The word “kiln” conjures up the image of a potter working in ceramics or clay. Yet, the word is actually only a synonym for oven. Kin can fire ceramics at very high temperatures. The same process is used to calcinate minerals, dry wood or wood products. Overall, kilns perform a wide variety of jobs including handling various processes in laboratories. Yet, no matter the size or the project, kilns can be only as good as their kiln burners.
What are Kiln Burners?
A kiln burner is a significant piece of equipment for any industry that installs a kiln or oven. It supplies the heat necessary to melt, transform or process the material demanded of it. As a result, they may be a part of
1. Lime recovery
2. Cement
3. Magnesite
Kiln burners must be able to handle the process for which they are designed. They must also be equipped to deal with any variation that occurs within the process. These can range from fuel types and properties of the material to be processed.
Heat Sources
Kilns rely on different sources for their heat. These are:
1. Arc
2. Combustion
3. Electric or resistance – used for industrial kilns
4. Indirect – employ heat from steam, gas, thermal oil, or hot air
5. Induction – utilizes alternating magnetic field
6. Infrared or radiant heating
7. Natural gas – common with industrial kiln burners
8. Propane – commonly used for an industrial kiln burner can refer to liquefied petroleum (LP)
9. Steam
These sources of heat energy are an integral part of a kiln and, therefore, the kiln burner type.
Basic Kiln Burner Types
Kiln burners tend to rely on two basic types: Venturi and forced air
1. Venturi: commonly operated by liquid propane although they can also use natural gas. They function best with small kilns and not larger ones. These are less efficient than power or forced air burners but work more silently.
2. Forced air: are power burners best suited for using natural gas. These kiln burners are excellent for mass production and repetitive manufacturing.
Kiln burners are essential components of the heat treating equipment of many modern industries. They are responsible for ensuring the kiln or oven reaches the necessary temperature to process the material. If a manufacturer wishes to obtain the maximum benefits and results possible, it is essential he or she ensure the kiln burner is of the appropriate type, size, and character to accomplish this.
