Question

Compare clamp-burning with kiln-burning.

Answer 1

Comparison # Clamp-Burning:

1. Capacity:

About 20000 to 100000 bricks can be prepared at a time.

2. Cost of Fuel:

Low as grass, cow dung, litter, etc. may be used.

3. Initial Cost:

Very low as no structures are to be built.

4. Quality of Bricks:

The percentage of good quality bricks is small about 60% or so.

5. Regulation of Fire:

It is not possible to control or regulate fire during the process of burning.

6. Skilled Supervision:

Not necessary throughout the process of burning.

7. Structure:

Temporary structure.

8. Suitability:

Suitable when bricks are to be manufactured on a small scale and when the demand of bricks is not continuous.

9. Time of Burning and Cooling:

It requires about 2 to 6 months for burning and cooling of bricks.

10. Wastage of Heat:

There is considerable wastage of heat from top and sides and hot flue gas is not properly utilized.

Comparison # Kiln-Burning:

1. Capacity:

Average 25000 bricks can be prepared per day.

2. Cost of Fuel:

Generally high as coal dust is to be used.

3. Initial Cost:

More as permanent structures are to be constructed.

4. Quality of Bricks:

The percentage of good quality bricks is more about 90% or so.

5. Regulation of Fire:

The fire is under control throughout the process of burning.

6. Skilled Supervision:

The continuous skilled super­vision is necessary.

7. Structure:

Permanent structure.

8. Suitability:

Suitable when bricks are to be manufactured on a large scale and when there is continuous demand of bricks.

9. Time of Burning and Cooling:

Actual time for burning of one chamber is about 24 hours and only about 12 days are required for cooling of bricks.

10. Wastage of Heat:

The hot flue gas is used to dry and pre-heat raw bricks. Hence the wastage of heat is the least.