Improvements in Kilns for Burning Bricks or the like.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 10th Dec., 1895
Complete Specification Left, 10th Sept., 1896-Accepted, 14th Nov., 189€
"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Kilns for Burning Bricks or the like.
We, THOMAS SMART, of Trent Bridge, Contractor, and CHARLES BENNETT,
of Barnsdale House, Woodborough Road, Brick Maker, both in the Borough of
Nottingham, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates more particularly to improvements in what are known as
semi-continuous or continuous kilns for burning bricks, tiles, or the like.
In a kiln for burning on the serni-continuous system, we preferably form the kiln
rectangular in plan and subdivide it into any suitable number of chambers or com-
partments according to the size of the kiln, by transverse walls, the width of cach
chamber being preferably less than its length the latter being preferably transversely
to the length of and equal to the width of the kiln. Each chamber is arched over
preferably by arches springing from the divided walls, except in the case of the
two end chambers in which the outer span of each arch springs from the end walls
of the kiln.
An opening or wicket is formed in both ends of each chamber so that they may
be charged on one side of the kiln, and emptied on the other, the said wickets being
closed in the usual manner during the process of burning.
At the firing end of the kiln, fireplaces are formed in the lower part of the end
wall, proportionate in number according to. the width of the kiln, and the
products of combustion from these fires is delivered into the first chamber
through a corresponding number of openings near the floor of the chamber.
Corresponding openings are formed in each divisional wall so that the process
may be continued from one chamber to another until the last chamber in the kiln
is reached.
t
In the interior of the first chamber and a short distance from the openings for
the admission of the products of combustion from the fireplaces, is a wall placed
parallel to the end wall, this wall is carried to a suitable height and a similar wall
is placed on the corresponding side. of each divisional wall, so that the products of
combustion are first deflected to the top of each chamber and descend through the
bricks to the outlets into the next chamber or into the flues which latter are
arranged as hereinafter described.
In some cases the wall or deflector may be formed with openings at suitable
points. On each side of and preferably beneath the level of the ground is a
longitudinal flue extending the whole length of the kiln, these two flues are in
communication with a chimney stack which is placed preferably at that end of the
kiln opposite to the firing end.
Each chamber is connected to both longitudinal flues, by a transverse flue passing
under the floor of each chamber, these transverse flues are divided in the centre by
a fixed partition or adjustable damper, and openings are formed in the floor of each
chamber which communicate with the transverse flues. The number of openings
into each transverse flue preferably corresponds to the number of openings in the
divisional wall and are preferably placed in line with these openings and close to
the outlet side of the chamber.
Each end of the, chamber is thus in communication with the longitudinal flue
on the corresponding side of the kiln, and to equalize the heat all over each
chamber, the openings from the chambers into the transverse Blues may, be

page_text: reduced in size towards the middle of each chamber, and a corresponding reduction
may be made in the flues.
At both ends of each transverse flue is a damper arranged below the wickets
or openings, the position of the latter being placed so as to permit of this
arrangement. In addition to these dampers, butterfly dampers may be placed
in the longitudinal flues between each transverse flue or every two or more.
The above arrangement of flues is used mainly for the process of burning, but
in order to provide means for drying green bricks or extracting steam either
independently of or in conjunction with the process of burning we preferably
construct one or more longitudinal flues above the chambers, each chamber is
connected by lateral flues passages, or openings, to the longitudinal flue or flues
the said flues or openings being provided with dampers in order that communication
with each chamber may be opened or closed as required.
The end of the upper longitudinal flue or flues may be connected to a vertical
shaft placed preferably near the chimney stack, in the upper end of this shaft is
an exhaust fan driven by power, the lower end of the said shaft is also connected
by branch flues to the lower longitudinal flues. The whole of the communications
with the vertical shaft are provided with dampers, so that the fan may be used in
connection with the upper or lower longitudinal flues or both as required. By
means of the exhaust fan and the upper longitudinal flue atmospheric air may in
favourable weather be drawn through any of the charged chambers in order to dry
green bricks, independently of the operation of burning which may be proceeding
in any of the remaining chambers.
A pilot fire or fires may be also used for this purpose, the said fires being placed
in the wickets, or in suitable fireplaces formed in the end walls of each chamber
provided with flues conveniently placed for delivering the products of combustion
into the chamber.
In some cases if preferred in addition to the two lower longitudinal flues at the
sides, one or more may be employed passing up the middle of the kiln, and part of
the openings in the floor of each chamber be connected to each flue, or the
number of flues may be equal to the number of the openings in the chambers,
and the said openings be fitted with dampers so that the draught in each
part of the chamber may be regulated as required as the process of burning
proceeds.
In a continuous kiln of circular form in plan, the radial division walls are formed
with openings and the heated gases are first deflected to the upper part of each
chamber by a wall as in the arrangement previously described.
In this form of kilns we preferably employ one lower main circular flue arranged
on the inner part of the kiln, which is connected to the whole of the chambers by
radial branch Blues passitig under the floor of each chamber. Openings are formed
in the floor of each chamber, communicating with the radial branch flues, but in
this case the size of the openings are preferably gradually increased towards the
outer and widest part of the chamber.
If preferred a second lower flue may be arranged on the outer part of the kiln,
and the radial 'branch flues be carried into this flue and be divided in the same
"manner as described in reference to the semi-continuous kiln, and the arrangement
of the dampers may be the same.
Above the chambers is a main circular flue which is connected to the upper part
of the whole of the chambers by radial branch flue provided with dampers, this
'main flue is connected to an exhaust fan and is used for the same purpose as the
upper flue in the semi-continuous kiln.
The lower flue or flues may also in this case be connected to the exhaust fan as
well as the chimney stack, dampers being provided' for shutting off the connection
as desired.
In a continuous kiln formed of two parallel sets of rectangular chambers
"connected at the ends by radial chambers, the general construction and arrange-
tment of the rectangular chambers may be the same as that described for the

page_text: semi-continuous kiln, and that for the radial chambers the same as that described
for the continuous circular kiln, the number of flues employed being equal
throughout.
Dated this 10th day of T100
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicants.
Improvements in Kilns for Burning Bricks or the like.
We, THOMAS SMART, of Trent Bridge, Contractor, and CHARLES BENNETT,
of Barnsdale House, Woodboro' Road, Brick Maker, both in the Borough of
Nottingham, do hereby declare the nature of this invention, and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement :-
This invention relates more particularly to improvements in what are known
as semi-continuous or continuous kilns for burning bricks, tiles, or the like.
The invention will be best understood by reference to the accompanying drawings
in which :-
Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the two ends of a semi-continuous kiln constructed
according to our invention, the end shown at the right being in section.
Fig. 2 is a plan of the two ends of the kiln shown in Fig. 1, the end shown at
the left being in section.
Fig. 3 is a cross section taken on the line X X of Fig. 1, and
Fig. 4 an end elevation of the firing end of the kiln.
Like letters indicate like parts throughout the drawings.
In a kiln for burning on the semi-continuous system, the kiln is preferably formed
rectangular in plan, and is subdivided into a suitable number of chambers or
compartments A according to the size of the kiln, by transverse divisional walls B.
The width of each chamber A is preferably less than its length, the latter being
preferably transversely to the length of and equal to the width of the kiln as
shown.
Each chamber A is arched over by arches springing from the divisional walls B,
except in the case of the two end chambers in which the outer springings rise from
the end walls C of the kiln.
Openings or wickets C are formed in both ends of each chamber so that they
may be charged on one side of the kiln, and emptied on the other side, the said
wickets being closed in the usual manner during the process of burning.
At the firing end of the kiln fireplaces E (Figs. 2 and 4) are formed in the lower
part of the end wall C. the number being proportionate to the width of the kiln,
and the products of combustion from these fireplaces are delivered into the first.
chamber A. through openings F near the floor of the chamber, each of the said
openings being formed at the back of a fireplace.
Corresponding openings F are also formed in each divisional wall B so that the
products of combustion may pass from one chamber to another, and the process of
burning be continued from one end of the kiln to the other.
In the interior of each chamber A, and a short distance froin the openings F,
is a bridge or wall G placed parallel to the end wall C in the first chamber, and
the divisional wall B in the remaining chambers. These bridges G are carried to
a suitable height and the space between each bridge and wall may be divided
by walls G (Figs. 1 and 2) placed between each of the openings F. The
bridges G may also be formed with openings G (Figs. 2 and 3) in order to
allow part of the products of combustion to pass straight across the chamber.
By means of the bridge. G the main portion of the products of combustion as

page_text: they enter each chamber A through the openings F, are deflected towards the top
of the said chamber, and descend through the bricks to the openings F into the
next chamber, or into the flues which are arranged as follows:-
On each side of the kiln, and preferably below the level of the floor of the
chambers A, are two main longitudinal flues H H extending the whole length
of the kiln, these flues are in communication with a chimney stack I placed
preferably at that end of the kiln which is opposite to the firing end.
Each chamber A is connected to both of the main flues H H by a transverse
flue J, passing under the floor of each chamber, the said flues being divided in the
centre by a wall or damper. J'.
The flues J are each connected to openings J' in the floor of its corresponding
chamber by dust pits (Figs. 1 and 3.) which are carried down the side of the
flue J. The dust pits J'are connected to the flue J by openings J' in the side of
the flue, the said openings being formed at the upper part of the flue and dust pit,
so that the bottom of the latter forms a receptacle for any dust which falls through
the opening J¹.
The number of the openings J preferably corresponds to the number of and
position of the openings F in the divisional walls, and the former are preferably
placed in line with the latter and close to the outlet side of the chamber.
Each end of each of the chambers A is thus in communication with the main
flue H on the corresponding side of the kiln, and to equalize the heat, the size of
the openings J' may be varied in different parts of the length of the chamber, in
order to equalize the heat throughout as nearly as possible.
At both ends of each transverse flue J is a damper K (Fig. 2.) arranged below
the wickets or openings C¹, the position of the latter being such as to permit of
this arrangement.
In addition to these dampers K, a butterfly or other suitable damper K³ may
be placed in the main flues H H between each transverse flue, or every two
or more.
The above described arrangement of flues is used mainly in the process of
burning, but in order to provide means for drying green bricks or extracting
steam either independently of or in conjunction with the process of burning,
we preferably employ one or more longitudinal flues placed above the chambers A.
As shown in the drawings one flue L, which may be constructed of metal, is
employed for this purpose.
The flue L is carried up the middle of the kiln and is connected to each
chamber A by openings L (Figs. 1 and 3.); these openings may be closed by
covers L' on the interior of the flue, openings L in the flue L being provided to
admit of access to the covers L. Dampers L' of suitable construction may also
be placed between each opening L'.
If preferred the flue L may be formed with lateral branches which are
connected by means of openings at different parts in their length, to the
chambers A.
The end of the flue L is connected to a vertical shaft or chamber M placed
preferably near the chimney stack I, and in the upper end of this shaft or
chamber M is an exhaust fan M' (Fig. 1.) driven by power. The lower end of the
shaft or chamber M is also connected by branch flues H'H' to the main flues H H ;
these branch flues H₁ H' are provided with dampers N. N.; the flues H H are
also provided with dampers N' N¹ placed near the chimney stack I so that the
exhaust fun M¹ may be used in connection with the upper flue L or the lower main
Hlue H, or both as required.
By means of the exhaust fan M' and the upper flue L, atmospheric air may, in
favourable weather, be drawn through any of the charged chambers in order to
dry green bricks or cool burnt bricks, independently of the operation of burning
which may be proceeding in any of the remaining chambers.
For example the process of burning may be carried on in the first and second
chambers by means of the lower flues H H, whilst the upper flue L may be

page_text: .connected to any of the other chambers, and air may be drawu through this.
chamber by means of the flue and openings in the wickets.
A pilot fire or fires may also be used for this purpose, the said fires being placed
in the wickets or in suitable fireplaces formed in the end walls of each chamber,.
provided with flues conveniently placed for delivering the products of combustion
into the requisite parts of the chamber.
In some cases
preferred, in addition to the two lower main longitudinal flues
at the sides, one or more may be employed passing up the middle of the kiln, and
part of the openings in the floor of each chamber be connected to each flue, or
the number of Alues may be equal to the number of openings in the chambers, and
the said flue he fitted with dampers so that the draught in each part of the chamber
may be regulated as required as the process of burning proceeds.
In a continuous kiln of circular form in plan, the radial divisional walls are-
formed with openings and the heated gases are first deflected to the upper part.
of each chamber by a bridge or wall as in the arrangement previously described. .
In this form of kiln we preferably employ one lower main circular flue arranged
on the inner part of the kiln which is connected to the whole of the chambers by
radial branch flues passing under the floor of each chamber.
Openings are formed in the floor of each chamber communicating with the radial
branch flues, but in this case the size of the openings are preferably gradually
increased towards the outer and widest part of the chamber.
If preferred a second lower main flue may be arranged on the outer part of
the kiln, and the radial branch flues be carried into this flue and be divided in the
same manner as described in reference to the semi-continuous kiln, and the
arrangement of the dampers may be the same.
Above the chamber is a main flue which is connected to the upper part of the
whole of the chambers by radial branch flues provided with dampers, this main
flue is connected to an exhaust shaft or chamber provided with a fan, and is used
for the same purpose as the upper flue in the semi-continuous kiln.
The lower flue or flues may also in this case be connected to the exhaust shaft
or chamber as well as the chimney stack, dampers being provided for cutting off
the connection as desired.
In a continuous kiln formed of two parallel sets of rectangular chambers.
connected at the ends by radial chambers, the general construction and arrange-
ment of the rectangular chambers may be the same as that described for the-
semi-continuous kiln, and that for the radial chambers the same as that described
for the continuous circular kiln, the number of flues being equal throughout.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is
1. In a semi-continuous or continuous kiln, the combination with a chamber such
as A, formed with inlet and outlet openings F in the divisional or side walls B of
a transverse flue such as J which is connected to openings J' in the floor of
the chamber A and to the chimney I by one or more main flues H substantially as
described.
2. In a semi-continuous or continuous kilo, the combination with a chamber such
as A formed with inlet and outlet openings F in the divisional or side walls B of
a transverse flue such as J connected to openings J' in the floor of the chamber A
the size of the said openings being regulated so as to equalize the heat throughout
the chamber substantially as described.
3. In a semi-continuous or continuous kiln, the combination with a chamber
such as A formed with inlet and outlet openings F in the divisional or side walls B.
of a transverse flue such as J connected to openings J in the floor of the
chamber A and two main longitudinal flues H H communicating with the chimney
stack I, substantially as described.
4. In a semi-continuous or continuous kiln, the combination with a chamber A.

page_text: formed with inlet and outlet openings in the divisional or side walls B of a brilge G
formed with openings such as G' substantially as described.
5. In a semi-continuous or continuous kiln, the combination with a flue such
as J below the level of the chamber A of a dust pit such as J connected to an
opening J in the floor of said chamber, and to the flue J by an opening J* sub-
stantially as described.
6. In a semi-continuous or continuous kiln, the combination with a chamber such
as A of an upper flue such as L connected to the said chamber a shaft or chamber
such as M and exhaust fan M¹ substantially as described.
7. In a semi-continuous or continuous kiln, the combination with a chamber
such as A a transverse flue such as J connected to openings Jin said chamber
main flues H H for connecting the flue J to the chimney stack I and an upper
flue L connected to an exhaust shaft or chamber M substantially as described.
8. In a semi-continuous or continuous kiln, the combination with a lower flue such
as H and a chimney stack I in communication there with, of a flue such as L chamber
or shaft M in communication with both the flues H and L and exhaust fan M¹
substantially as described.
9. In a semi-continuous or continuous kiln, the combination with a transverse flue
such as J main flue such as H H and branch flues H' H' upper flue such as L
chamber or shaft M in communication with flues H H and L, exhaust fan M¹ and
dampers N N for closing the communication between the flues H H and chambers M
so that the exhaust fan M' may be used in connection with the lower or upper flue,
substantially as described.
10. The combination and arrangement of parts constituting the complete kiln,
substantially as described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 9th day of September 1896.
THOMAS SMART.
CHAS. BENNETT.
Boult & Wade,
Agents for the Applicants.