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

KILN CONNECTION: Safety First

September 1, 2010

By Ralph Ruark

No Comments

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

KILN CONNECTION: Elegant Burner Concept

June 1, 2010

By Ralph Ruark

No Comments

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

KILN CONNECTION: Elegant Burner Concept

May 25, 2010

By Ralph Ruark

No Comments

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

KILN CONNECTION: HMI

April 1, 2010

By Ralph Ruark

No Comments

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.

KILN CONNECTION: Long Year, Indeed

February 1, 2010

By Ralph Ruark

No Comments

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

KILN CONNECTION: Pulse Perfect

October 1, 2009

By Ralph Ruark

No Comments

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.

KILN CONNECTION: Swimming Naked

April 1, 2009

By Ralph Ruark

No Comments

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.

KILN CONNECTION: Fuel Conservation in a Slow Economy

February 1, 2009

By Ralph Ruark

No Comments

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.

GUEST BLOG: All Eyes on the Economy

October 8, 2008

By Ralph Ruark

No Comments

In essence, American taxpayers are bailing out the reckless and the greedy, demonstrating once again that being irresponsible in this country has limited consequences.

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