All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(590 products available)
A kiln used to fire or dry products in an uninterrupted sequence is known as a tunnel kiln. The raw items move in one direction, and the processed ones are in another. With the help of an external energy source, tunnel kilns provide consistent heating, which is useful when firing ceramics like tiles, pottery, bricks, and other materials. This feature assists businesses in producing large volumes of items efficiently and economically.
Tunnel kilns can be built in several distinct ways, which also gives rise to several distinct varieties of kilns, such as:
Single-Row Apparatus
This tunnel kiln style compresses the furnace walls while maintaining a wide side. Under 90 degrees, a green product is fed into the kiln, and a fired product is taken out. This configuration is typically employed in sectors that produce ceramic tile.
Multi-Row Apparatus
This tunnel kiln style employs parallel rows, each with its production process, and economizes on electricity usage. The configuration is ideal for large-scale industries that regularly produce an enormous amount of output.
Split-Row Apparatus
This device divides post arrangements. The pre-zero re-arrangement assists in increasing productivity, while the post-arrangement reduces heat loss. This configuration is also suitable for large-scale industries.
Multi-Tasking Apparatus
Besides firing, this device also enables drying. The kiln can accommodate both tasks simultaneously because of the split-flue gas channels and the inverse draft. With the help of this kind of kiln, firms can raise product output and conserve resources.
Besides the structure, there are also distinctions between the tunnel kilns' ways of using heat and transporting materials.
Thermal Transfer: Radiation
While the primary focus is on maintaining the kiln's temperature, the tunnel kiln takes advantage of the radiation from the items that were already burning.
Thermal Transfer: Conduction and Convection
This kiln uses conduction from hotter air flowing through the tunnel, which circulates normally or abnormally to heat the green items.
Material Transportation: Step
Like a stairway, an unconnected periodic item transfer method results in low heat loss. For extra isolation, water can be introduced into the steps.
Material Transportation: Continuous
Items are constantly transported, but heat loss is typical. Using a mantle or other type of insulation may help minimize heat loss.
Capacity:
The amount of material a kiln can hold, usually measured in tons per day. Bigger kilns can handle more material. For example, a tunnel kiln that can fire 100 tons of bricks every day would be bigger than one that only fires 50 tons.
Length:
The total distance from the entrance to the exit of the tunnel. Longer kilns can process more batches of bricks at the same time. A 200-meter-long tunnel is twice as long as one that is 100 meters. This gives it the ability to handle larger volumes of production.
Width:
The measurement across the tunnel from side to side. The width determines how many rows of bricks can fit inside. A kiln that is 5 meters wide can accommodate more carts of bricks compared to a 3-meter-wide kiln.
Temperature:
The maximum level of heat the kiln can reach when firing. Higher temperatures allow tougher materials to be made, like porcelain. An indication of temperature capabilities is that some tunnel kilns can heat up to 1,300 degrees Celsius.
Heating method:
Whether the kiln is heated by gas, electricity, coal, wood, or other fuels. The fuel used affects operating costs and emissions. For example, kilns that use natural gas are often cleaner and cheaper than those that burn heavy oil or coal.
Maintenance tips for tunnel kiln:
Regular inspections:
Employ trained staff to frequently monitor the system components' conditions, looking for issues such as corrosion, breakdowns, sealing failures, heating element damage, etc.
Timely repairs:
When abnormalities are found, quickly carry out investigations and fix the issues to prevent them from worsening, ensuring stable operation of the kiln.
Routine maintenance:
Regularly clean and lubricate the equipment. Follow the prescribed maintenance schedule and carry out the designated procedures.
Replacement of parts:
Regularly replace worn components and kiln parts to maintain the reliability and precision of the equipment.
Environmental control:
Ensure ventilation within the tunnel is good, controlling temperature and humidity to prevent decay and corrosion of the equipment.
Safety management:
Enhance safety management, ensuring operating procedures are followed, properly implementing safety measures to prevent accidents.
Tunnel kilns are widely used in various industries to produce different types of materials. Below are some usage scenarios meeting the requirements of the industries mentioning the focus primary keyword:
Brick and Ceramic Industry in China, India, and Africa
Tunnel kilns have been a game changer for the brick and ceramic industries in China, India, and Africa. No one disputes that fact. In these regions, these kilns are used to fire ceramic products like tiles, sanitary ware, tableware, and household ceramic items. What does the airflow system of the tunnel kiln do for this? It boosts productivity by efficiently processing large amounts of ceramics in one go.
Construction Industry in Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America
The construction industry in Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America relies on tunnel kilns to produce refractory bricks, structural bricks, and fired clay bricks. The durable bricks produced by tunnel kilns help create strong foundations, walls, and other crucial components of buildings. Thanks to the energy efficiency of tunnel kilns, it is now easier to meet the growing demands of the construction industry in these areas.
Artificial Jewelry Industry in Asia and Eastern Europe
Tunnel kilns are a key player in the production of artificial jewelry in the form of synthetic stones and diamonds. The jewelry industry in Asia and Eastern Europe uses tunnel kilns to create beautiful and affordable jewelry pieces that rival natural gemstones.
Production Capacity:
The maximum output capacity is one of the most apparent aspects to have an impact on the tunnel kiln price. Tunnnel kilns with bigger sizes can handle more materials at the same time, leading to greater output. This is suitable for businesses that have high demand and need to produce in large quantities. However, kilns with big capacities tend to cost more. Therefore, when selecting the correct kiln, it is important for buyers to consider their current output needs and also future development. It is necessary to choose a kiln that can meet production requirements but avoid overhead costs that are caused by excess capacity.
Energy Efficiency:
Energy efficiency is another important factor that will influence the tunnel kiln prices. High energy efficiency means the kiln consumes less energy to operate, which can significantly cut operating costs. However, kilns with high energy efficiency usually possess advanced features, such as recuperators, that recover waste heat, or intelligent controls that optimize energy use. These devices improve the energy-saving performance of the kiln but may increase the initial cost. When choosing a kiln, it is necessary to weigh the balance between energy efficiency, the reduction in operating costs, and the initial investment. It is also important to consider factors such as the payback period and long-term economic benefits of energy-saving features. Doing this can help to make a more informed decision.
Automation and Control System:
The level of automation and the sophistication of the control system will also have an impact on the tunnel kiln price. An automated kiln with an advanced control system can provide precise control over firing parameters, leading to more consistent product quality. In addition, such a kiln is easier to operate, requiring less manual intervention. However, kilns with this level of automation may have a higher price. Buyers need to think about their workforce capabilities and production needs. Combining these factors with budget constraints, buyers should carefully consider the degree of automation and control system required for the specific application. By doing this, a suitable and cost-effective solution can be chosen.
Design and Technology:
The design and technology of the tunnel kiln also affect the tunnel kiln price. Innovative designs and advanced firing technologies can improve the performance, such as energy efficiency, yield, and product quality. For example, some modern tunnel kilns are equipped with heat recovery systems that can recycle waste heat to reduce energy consumption. However, these advanced designs and technologies may result in a higher cost. Buyers need to understand the benefits brought by these new designs and technologies. In addition, it is important to assess whether these benefits are in line with specific production needs and application scenarios. A careful evaluation should be done before making a decision.
Q: What are the factors affecting the tunnel kiln price?
A: The tunnel kiln price varies considerably due to various factors. One of the major influencing factors is the size and capacity of the tunnel kiln. Bigger and higher-capacity tunnel kilns require more materials along with greater technical inputs, which eventually leads to a higher cost. The design of the tunnel kiln also affects the price. An efficient design that minimizes energy loss and maximizes production can result in cost savings for the user. The technology used in the tunnel kiln, such as automation and control systems, also influences the cost.
Q: What is the average price of a tunnel kiln?
A: The average price of a tunnel kiln generally starts from tens of millions and goes up to several hundred million.
Q: Which is the most popular tunnel kiln among buyers?
A: The most popular type of tunnel kiln among buyers is the ceramic kiln. It is because the ceramic industry heavily relies on effective tunnel kiln for pottery. The semiautomatic and automatic tunnel kilns are popular among buyers in China. This is because the automation of the kiln helps improve product consistency and reduce labor costs.
