Overview
ISO 836:2001 - Terminology for refractories is an International Standard published by ISO (Technical Committee ISO/TC 33) that compiles internationally recognized terms and descriptions used in standards and documents dealing with refractory materials and products. First published on 2001-03-15, this edition replaces ISO/R 836:1968. The standard does not set performance requirements; rather it harmonizes vocabulary to improve clarity and consistency across the refractories industry, standards, specifications and technical literature.
Key Topics
ISO 836 organizes and explains common refractory terms and short descriptive notes. Key technical topics covered include:
- Material types and chemistry - e.g., acid refractory, basic refractory, alumino‑silicate.
- Product forms and components - e.g., brick, block, aggregate, binder, ceramic fibre.
- Physical properties and measurements - e.g., bulk density, apparent porosity.
- Performance-related concepts - e.g., alkali resistance, abrasion, anti‑oxidant usage.
- Processing and behaviour terminology - e.g., bloating, calcination, bond.
- Structure of the document - scope, alphabetical index, and bibliography for source references.
The entries are taken from, and harmonized with, contemporary international and European documents (including CEN work) and are phrased in accordance with ISO editorial rules. Descriptions are presented as industry‑understood terms and are explicitly noted as not being absolute definitions.
Applications
ISO 836 is practical for anyone who needs consistent refractory terminology in international contexts:
- Manufacturers and product developers - to label products and write technical datasheets consistently.
- Materials and process engineers - to specify materials, interpret standards and design linings.
- Quality and testing laboratories - to ensure test reports and methods use standardized language.
- Standards writers and specifiers - to produce clear, unambiguous specifications and procurement documents.
- Procurement, legal and technical translators - to avoid misunderstandings in international contracts and documentation.
- Academic and training programs - as reference material for courses on refractories and high‑temperature materials.
Using ISO 836 improves communication between suppliers, users and regulators and reduces ambiguity in standards, specifications and safety documentation.
Related Standards
ISO 836 cross‑references and aligns with other normative documents and bodies of work, including:
- ISO/TC 33 (Refractories)
- European CEN/TC 187 work and related EN standards
- ISO editorial guidance (ISO 10241)
- Historical and national references (e.g., BS 3446 series, ASTM C71)
Keywords: ISO 836:2001, terminology for refractories, refractory materials, refractory products, refractory terms, refractories industry.
