Marjorie Ashcraft on wed 10 jul 02
Can anyone help me with this element burnout problem?
Here's the history:
Kiln: Paragon TNF 82-3 30 amp 240 volt purchased 12/96
Replacements:
2 elements replaced 11/99 Paragon
Thermocouple " 12/99 "
Positions 3 & 4 " 8/01 "
" 1 & 4 " 9/2/01 "
" 1 & 2 " 9/8/01 "
Thermocouple " 10/25/01 "
Position 1 " 11/21/01 Euclid
Position 4 " 12/11/01 "
Position 4 " 2/4/02 Paragon
Position 2 " 6/27/02 "
Position 1 " 7/2/02 "
Position 3 was pieced together at the suggestion of a friend, and it has =
held so far!
All the replacements were done absolutely by the book. I have =
consulted Paragon numerous times to no avail. Also Euclid. There are =
no loose connections or evidence of arcing. No glaze spots in the =
grooves. All the burnout places in the bricks were removed and =
vacuumed. I've done everything they suggested. =20
Does anyone have any ideas as to why these elements don't last any =
longer? =20
I fire to 04 and 6, no higher. Since February the kiln has been =
fired 13 times, and I'm a hobbyist not a professional.
Help me, please. I can't afford this.
Marjorie Ashcraft
=20
=20
Dave Gayman on thu 11 jul 02
What clay and glazes are you firing? It sounds as if your firings are
creating much more corrosion than usual.
You might want to look into a negative-pressure kiln vent (the type with a
tube affixed to the kiln to suck out firing smoke and fumes)? Bailey
(http://www.baileypottery.com/kilns/fumeventsys.htm), Orton (sold by many a
ceramic/potter supplier), L&L (http://www.hotkilns.com/vent-sure.html) and
a couple of others make them.
At 09:45 PM 7/10/2002 -0500, you wrote:
>Can anyone help me with this element burnout problem?
[many replacements, including thermocouples]
Arnold Howard on thu 11 jul 02
I'm sorry to hear about a Paragon kiln performing poorly.
Do firing times gradually increase? Or do the elements fail
suddenly?
Do you replace the elements because of extended firing times, or
because they burned out? (In other words, do they wear out
prematurely, or break?)
If the elements are burning out, where are the breaks? At the
element connectors? In the grooves?
Do you have 208 or 240 volts?
What materials do you fire?
Sincerely,
Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, Inc.
--- Marjorie Ashcraft wrote:
> Can anyone help me with this element burnout problem?
> Here's the history:
> Kiln: Paragon TNF 82-3 30 amp 240 volt purchased 12/96
>
> Replacements:
> 2 elements replaced 11/99 Paragon
> Thermocouple " 12/99 "
> Positions 3 & 4 " 8/01 "
> " 1 & 4 " 9/2/01 "
> " 1 & 2 " 9/8/01 "
> Thermocouple " 10/25/01 "
> Position 1 " 11/21/01 Euclid
> Position 4 " 12/11/01 "
> Position 4 " 2/4/02 Paragon
> Position 2 " 6/27/02 "
> Position 1 " 7/2/02 "
> Position 3 was pieced together at the suggestion of a friend, and
> it has held so far!
> All the replacements were done absolutely by the book. I
> have consulted Paragon numerous times to no avail. Also Euclid.
> There are no loose connections or evidence of arcing. No glaze
> spots in the grooves. All the burnout places in the bricks were
> removed and vacuumed. I've done everything they suggested.
> Does anyone have any ideas as to why these elements don't
> last any longer?
> I fire to 04 and 6, no higher. Since February the kiln has
> been fired 13 times, and I'm a hobbyist not a professional.
> Help me, please. I can't afford this.
> Marjorie Ashcraft
>
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Sign up for SBC Yahoo! Dial - First Month Free
http://sbc.yahoo.com
Earl Brunner on thu 11 jul 02
Where on the elements are they breaking? You might get a voltage/amp meter and make sure that you are delivering the correct voltage to the kiln.
Marjorie Ashcraft wrote:
> Can anyone help me with this element burnout problem?
> Here's the history:
> Kiln: Paragon TNF 82-3 30 amp 240 volt purchased 12/96
>
--
Earl Brunner
http://coyote.accessnv.com/bruec
mailto:bruec@anv.net
Marjorie Ashcraft on thu 11 jul 02
Arnold,
Thanks so much for you immediate reply. To answer your questions:
The firing times did not increase, as the elements failed suddenly,
burning in two.
They break at random places. Never the same place twice, always in the
grooves, never at the connectors.
I have regular household 220 volts, as with the range and microwave and
dryer. The kiln has a separate line of its own.
I replaced them because they burned in two.
I fire Standard #112, #213 porcelain clay, and a few times have slumped
glass.
The only thing different I started doing was using a strontium glaze,
Pinnell's strontium matt, which I love, but I haven't used it in several
months, and the elements still burn out. One of your factory men suggested
I leave the peep holes open during firing, and I have done so ever since.
Thanks again for your interest.
Sincerely,
Marjorie Ashcraft
----- Original Message -----
From: "Arnold Howard"
To:
Sent: Thursday, July 11, 2002 9:01 AM
Subject: Re: Element burnout
> I'm sorry to hear about a Paragon kiln performing poorly.
>
> Do firing times gradually increase? Or do the elements fail
> suddenly?
>
> Do you replace the elements because of extended firing times, or
> because they burned out? (In other words, do they wear out
> prematurely, or break?)
>
> If the elements are burning out, where are the breaks? At the
> element connectors? In the grooves?
>
> Do you have 208 or 240 volts?
>
> What materials do you fire?
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Arnold Howard
> Paragon Industries, Inc.
>
> --- Marjorie Ashcraft wrote:
> > Can anyone help me with this element burnout problem?
> > Here's the history:
> > Kiln: Paragon TNF 82-3 30 amp 240 volt purchased 12/96
> >
> > Replacements:
> > 2 elements replaced 11/99 Paragon
> > Thermocouple " 12/99 "
> > Positions 3 & 4 " 8/01 "
> > " 1 & 4 " 9/2/01 "
> > " 1 & 2 " 9/8/01 "
> > Thermocouple " 10/25/01 "
> > Position 1 " 11/21/01 Euclid
> > Position 4 " 12/11/01 "
> > Position 4 " 2/4/02 Paragon
> > Position 2 " 6/27/02 "
> > Position 1 " 7/2/02 "
> > Position 3 was pieced together at the suggestion of a friend, and
> > it has held so far!
> > All the replacements were done absolutely by the book. I
> > have consulted Paragon numerous times to no avail. Also Euclid.
> > There are no loose connections or evidence of arcing. No glaze
> > spots in the grooves. All the burnout places in the bricks were
> > removed and vacuumed. I've done everything they suggested.
> > Does anyone have any ideas as to why these elements don't
> > last any longer?
> > I fire to 04 and 6, no higher. Since February the kiln has
> > been fired 13 times, and I'm a hobbyist not a professional.
> > Help me, please. I can't afford this.
> > Marjorie Ashcraft
> >
>
>
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Sign up for SBC Yahoo! Dial - First Month Free
> http://sbc.yahoo.com
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________
__
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
>
Marjorie Ashcraft on thu 11 jul 02
Dear Earl,
Thanks for your suggestions.
The elements are burning out at random places in the grooves.
I have both a digital and an analog tester, but am afraid to poke the
probes into the 220V receptacle. I'll find a braver person to do this for
me.
Thanks again for your concern.
Marjorie Ashcraft
----- Original Message -----
From: "Earl Brunner"
To:
Sent: Thursday, July 11, 2002 9:20 AM
Subject: Re: element burnout
> Where on the elements are they breaking? You might get a voltage/amp
meter and make sure that you are delivering the correct voltage to the kiln.
>
> Marjorie Ashcraft wrote:
>
> > Can anyone help me with this element burnout problem?
> > Here's the history:
> > Kiln: Paragon TNF 82-3 30 amp 240 volt purchased 12/96
> >
>
> --
> Earl Brunner
> http://coyote.accessnv.com/bruec
> mailto:bruec@anv.net
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________
__
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
>
Marjorie Ashcraft on thu 11 jul 02
Dear Dave,
Thanks for your suggestions.
I use Standard clay #112 or #213 porcelain. My glazes are Opulence or
ones I get out of pottery books without any unusual chemicals, except maybe
strontiuim.
I'm wondering about that, except I've stopped using that, and they still
burn out.
I'll consider getting a vent, and I appreciate your prompt answer to my
dilemma.
Marjorie Ashcraft
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dave Gayman"
To:
Sent: Thursday, July 11, 2002 7:16 AM
Subject: Re: element burnout
> What clay and glazes are you firing? It sounds as if your firings are
> creating much more corrosion than usual.
>
> You might want to look into a negative-pressure kiln vent (the type with a
> tube affixed to the kiln to suck out firing smoke and fumes)? Bailey
> (http://www.baileypottery.com/kilns/fumeventsys.htm), Orton (sold by many
a
> ceramic/potter supplier), L&L (http://www.hotkilns.com/vent-sure.html) and
> a couple of others make them.
>
> At 09:45 PM 7/10/2002 -0500, you wrote:
> >Can anyone help me with this element burnout problem?
>
> [many replacements, including thermocouples]
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________
__
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
>
Arnold Howard on fri 12 jul 02
It is always possible that you have received elements made from
defective wire. But this would be rare for elements made from
different spools of wire over a period of years.
Are you using a dry kiln wash or sand on the shelves? If so, are
particles of sand falling into the kiln when you remove the ware? I
have known of element failure from this cause.
Is it possible that very fine particles of glaze are becoming
airborne inside the kiln?
No matter how difficult the problem, I know there is a solution.
Arnold Howard
Paragon
--- Marjorie Ashcraft wrote:
> Arnold,
> Thanks so much for you immediate reply. To answer your
> questions:
> The firing times did not increase, as the elements failed
> suddenly,
> burning in two.
> They break at random places. Never the same place twice,
> always in the
> grooves, never at the connectors.
> I have regular household 220 volts, as with the range and
> microwave and
> dryer. The kiln has a separate line of its own.
> I replaced them because they burned in two.
> I fire Standard #112, #213 porcelain clay, and a few times
> have slumped
> glass.
> The only thing different I started doing was using a
> strontium glaze,
> Pinnell's strontium matt, which I love, but I haven't used it in
> several
> months, and the elements still burn out. One of your factory men
> suggested
> I leave the peep holes open during firing, and I have done so
> ever since.
> Thanks again for your interest.
> Sincerely,
> Marjorie Ashcraft
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Arnold Howard"
> To:
> Sent: Thursday, July 11, 2002 9:01 AM
> Subject: Re: Element burnout
>
>
> > I'm sorry to hear about a Paragon kiln performing poorly.
> >
> > Do firing times gradually increase? Or do the elements fail
> > suddenly?
> >
> > Do you replace the elements because of extended firing times,
> or
> > because they burned out? (In other words, do they wear out
> > prematurely, or break?)
> >
> > If the elements are burning out, where are the breaks? At the
> > element connectors? In the grooves?
> >
> > Do you have 208 or 240 volts?
> >
> > What materials do you fire?
> >
> > Sincerely,
> >
> > Arnold Howard
> > Paragon Industries, Inc.
> >
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Sign up for SBC Yahoo! Dial - First Month Free
http://sbc.yahoo.com
Marjorie Ashcraft on sun 14 jul 02
Dear Arnold,
To answer your recent questions: At first I thought your elements might
have been made from defective wire, but the problem went on for years, and
even changing to Euclid didn't help. Theirs burned out, too.
And, no, I don't use dry kiln wash or sand on the shelves.
I agree, there's always a reason for an action, but darned if I can
figure out what it is.
Keep thinking.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Arnold Howard"
To:
Sent: Friday, July 12, 2002 10:59 AM
Subject: Re: Element burnout
> It is always possible that you have received elements made from
> defective wire. But this would be rare for elements made from
> different spools of wire over a period of years.
>
> Are you using a dry kiln wash or sand on the shelves? If so, are
> particles of sand falling into the kiln when you remove the ware? I
> have known of element failure from this cause.
>
> Is it possible that very fine particles of glaze are becoming
> airborne inside the kiln?
>
> No matter how difficult the problem, I know there is a solution.
>
> Arnold Howard
> Paragon
>
>
>
> --- Marjorie Ashcraft wrote:
> > Arnold,
> > Thanks so much for you immediate reply. To answer your
> > questions:
> > The firing times did not increase, as the elements failed
> > suddenly,
> > burning in two.
> > They break at random places. Never the same place twice,
> > always in the
> > grooves, never at the connectors.
> > I have regular household 220 volts, as with the range and
> > microwave and
> > dryer. The kiln has a separate line of its own.
> > I replaced them because they burned in two.
> > I fire Standard #112, #213 porcelain clay, and a few times
> > have slumped
> > glass.
> > The only thing different I started doing was using a
> > strontium glaze,
> > Pinnell's strontium matt, which I love, but I haven't used it in
> > several
> > months, and the elements still burn out. One of your factory men
> > suggested
> > I leave the peep holes open during firing, and I have done so
> > ever since.
> > Thanks again for your interest.
> > Sincerely,
> > Marjorie Ashcraft
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Arnold Howard"
> > To:
> > Sent: Thursday, July 11, 2002 9:01 AM
> > Subject: Re: Element burnout
> >
> >
> > > I'm sorry to hear about a Paragon kiln performing poorly.
> > >
> > > Do firing times gradually increase? Or do the elements fail
> > > suddenly?
> > >
> > > Do you replace the elements because of extended firing times,
> > or
> > > because they burned out? (In other words, do they wear out
> > > prematurely, or break?)
> > >
> > > If the elements are burning out, where are the breaks? At the
> > > element connectors? In the grooves?
> > >
> > > Do you have 208 or 240 volts?
> > >
> > > What materials do you fire?
> > >
> > > Sincerely,
> > >
> > > Arnold Howard
> > > Paragon Industries, Inc.
> > >
>
>
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Sign up for SBC Yahoo! Dial - First Month Free
> http://sbc.yahoo.com
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________
__
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
>
Arnold Howard on wed 17 jul 02
Something in the kiln atmosphere may be attacking the elements.
Does your kiln show signs of heavy corrosion and frequent
thermocouple failure?
What is the closest that you place ware near an element?
What is the average length of a firing?
Arnold Howard
Paragon
--- Marjorie Ashcraft wrote:
> Dear Arnold,
> To answer your recent questions: At first I thought your
> elements might
> have been made from defective wire, but the problem went on for
> years, and
> even changing to Euclid didn't help. Theirs burned out, too.
> And, no, I don't use dry kiln wash or sand on the shelves.
> I agree, there's always a reason for an action, but darned if
> I can
> figure out what it is.
> Keep thinking.
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Arnold Howard"
> To:
> Sent: Friday, July 12, 2002 10:59 AM
> Subject: Re: Element burnout
>
>
> > It is always possible that you have received elements made from
> > defective wire. But this would be rare for elements made from
> > different spools of wire over a period of years.
> >
> > Are you using a dry kiln wash or sand on the shelves? If so,
> are
> > particles of sand falling into the kiln when you remove the
> ware? I
> > have known of element failure from this cause.
> >
> > Is it possible that very fine particles of glaze are becoming
> > airborne inside the kiln?
> >
> > No matter how difficult the problem, I know there is a
> solution.
> >
> > Arnold Howard
> > Paragon
> >
> >
> >
> > --- Marjorie Ashcraft wrote:
> > > Arnold,
> > > Thanks so much for you immediate reply. To answer your
> > > questions:
> > > The firing times did not increase, as the elements failed
> > > suddenly,
> > > burning in two.
> > > They break at random places. Never the same place twice,
> > > always in the
> > > grooves, never at the connectors.
> > > I have regular household 220 volts, as with the range and
> > > microwave and
> > > dryer. The kiln has a separate line of its own.
> > > I replaced them because they burned in two.
> > > I fire Standard #112, #213 porcelain clay, and a few
> times
> > > have slumped
> > > glass.
> > > The only thing different I started doing was using a
> > > strontium glaze,
> > > Pinnell's strontium matt, which I love, but I haven't used it
> in
> > > several
> > > months, and the elements still burn out. One of your factory
> men
> > > suggested
> > > I leave the peep holes open during firing, and I have done so
> > > ever since.
> > > Thanks again for your interest.
> > > Sincerely,
> > > Marjorie Ashcraft
> > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > From: "Arnold Howard"
> > > To:
> > > Sent: Thursday, July 11, 2002 9:01 AM
> > > Subject: Re: Element burnout
> > >
> > >
> > > > I'm sorry to hear about a Paragon kiln performing poorly.
> > > >
> > > > Do firing times gradually increase? Or do the elements fail
> > > > suddenly?
> > > >
> > > > Do you replace the elements because of extended firing
> times,
> > > or
> > > > because they burned out? (In other words, do they wear out
> > > > prematurely, or break?)
> > > >
> > > > If the elements are burning out, where are the breaks? At
> the
> > > > element connectors? In the grooves?
> > > >
> > > > Do you have 208 or 240 volts?
> > > >
> > > > What materials do you fire?
> > > >
> > > > Sincerely,
> > > >
> > > > Arnold Howard
> > > > Paragon Industries, Inc.
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Autos - Get free new car price quotes
http://autos.yahoo.com
| |
|
