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[January 2002]
Tunnel Kiln Simulator Developed at CERAM
The "Tunnel Kiln Simulator" models the thermal movement within a kiln and predicts ware temperatures throughout the firing cycle.A major benefit of this model is the ability to theoretically change the operating parameters and analyse the effects without hindering the production process. The model also highlights one of many areas where thermal modelling can optimise a present system, create new procedure short cuts and iron out design errors.
The Benefits of using this methodology include;
1. Highlighting areas of excessive heat loss by quantifying the energy used through the kiln.
2. Increases kiln control through greater understanding of the effect of process conditions on kiln behaviour.
3. Simulate the effect of new air flows and burner settings without hindering production.
4. Analyse emergency situation procedures and other process variations, eg. the effect of blocked burners or fan motor failure.
5. "Flight Simulator" act as a training package.The Kiln At its very simplest the tunnel kiln acts as a counter-current heat exchanger. The air flowing through the kiln is heated up as it passes through the burner flames. A percentage of this energy transfers to and heats up the ware.
The Model uses fundamental equations of mass and heat transfer to track the movement of thermal energy through the kiln by considering the effects of air flows, combustion and ware movements. Click on the link at the bottom of the page to see an animation of the mass movements in a typical tunnel kiln.
The Prediction Once the data has been inputed into the model, a comparison can be made between predicted and actual results taken from the data tracker.
For more information contact: David Hooper - TCS Associate - CERAM & University of Aberdeen +44 (0)1782 764339, david.hooper@ceram.co.uk
ENDS