Ten rules for energy efficient, cost effective brick firing

The basic ingredient of bricks is clay. The clay must be plastic when mixed with water so it can be shaped. A ceramic bond should be formed when bricks are fired in a kiln or clamp. The bricks are heated at temperatures between 900 to 1,200°C to form bond which gives bricks strength and resistance to erosion by water. The low temperature results in a weak product and in high temperatures the brick slumps or melts. So its important brick makers use the right quantity of fuel.  Most of the energy used in brickmaking is needed in firing. In some cases a lot of energy is used in drying. The shortage of fuel increases the cost of production. Therefore, ten rules have been proposed for energy efficient and cost effective brickmaking technology. The rules include:

1. Bigger kilns are more efficient;
2. Square kilns are generally more efficient than rectangular ones;
3. Increasing insulation reduces heat losses;
4. Placing fuel as close to the bricks as possible is most efficient;
5. Continuous kilns are more efficient than batch kilns;
6. Green bricks should be dry going to the kiln;
7. Fuel should be dry;
8. Good kiln control saves energy and money;
9. Record keeping is important;
10. Replacing primary fuel with free or cheap waste reduces costs.