Energy lost in endothermic reactions in the production of clay blocks in a continuous kiln

In Ocaña, Norte de Santander, Colombia, the production of ceramic materials is done in a traditional and empirical manner, generating heat losses, low productivity and product quality, and increased emissions of polluting gases into the environment. A virtual instrument for temperature data acquisition was developed and the firing process was monitored in two loading doors of a Hoffman kiln. 29040 blocks were produced, and 1370.76 kg of pulverized charcoal were consumed. The firing process lasted sixty-two hours and the virtual instrument was programmed to record data every 5 minutes. The energy supplied to the brick kiln was 340.16x106 kJ and the heat due to loading of the products and heat lost in the endothermic reactions of the clay was 107.71x106 kJ and 105.71x106 kJ respectively, representing 31.66% and 31.08% of the energy supplied. The results have made it possible to establish trends in the temperatures and energy consumed in the endothermic reactions in the clay. This will allow the implementation of coal quality and grinding procedures, increasing energy efficiency, and reducing gas emissions into the environment, thus avoiding acute respiratory diseases.