Numerical simulations of ceramic firing in catenary kilns

Abstract

Kiln geometries were developed to reach homogeneous temperatures above 900 °C, during the firing process, aiming to improve the production process of the ceramists from Vale do Jequitinhonha (MG/Brazil). Techniques of reactive flow numerical solution using the software Ansys CFX have been used to foresee the behavior of the firings. Two types of catenary geometries, simple and robust, were studied, capable of being easily reproduced. The firewood used as an energy source in the current kilns and the developed ones, in this research project, favored the control of the kiln's atmosphere during the firing, beyond being a source found with easiness for the ceramists. The results of the numerical simulations demonstrated the energy efficiency of the kilns and the level of temperature reached. Knowing well thermal and gas dynamic behavior, some parameters of the burning could be improved, aiming for a better quality of used ceramics.