Developement of brick production process of brick factory (Part two)
With IDRC support, a team of researchers from the University of Sherbrookeand the National University
of Rwanda — working in Africa’s great lakesregion and in Madagascar — developed an environmentally
sensitive technologythat overcomes many of the drawbacks of the traditional brick-making method.This
technique reduces output losses considerably, improves the qualityof the bricks (they are stronger
and of a standard size), reduces energyneeds, helps protect the environment, and is quite labour
intensive and,therefore, a source of potential job creation.
The developed technology consists of:
A permanent, downdraft, igloo-style kiln that optimizes firing. The kiln provides an even temperature
that can reach 900°C. Compared to a traditional oven, firewood consumption is at least 50% less. The
kiln can also use alternative energy sources such as peat, used engine oil, rice and coconuthusks,
sawdust, coffee hulls, and other agricultural by-products;
A heat-recycling device for pre-heating the kiln and drying the bricks;
The inclusion of additives in the clay, such as rice husks and sand;
Locally manufactured manual presses;
A system for drying bricks in fresh air on shelves placed in sheds;
Locally manufactured insulation bricks for kiln construction and otherpurposes;
A management plan for clay use based on the gradual use and restorationof wetlands.
The igloo kiln is composed of bricks and clay mortar, and has an averagecapacity of 55 000 bricks. The
walls are three bricks thick (63 cm), andthe inner layer is composed of insulation bricks. The vault is
a lowered dome covered with a grill onto which Portland cement is fixed. A steelcollar surrounds the
upper portion of the kiln.