James L Bowen on sun 15 oct 00
Thanks for the info. It is useful for us to compare how our kiln =
functions in relation to the experience=20
of others.
We fired our downdraft, sprung arch, used IFB kiln for the first time a =
few weeks ago. Forty+ cu. ft. of=20
stacking space not counting the area included by the arch ( no math =
expertise here). Sixty five gallons
of propane used over 16 hours. Cone 10 flat and eleven at two o clock =
on the sides above the
fireboxes. Cone 9 flat and 10 at three o clock in the front, top to =
bottom, close to the door.
Cooled at 50 degrees Fahrenheit per our, naturally, down to 1500 then =
slower till cool. Opened in three
days.
We have given thought to ITC 100 coating since this is, used but good, =
IFB construction to save fuel=20
and even out the temperature throughout the kiln, and mostly to prevent =
IFB particles in the glazes.
Our concerns are twofold.
Cost. Will we save money? Use less propane? Compared to your usage I =
think we did well. But given=20
the rising costs of petroleum based fuels savings will become more =
important as this market finds it's
true level.
Function. Will it adversely affect function? Here my concern is that if =
we save fuel because of the=20
ability of the material to reflect heat, does this mean we lose the slow =
cooling caused by the absorption=20
of heat by the IFB's and the positive effects of the thermal mass? We =
are not interested in having our
kiln perform like a fiber kiln, and have to do a controlled cooldown =
with fire.
Mel says " don't worry about, it just coat it", but.......
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