A refractory brick RFQ may specify tonnes while the maintenance team counts pieces. A weight-based quotation can be useful for budgeting, but it does not establish how many usable bricks will arrive. Agree the count, unit-weight basis and packing basis before placing the order.
Decide which quantity controls the order
If the repair needs a minimum count, specify it for each drawing or item number. Record spares separately and identify whether they are included in that count. If the order is placed by net weight instead, ask the supplier to state the estimated count and what happens if the shipment contains fewer pieces than the repair needs. Do not use the total weight of a mixed shipment to infer the count of any one shape.
Ask what the unit weight represents
| Basis | What to request | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Drawing estimate | Drawing revision and the density used. State whether the volume allows for the wedge, recesses or holes. | Budget estimate only. A bounding box is not the finished volume of a shaped brick. |
| Measured unit weight | Weight of representative finished pieces for the relevant shape and material. Ask how many were weighed and whether the figure is an average or a range. | Improve the estimate. Do not assume that the weight of one sample is the weight of every piece. |
| Final packing list | Piece count by item and package, net brick weight and gross packed weight. | Check the count against the order and use the packed weight for freight planning. Do not divide gross weight by unit brick weight. |
Convert each line before adding the totals
For metric tonnes, estimated pieces = net brick tonnes × 1,000 ÷ estimated kilograms per piece. The reverse check is pieces × kilograms per piece ÷ 1,000. Identify metric tonnes explicitly rather than assuming what “ton” means.
Illustrative example, not a product specification: 4.8 net tonnes of Shape A at an assumed 6.0 kg per piece gives about 800 pieces. Another 3.6 net tonnes of Shape B at 4.5 kg per piece gives about 800 pieces. If Shape A actually averages 6.2 kg, the same 4.8 tonnes gives about 774 pieces, not 800. If the repair needs 800 of Shape A, put that minimum on the order and reconcile the resulting weight and pack quantities with the supplier. Do not use surplus pieces of Shape B to fill the shortfall.
Keep the unrounded estimates for comparison. Agree any rounding, partial pallet or spare quantities in writing rather than rounding a budget estimate into a purchase commitment.
Compare quotes on the same basis
- Match each item to the current drawing and agreed count or net weight. Compare like with like; do not apply one average unit weight across different shapes.
- Separate packing, freight and other charges from the brick calculation, and compare prices at the same named delivery point and with the same inclusions. A pickup price and a delivered price are not directly comparable.
- Ask for a final packing list before dispatch and check count, net and gross weight separately at receipt. Weight and geometry checks do not confirm material grade or fitness for a particular furnace duty.
Use the drawing and revision checklist for shaped items and the incoming inspection guide to reconcile the delivery against the agreed order.