength: Spun-fibre blankets are superior to spun-fibre blankets due to their coarser fibres;

5. Application in the manufacture of ceramic fibre blocks: Spun-fibre blankets are superior to blown-fibre blankets due to their coarser and longer fibres. During the folding process in block production, blown-fibre blankets are prone to breakage and tearing, whereas spun-fibre blankets can be folded very tightly without damage; the quality of the blocks directly affects the quality of the furnace lining;

6. Application in vertical layer installation of large blankets, such as those used in waste heat boilers: Spun-fibre blankets, with their thicker and longer fibres, offer superior tensile strength and greater durability; therefore, they are preferable to jet-spun blankets.

Spun-fibre ceramic fibre blankets are generally the most commonly used type. This is also the type we routinely stock, whilst spun-fibre blankets—with the exception of low-zirconia ceramic fibre blankets—are generally produced to order for those requiring higher temperature resistance.