Analyzing the Performance of Ceramic Kiln by Using Thermal Image Technique for Reducing Energy Costs
The aim of this research was to find a way to reduce energy costs by using thermal image techniques for investigating the thermal efficiency of ceramic furnaces. The case study was “Ban Nam Jo Ceramic”. The researchers collected the information by performing an in-depth interview at the research area, collecting preliminary data and using the thermal camera in the technical analysis part. The researchers also measured the temperature and volume of gas in the furnace. After that, those data were used to calculate the energy balance and the thermal efficiency of ceramic kilns. The data showed that the first measured furnace had calculated thermal efficiency of 9.99%. After the maintenance, the thermal efficiency increased to 16.64%. Furthermore, the volume of liquid petroleum gas decreased by 40%, and the damage in products after firing decreased by 3 %.