Jose A. Velez on fri 4 jan 02
----- Original Message -----=20
From: Jose A. Velez=20
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Sent: Friday, January 04, 2002 5:55 PM
Subject: Electric kiln wall thickness ...=20
I have followed the discussion about adding insulation to an electric =
kiln and whether to do this inside or out of the stainless steel skin. =
I have a related question/scenario. By adding insulation (inside the SS =
skin sounds like the correct way) we slow down the rate of energy lost =
to the surrounding air, since the electric elements are still capable of =
adding energy at the same rate as before the insulation addition, it =
stands to reason that we can drive the kiln temperature higher than =
before. The temperature difference between a small cone 7 and a 10 been =
126 degrees F (a 5.4% increase only), it is hard for me to believe the =
heating elements or insulating fire bricks will not take the additional =
temperature. So, is it possible to upgrade a kiln designed for a cone 7 =
to a cone 10, by simply adding the required insulation? I have two old =
Paragon kilns both rated for 2300F. I would like to experiment with =
some clays/glazes at cone 10. Have those of you that have added the =
insulation, also believe that in addition to saving energy you have =
upgraded your kiln to a higher temperature rating?
Maybe another way of asking the same question is: what determines the =
temperature rating of a kiln, the energy balance or the physical =
limitations of the elements and/or the IFB?
Your ideas and experience on the subject will be appreciated.
Jose A. Velez
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