Kiln Building

At the end of the course, students should be able to: 1. demonstrate the process of packing and firing of kilns; 2. explain firing atmosphere, temperature measurement and tools; and 3. address possible problems in kiln firing.

The course draws on the background knowledge on kiln development and fundamentals of kiln firing from the open pit method to the chambered kilns, choice of fuels, combustion, heat transfer to more in-depth details of refractory materials, properties and to determine applications for the various refractories. This will also relay the experience of the technology of harnessing the refractory materials for effective application in heat treatment of ceramic products sintering and materials processing. Students will be exposed to the process of packing and firing of kilns, firing atmosphere, temperature measurement and tools, and how to address possible problems in kiln firing: under-firing, over-firing, daunting, bloating, slogging, carbon trapping, shattering and crazing, kiln repairs and maintenance. Issues on environmental demands of refractory technology and sustainable practices will be considered