DEVELOPMENT OF A MODEL GAS KILN FOR CERAMICS PRODUCTION FROM LOCAL RESOURCES
DEVELOPMENT OF A MODEL GAS KILN FOR CERAMICS PRODUCTION FROM LOCAL RESOURCES
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Date
1988-11
Authors
EWULE, JAMES OTEGUH
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Abstract
Ewule, James Oteguh, Development of a Gas Kiln For Ceramics Productions From Local Resources. Master ©f Arts. Industrial ..................................................................................................................... Design, November, 1988. 79 pages, 4 tables, 5 figures, 16 plates and 12 appendices. The problem with which this study is concerned is the construction of a gas kiln from locally available raws materials found in Kankara, Katsina State and Zaria of Kaduna State. The problem of how to fire the kiln also arose after the pilot study as a result fabrication of suitable burners and production of kiln furniture using raw materials found locally gave an added dimension. Being a productive development research, it was combined with descriptive research. After locating and collection of the major raw materials, Kankara clay and saw dust, a line blend was made which was tested for various properties. Some of the properties considered were drying and firing shrinkages, water absorption, apparent porosity and modulus - of - rapture tests before the production of the refractory bricks. Each of the test has bearing on each other for example, the more densely the brick is the higher the stress. The less the void the less the water absorption and less apparent porosity. The construction of a downdraft kiln was made after considering other design options. Based on the available raw materials, to obtained an efficient gas kiln which will fire to stoneware temperatures downdraft kiln was best, as compared to the updraft and cross draft kilns. Further steps were taken to
produce burners and kiln furniture which has given the kiln a kind of self-supporting. Established on the tests, design and construction of the gas kiln for the study, the following major findings are relevant. 1, There is sufficient clay (Kaolin, saw dust and gas for kiln construction and firing. 2. The construction of intermittent gas kiln and burners requires great care and precision for an efficient functioning of such a kiln. 3. The costs of prefabricated gas kiln are far more than the prototype built, 'Most prefabricated kilns are imported. 4. Fires to 1300°C between 7-9 hours. This is considered practical for this range of firing temperature. 5. The size of the kiln could be scaled to the design specification as desired by an individual or groups so as not to be prohibitive to build. The general conclusion of the study is that if clay work is to mean anything to us, the knowledge of the action of fire through the use of efficient and reliable kiln should be of utmost importance to the Ceramists. The technical knowledge can be widened by changing from one method of firing to another and this is a most vital step in this process.
Description
A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS IN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY ZARIA NOVEMBER, 1988
Keywords
DEVELOPMENT, MODEL, GAS KILN, CERAMICS, PRODUCTION, LOCAL, RESOURCES