Selecting a Kiln

Choosing the best kiln for your application can be an involved process, apart from the initial expense there are such a vast range of options available. This section is designed to assist you to make the correct decision on the type of factors you should consider when making a decision.

Considerations

1. Electrical Supply
   1. a)  Power supply requirements are relative to the capacity of the kiln chamber and the maximum design temperature of the kiln.
   2. b)  Please be aware that the nature of many kilns is such that a domestic power supply is not always sufficient and a 3 phase or uprated supply will be needed. Kilns and Furnaces can supply many kilns, which will operate on a standard domestic circuit. Please feel free to contact us for more information.
2. How do you want to load the kiln?
   1. a)  This is dictated to a great extent by the size and shape of the piece you will be firing. We offer both top and front loading kilns.
   2. b)  Consider the size of the pieces to be fired, the number of pieces to be fired by cycle and remember to allow capacity for the kiln furniture.
3. Type of Control System

   Kilns are offered with a range of controller options starting from a simple single programme controller if only firing to one temperature, to a multi programme controller if a number of programmes are to be used. We will guide you through any questions you have.

Siting a Kiln

The following is based upon many years of experience and is designed to help you to make the most of your kiln whether it is an existing one or a new purchase. Correct siting of a kiln is important for a number of reasons, not least from a Health and Safety perspective. If you have any areas of concerns then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Considerations

1. Top Loading Kilns
   1. a)  Kilns must not be positioned on wooden floors, thermoplastic floors or carpets.
   2. b)  As there is a requirement to access the side of the kilns for either inserting or removing side ventilation bungs, adequate clearance to carry out this operation must be given consideration.
   3. c)  Top Loading kilns do radiate more heat from their outlet surface than from front loading kilns. We therefore recommend that a minimum space of 400mm (16″) be left between the kiln outer surface and combustible material
2. Front Loading Kilns
   1. a)  Position the kiln on a solid flat floor and adhere to the minimum clearances from other objects.
   2. b)  It is recommended that a space of approximately 300mm (12″) minimum be allowed between the sides of the kiln and any object or wall, unless controls of any kind are located on the side. In which case adequate space should be allowed for access.
   3. c)  For ease of future maintenance, we recommend a minimum of 610mm (24″) be left at the rear of the kiln, however where space is limited we can add an extra cost option and fit the kiln with castor wheels to enable the kiln to be moved forward for maintenance.
   4. d)  Consideration must be given to give adequate room to open the kiln door and for loading and unloading the firing chamber.
   5. e)  The Falcon Compact Range, exclusive to Kiln and Furnaces has been designed for installation where space is limited.
   6. f)  Instruments must be kiln mounted to prevent damage from extensive heat.
3. All Electrically operated kilns
   1. a)  Allow approximately 760mm (30″) above the kiln to minimize fire risk. If in doubt, suspend a sheet of heat resistant material from the ceiling directly above the kiln.
   2. b)  In certain circumstances it may be necessary to vent waste heat or products of combustion via a heat collection canopy and ducting to the atmosphere. Highly recommended.

4. Gas Fired Kilns and Furnaces

All these units will need a minimum of exhaust ductwork to atmosphere, coupled with a heat collection canopy depending on site requirements. This equipment can either be supplied or supplied and installed subject to a quotation on either provision of building drawing or a visit to the site by us.

Delivery and Installation

Standard delivery is with the kiln delivered on a pallet to ground floor external doorway. The kiln will be offloaded from the delivery vehicle.

Non-standard delivery can be provided to offload the kiln and placed into position on a ground floor [no steps], or alternatively on an upper floor via a lift of suitable size and capacity within the building. Our delivery driver would require assistance.

All access points must be of sufficient dimensions to accept the kiln in fully constructed from.

All driveways and access points to ground floor doorway must be level, flat and not of loose construction, ie gravel, loose stonework etc.

When access is a limiting factor we can provide the kiln in split form, or arrange for the kiln to be built on site. The charge for on-site build or split delivery is not included in our list of prices and can only be offered on full receipt of access details.