Wood Firing Kiln Project 1998
Wood Firing Kiln Project 1998
The design principles employed are from Daniel Rhodes' and Fred Olsen's kiln books.
- A cube is the best all purpose shape for a kiln.
- The chamber shape is determined by heat direction and ease of flame movement
to allow a natural flow.
- A specific amount of grate area is needed for natural draft (firebox or fuel
combination area) depending upon the fuel used. For WOOD: 10X greater than the horizontal
section of the chimney (inlet flues must be equal to exit flues).
- The taper of chimney controls the rate of draft.
- There should be 3 feet of chimney to every foot of downward pull, plus 1 foot
of chimney to every 3 feet horizontal pull.
- A square chimney width is approximately 1/4 to 1/5 of the square chamber width.
- A tall chimney increases velocity inside the firing chamber. Too high a chimney
can cause irregular heating by pulling the heat out of the kiln. Too short a
chimney can protract the firing.
- Critical areas of a kiln should be planned and built to be altered easily.
"Bigger is better."
High altitude adjustments are necessary and appropriate for consideration because the studio
is at 5600 feet above sea level, an elevation where the oxygen per cubic foot of
air is decreased.
- Design the kiln according to standard principles then make altitude
adjustments.
- Increase the chimney dianeter by 50% (In the closest brick laying combination).
- Increase the inlet and exit flues by 50%.
- Increase the chimney height by 30%.
- It is not necessary to increase the grate area as it is more oxygen and
not more fuel that is needed.
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Copyright 1998
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