When a large quantity of good-quality bricks are needed, intermittent or continuous kilns have to be used. In intermittent kilns, the process of burning is discontinuous.
Figure 3.5 shows the plan of an intermittent kiln. The operations are in the order of loading the bricks, firing, cooling and unloading, which are performed one after the other. It is rectangular in shape with thick outside walls and is constructed over the ground.
Figure 3.5 Plan of an intermittent kiln
Trenches are dug across the floor of the kiln. Small openings are made in between the trenches. Sun-dried bricks are laid above the trenches with the bricks being laid on edges with gaps in between. This gap enables the hot flue gases to flow to each brick.
Flue gases are let in through the longitudinal walls through the small openings. Dampers are provided in the flue openings to regulate the air supply. Circulation of flues is kept up for 3–4 days. The bricks are cooled for a week’s time.
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