Kiln Design, Construction and Firing

At the end of the course, students should be able to: 1. understand refractory bodies; 2. classify different types of kiln and furnaces; 3. competence in Kiln Design; and 4. describe fuels and energy utilisation in the ceramic and glass industries.

The kiln, its origin and development types of the kiln, and their design and operation. Sources of energy for firing kilns – electricity, gas, oil, kerosene, wood and coal. Factors necessary for kiln construction and usage. Kiln furniture – prop shelves, stilt. Kiln filing fuels and energy utilization in the ceramic and glass industries. Technical and economic considerations in the choice of fuels and energy. Introduction to fuel calculation, management, technology, atmosphere, and medium, placement of wares for different firings, the firing, and off-loading. Materials for kiln building. Raw materials for Refractories. Types, the 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.