Kilns, Methods of Firing, Fuels and Refractories

At the end of the course, students should be able to 1. classify different types of kiln and furnaces; and 2. describe fuels and energy utilisation in the ceramic and glass industries.

Kilns and furnaces for ceramic and glass production. Basic history and development of kilns. Classification and types of kilns and furnace. Survey of the principal fuels for ceramic and glass production: solid, liquid and gaseous fuels. Bio-fuels. Conventional and non-conventional energy: electrical, solar, nuclear, geothermal energy. Fuels, classification and testing of fuels. Fuels and energy utilisation in the ceramic and glass industries. Technical and economic considerations in the choice of fuels and energy. Introduction to fuel calculation, management and technology. Raw materials for Refractories. Types, technology of production and properties of refractories for kiln and furnace building. Special refractories. Modern applications of refractories. Experimental methods of testing and evaluation of refractories.