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[June 2004]
New SSK Kiln for Ceramica Catalano
A new Sacmi-made shuttle kiln has been put into operation at sanitaryware manufacturer Ceramica Catalano Srl (Civita Castellana, Viterbo, Italy). This is an SSK 440 kiln with an effective load height of 1100mm, a 13-car holding capacity and a working temperature of 1250°C. Catalano uses this SSK to put fireclay products through an 18-hour firing cycle. Each cycle produces 286 pieces, while the maximum kiln car load is 925kg. The main combustion air feed pipes are thermally insulated.
As the kiln operates above 1100°C, it was not possible to use ecological fibres as these have limited performance at high temperatures. Consequently, traditional RCF materials - which offer excellent thermal insulation at temperatures up to 1450°C - have been used instead. However, RCF materials have for some time been placed in EU Risk Class 2 as they are irritants and can be harmful if inhaled. Therefore, to protect installation workers from any risk of inhalation or direct contact with the ceramic fibre used on the kiln walls and roof, Sacmi Forni has introduced a series of 'total safety' systems that prevent environmental contamination and any material-related illnesses.
ENDS