The chart below demonstrates the speed of the kiln, as it goes from 1100 degrees F to 1800F in three minutes:
Left scale is degrees F, bottom scale is minutes
The energy analysis will be performed in several ways. Samples will be fired containing 50 percent coarse glass as the grog. After firing, the samples will be tested for absorption. Absorption will be used as the initial test for brick efficacy. The firing profile using the minimum amount of energy to make a brick with absorption less than 5 percent will be developed through repeated testing. Bricks fired using this minimum profile will then be tested for flexure strength as the final test for brick functionality.
Energy will be calculated for kiln consumption at the minimum profile. Then the kiln will be run empty at the same profile. The difference will be the amount of energy consumed by the brick during firing.
Parallel tests will be run using conventional brick grog in place of the glass. The energy required to make a brick using grog will be derived in the same manner.