Fire Brick? full thickness or split

[USMCLtcol]

So I called my local brick company and they have full thickness and 1/2 thick (splits) fire brick. I am building an oil tank evaporator with a thermal blanket and plan on just using brick in the fire box. What is best full thickness or splits?

[Bricklayer]

Full thickness. Especially with blanket behind them. One good bang with a piece of wood and the splits will crack. Taper the last row at the top so the flames get to the bottom of the pans

[USMCLtcol]

Appreciate the help

[psparr]

I'm going to disagree with Bricklayer. There's not much room in the tank for full size bricks. I know, I built one. The fire box will end up smaller than you want it.

[mudr]

I bricked and insulated my new 2x6 this summer. Based on suggestions, I used up my leftover 2 inch blanket in the flue area, and then put splits+board in the firebox. Everything I've read says that your wood should be split "wrist-sized". You'd need to throw the wood pretty darn hard at that diameter to break those splits, no?

[Maplewalnut]

I also have a split brick/blanket combo...

[DocsMapleSyrup]

I used splits on the sides when I built my evaporator with blanket behind the splits. I doubt that you will break the splits on the sides. I did put full thickness bricks on the bottom with air holes drilled into the brick and nothing has broken so far.

[acafro]

I used half bricks with archboard. Worked great last season.

I didn't like the idea that full brick takes more energy to heat up before full performance and also takes much longer to cool down. So if you get in a bind and need to shut down that's more heat stored.

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[OldManMaple]

I wouldn't waste the money on fire brick for an oil tank or barrel arch. Look for used bricks that are the all the same size. They will work just fine.

[USMCLtcol]

So here is one that has me scratching my head. Price at the brick supply yard was $1.95 for both thickness. No reduction for splits.

I appreciate everyone's input. I have both so I can start with thick and taper down. Also plan to use thick where wood will be tossed in.