My colleagues in the ceramic industry are always trying to get funds approved in order to improve their firing systems, accuracy and temperature uniformity; add human-machine interface (HMI) systems; or

As a Gulf Coast resident, the oil deluge-no, it was not a spill-in the Gulf of Mexico still seems almost surreal. Beautiful beaches, interesting wildlife, warm waters and great fishing

Table 1. Heat available when firing with a cubic foot of natural gas at varying rates of XSA and preheated air temperature.One of my strong interests is energy conservation, and

Table 1. Heat available when firing with a cubic foot of natural gas at varying rates of XSA and preheated air temperature.One of my strong interests is energy conservation, and

If you are contemplating a conversion to a computer interface system with PLC control, it's important to keep a number of factors in mind.

To survive in this business, it’s necessary to be creative and soldier on to find the solution to difficult problems.

Kiln technology advancement seems to be more of a step-change than a gradual evolution, and the step improvement that has occurred over the last 15 years has been related to pulse firing and control.

Warren Buffet once said, “Only when the tide goes out do you discover who’s been swimming naked.” The current high level of business curtailments and closures, along with record layoffs, tends to confirm that many companies have been operating very marginally.

Efficiency can be improved by making a few fundamental changes in the way a kiln is operated with reduced output. At a time when plants are struggling to achieve breakeven with low revenue, this technique can help brick manufacturers reduce fuel consumption.

Energy can be recovered from kiln exhaust gases in many ways, including the generation of hot water, the use of hot air for direct or indirect cooling, hot oil exchange, and combustion air heating for the burners on the kiln.