earlk on wed 21 dec 05
I have noticed on a couple of the pictures Lee Love
has posted, and on industrial kiln websites, that some
kiln manufacturers don't use coil elements like
most of us are familiar with. Instead they use
serpentine heavy elements shaped like springs in an
overstuffed chair.
(crude 2D depiction U^U^U^U^U^U^U )
These are attached to the inside wall of the kiln with
no recesses cut in the bricks. It would appear to me
that this design has several advantages:
- Better radiation of energy since there is no shading
of the elements by being recessed into the bricks.
- Less chance of element hot-spots since they are
more exposed and there is less chance of brick chips
lodging against the element.
- Heavier guage elements would last longer.
- No need to cut recesses in bricks; lower labor cost in
manufacture.
But there are some disadvantages as well:
- Elements are more exposed to damage when loading
and unloading kiln.
- Glaze spatters more likely to land on element and
cause deterioration.
- Heavier guage elements may cost more.
Has anyone built, or retrofit, a kiln with elements of this
type? Any other pros, cons, experiences or comments?
Thanks...
earlk
bothell, wa, usa
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