Rules for the better operation of brick factory.(Part one)
Bigger kilns or clamps are more efficient
More bricks can fit into a bigger kiln relative to surface area than a smaller kiln. The surface of
the kiln is where the heat is lost and the volume to surface area ratio is higher for a larger kiln.
Square kilns are more efficient than rectangular ones
This is the same concept as size: the square kiln will have a higher volume to surface area ratio
than the rectangular kiln. The side walls on a rectangular kiln lose more heat than the smaller walls.
Increasing insulation reduces heat losses
As previously mentioned, thicker scoving (the mud used to insulate) will reduce heat losses.
Placing fuel as close to the bricks as possible is most efficient
Less heat is lost when fuel is placed next to bricks, so one technique includes adding the fuels to
the clay mix. The fuels need to be fine, or when fired they will leave voids.
Continuous kilns are more efficient than clamps
When firing a clamp, extra energy is used in pre-heating a brick. A continuous kiln will have a
continuous heat source, so green bricks are heated from the previous firing cycle or by secondary heat.
Continuous kilns may not work for smaller brickmakers since the kilns need to be bigger for the process.
However, larger brickmakers can benefit from a lot of saved energy using a continuous kiln.