Selection of Furnace and Kiln

Operational conditions and requirements such as optimum firing temperature and furnace atmosphere like oxidising / reducing / chemical corrosive etc. vary from product to product. Besides, there are other commercial aspects which would affect the ultimate costing of the product. 

Therefore, before selection or finalising a furnace or kiln for your venture please consider following points very carefully:

• Robustness of furnace or kiln structure.
• Ease of control of kiln or furnace atmosphere, temperature and flame.
• Fuel type.
• Fuel efficiency as it is going to impact costing of your product.
• Ease of maintenance. Frequent breakdown or low campaign life will harm your costing.
• Refractory design and insulation. (very important since it affects fuel efficiency of the furnace).
• Provision of adequate draught.
• Arrangements for recovery of waste heat (save your fuel cost).
• Loading (charging) and unloading arrangements (important to keep further value addition to the product as minimum as possible).  
• Furnace volume and pay load.

In selecting the furnace or kiln, the purpose for which it is required and the probable fuel consumption / electricity charges, probable cost of firing per Ton or per piece are some other points of primary importance.

Related Articles

• The Function of a Furnace and Kiln used in Ceramic and other Industries
• Criteria for Furnace (or Kiln Design) and Selection of Refractories