The influence of sintering conditions on the reliability of a special ceramic packing namely a Raschig ring, was investigated. The special kaolin used in the industrial ceramic Raschig rings manufacturing process was shaped by an extrusion method and sintered at 1200 and 1250oC using different soaking times, ranging from 30 to 180 minutes. The physico-chemical properties of specimens such as shrinkage, water absorption, bulk density, porosity, microstructure and mineralogical composition, were studied. According to the obtained results, the best sintering conditions were determined. The diametrical compressive strength of fired samples was measured on suitable specimens. The differences found in the strength data were evaluated using Weibull theory. The statistical results show that the maximum Weibull modulus is obtained when ceramic Raschig rings are fired at a lower sintering temperature and longer soaking time to reach the minimum total porosity. However, the soaking time needs to be optimized to realize the maximum strength and reliability during the fabricating process at a given temperature.

Keywords: Ceramic Raschig rings, Compressive strength, Weibull modulus.