Kiln Connection

Ralph Ruark, registered professional engineer and founder of Ruark Engineering Inc., addresses topics surrounding kilns and firing in order to help manufacturers improve their operations.

ARTICLES

Kiln Connection: A Farewell

February 1, 2013

I’ve been so lucky. More than a decade ago, Ceramic Industry asked me to write the Kiln Connection column, and it has brought me great friendships and a wealth of knowledge.


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Kiln Connection: Improving Operations

November 1, 2012

What makes for a good kiln operating strategy?


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Kiln Connection: High-Velocity Burners

September 4, 2012
High-velocity (HV) burners have been installed on many older kilns, typically with the goal of achieving better temperature uniformity and efficiency.
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Kiln Connection: Ensuring Burner Accuracy

June 1, 2012

Upon reviewing kiln data, I often find errors that are either designed into a system or operator induced. Many of these issues can prevent burner setup accuracy. 


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Kiln Connection: Pressure Control in Tunnel Kilns, Part 2

February 23, 2012
As discussed in Part 1 (CI, September 2011), internal kiln pressure in a tunnel kiln governs airflow direction and affects temperature uniformity, soaking time, and energy consumption. Management of the kiln pressure profile makes a huge difference in kiln stability.
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KILN CONNECTION: Repairing and Protecting Kiln Linings

December 1, 2011
Columnist Ralph Ruark describes a method of repairing and protecting kiln linings.
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KILN CONNECTION: Pressure Control in Tunnel Kilns

September 1, 2011
Feeling the pressure lately? New boss, job, wife or kid? How about a new kiln? I can't help you with the first four, but I hope that I can help
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KILN CONNECTION: Tunnel Kiln Killing You?

June 1, 2011
Figure 1. Kiln temperature data at various locations in the kiln setting. Kilns should be the foundation of the ceramic factory, producing consistent results, creating zero defects and performing efficiently.
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KILN CONNECTION: Understanding Variability

April 1, 2011
Figure 1. The differences in temperature and the relative heating rates in this kiln are completely location-dependent. "Variability is the enemy of quality." This has become the battle cry for
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KILN CONNECTION: Focus on Color

February 1, 2011
I am flying home as I write this column, having spent the last week working for a small company in the center of Mexico. It was a wonderful trip-great weather,
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