On the preparation of energy balances for brick and tile-making plants (Part 3)

»11 Mass flows and pressure profile in a decades-old tunnel kiln with a single exit door (mean empirical values employed for air inleakage and blowoff)

»12 BTO programme printout including a firing curve diagram and an energy balance (roof tile kiln with water seal)

This tripartite article describes the basic theory and practice of preparing energy and mass balances for dryers and kilns in the brick and tile industry. The criteria to be met by the requisite test instruments are described, as are the available software solutions for use in generating energy balances. Special attention is devoted to methods applied for checking the plausibility of such balances.

11 Performance of measurements

Now, following the information provided with regard to the measuring instruments required for gathering data, let us turn our attention to the actual performance of measurements for an energy balance. Prior to commencement, however, the results of laboratory analyses of the clay should be available for calculating the raw material enthalpy. The following information therefore must be inquired of from the plant operator:

› factory output

› shift model

› product assortment, including dimensions and firing weights

› wet, dry and fired weights of products...