Natural Gas Intermittent Kiln for the Ceramic Industry: A Transient Thermal Analysis

Ricardo S. Gomez, Túlio R. N. Porto, Hortência L. F. Magalhães, Gicelia Moreira, Anastácia M. M. C. N. André, Ruth B. F. Melo and Antonio G. B. Lima
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Ricardo S. Gomez: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande 58429-900, Brazil
Túlio R. N. Porto: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande 58429-900, Brazil
Hortência L. F. Magalhães: Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande 58429-900, Brazil
Gicelia Moreira: Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande 58429-900, Brazil
Anastácia M. M. C. N. André: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande 58429-900, Brazil
Ruth B. F. Melo: Department of Physics, State University of Paraiba, Campina Grande 58431-410, Brazil
Antonio G. B. Lima: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande 58429-900, Brazil

Energies, 2019, vol. 12, issue 8, 1-29

Abstract: Drying and firing of ceramic products are processes that require high energy consumption. Making these processes more efficient can improve product quality, reduce processing time and energy consumption, and promote economic and environmental gains. In this sense, this work aims to quantify heat transfer in an intermittent ceramic kiln during the heating and cooling stages, with and without thermal insulation. All mathematical formulation is based on the first law of thermodynamics. From the results, we conclude that the greatest heat loss occurs by radiation in the sidewalls of the equipment, and that a considerable amount of energy is required to heat the sidewalls, base, and ceiling of the kiln. Further, with the use of thermal insulation, it was concluded that a high reduction in the heat lost through the sidewalls was achieved, thus providing a global energy gain of approximately 35% and a reduction in the maximum external surface temperature from 249.34 to 79.47 °C when compared to the kiln without thermal insulation, reducing the risks of work accidents and thermal discomfort when in operation.

Keywords: ceramic material; drying; firing; energy; thermal efficiency (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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