Industrial Kilns

Ceramic products are fired by either of two methods: periodic (batch) or continuous, like the tunnel kiln. The processing design choice usually centers on the firing conditions required and the desired industrial kiln production output.

PERIODIC INDUSTRIAL KILNS
The product is stationary within a single chamber as the chamber is first heated and then cooled according to a pre-determined time and temperature cycle. Periodic kilns offer broad flexibility in the time-temperature cycles; thus, these types are well suited for widely varying product sizes and firing conditions. Being a sealed chamber during the firing cycle, a periodic kiln offers excellent atmosphere control when needed. Usually this industrial kiln type is most cost effective for low production quantities, or when production can be started and stopped easily.

CONTINUOUS INDUSTRIAL KILNS
In a continuous kiln, the product is first heated and then cooled as it moves continuously through a series of zones or chambers, each maintained at a different preset temperature. Continuous kilns, like the tunnel kiln, are most often specified for firing large quantities of ceramics that have an established firing cycle, and where a round-the-clock production schedule is most cost effective. This type of industrial kiln is inherently more energy efficient than a periodic kiln type, and is usually more adaptable to automated product handling.

Construction Methods For Your Industrial Kiln

Industrial kilns can be either constructed on-site or delivered pre-built and simply installed at your facility. The design choice is usually determined by the sheer size of the required kiln.

SITE-BUILT INDUSTRIAL KILNS
In large-volume applications, the size of the proper kiln is such that on-site construction is often necessary. One of Harrop’s unique strengths is our capacity and demonstrated performance to supply truly turnkey site-built industrial kiln projects to our clients. We provide complete design engineering, materials purchasing and expedited delivery, on-site supervision of our construction crews and subcontractors, and the commissioning and operator training. Harrop’s well- seasoned project management team delivers you an operating kiln, on-time, which meets your performance requirements.

PRE-FABRICATED INDUSTRIAL KILNS
Not every industrial kiln has to be built on-site. Many can be built in our fabricating shop and delivered to your plant as a complete unitized system, or delivered in modular sections for rapid on-site assembly. Pre-fabrication has the advantages of less plant disruption and less floor space required during installation. In some cases, these kilns are capable of being dismantled and relocated, and it may be easier to expand the size as production demands increase. After custom-designing to your specifications, the kiln is fabricated in our Columbus shop, tested and shipped to your plant location. Installation, commissioning, and training services by qualified Harrop personnel are available.

Industrial Kiln Types