DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A LPG POWERED BARREL KILN FOR CERAMIC FIRING
Amos, Oluwaseun Esther and Adiyelodja, Tobiloba Ibrahim, Volume 7 Issue 1, 2025 Pages 79-87, Published: 2025-10-27
Abstract
In the quest for sustainable ceramics firing process, the usage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has emerged as a promising solution to the process of transforming clay to durable and functional ceramic products. The study sets out to explore the use LPG and it effectiveness in a barrel kiln for ceramics firing. For the study, data was collected after firing the ceramics works for a period of ten (10) hours, in which the pieces came out perfectly fired with little recorded losses/damages to them. The barrel kiln was made from repurposed 55-gallon steel drum, refractory insulation (mortar) made up of kaolin, clay and sodium silicate in a ratio of 6:3:1. It also comprised of refractory bricks arranged in circular manner in the pattern of the drum for effective thermal circulation and heat distribution. The LPG system comprised of a burner which helped to enhance the air to fuel mixture for complete combustion not forgetting control valves for safety measures. The kiln had a pyrometer with a digital data display for real-time temperature monitoring to enhance the quality and energy efficiency of the firing process. The research results revealed that use of LPG proved to be a better option due to its cleaner combustion and high energy output. Also, the use of the barrel drum proved to be cost-effective and readily available. Findings from the study underscore the fact that the LPG-powered barrel kiln reached target temperatures within a reduced timeframe compared to conventional kilns. In conclusion, the study indicated that an LPG-powered barrel kiln is a feasible and efficient alternative for ceramics firing. The design effectively balances cost, performance, and safety, making it a promising option for sustainable ceramic production.