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burner for kiln conversion

updated sat 3 feb 01

 

Roger Bourland on fri 2 feb 01


I'm converting an AIM electric kiln to the combination ^10
electric/reduction kiln. Openings are drilled, 1 1/2", top and bottom. ITC
all set. The kiln is 1.4 cubic feet, rather small. Now, the burner.

Questions:

1. How many BTUs are needed to do the job for that size kiln? Are 12,000
BTUs sufficient? There is a high heat bunsen burner that does that. There is
a 35,000 BTU burner available from Laguna. but the top width of that burner
exceeds 2". Seems like overkill.

2. Is the width at the top of the burner an important factor? If it is wider
than 1 1/2 " , is there a "sucking effect" that brings the flame into the
kiln? Or, should it be narrower?

3. How far from the opening on the bottom of the kiln should the top of the
burner be?

Thanks in advance.

Roger

Nils Lou on fri 2 feb 01


Hi Roger. The small burner is more than sufficient. Place it about 1/2 "
from bottom of kiln. Turn on burner at 1600F, adjust gas so there is a
2-3" flame at the top flue hole. Start by turning the kiln on high and let
it continue throughout the firing. Oxyprobe it if you have one. Enjoy!
Nils

On Fri, 2 Feb 2001, Roger Bourland wrote:

> I'm converting an AIM electric kiln to the combination ^10
> electric/reduction kiln. Openings are drilled, 1 1/2", top and bottom. ITC
> all set. The kiln is 1.4 cubic feet, rather small. Now, the burner.
>
> Questions:
>
> 1. How many BTUs are needed to do the job for that size kiln? Are 12,000
> BTUs sufficient? There is a high heat bunsen burner that does that. There is
> a 35,000 BTU burner available from Laguna. but the top width of that burner
> exceeds 2". Seems like overkill.
>
> 2. Is the width at the top of the burner an important factor? If it is wider
> than 1 1/2 " , is there a "sucking effect" that brings the flame into the
> kiln? Or, should it be narrower?
>
> 3. How far from the opening on the bottom of the kiln should the top of the
> burner be?
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Roger
>
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