Editing Refractory (section)

===Size and shape===
Refractory objects are manufactured in standard shapes and special shapes. Standard shapes have dimensions that conform to conventions used by  refractory manufacturers and are generally applicable to kilns or furnaces of the same types. Standard shapes are usually bricks that have a standard dimension of {{cvt|9|x|4.5|x|2.5|in|mm}} and this dimension is called a "one brick equivalent". "Brick equivalents" are used in estimating how many refractory bricks it takes to make an installation into an industrial furnace. There are ranges of standard shapes of different sizes manufactured to produce walls, roofs, arches, tubes and circular apertures etc. Special shapes are specifically made for specific locations within furnaces and for particular kilns or furnaces. Special shapes are usually less dense and therefore less hard wearing than standard shapes.

====Unshaped (monolithic)====
These are without prescribed form and are only given shape upon application. These types are known as monolithic refractories. Common examples include plastic masses, [[ramming masses]], castables, gunning masses, fettling mix, and mortars.

Dry vibration linings often used in [[induction furnace]] linings are also monolithic, and sold and transported as a dry powder, usually with a magnesia/alumina composition with additions of other chemicals for altering specific properties. They are also finding more applications in blast furnace linings, although this use is still rare.