Ipsen Ceramics Kilns

Periodic Furnaces

The periodic furnaces have temperature capabilities that range as high as 3100°F - 3200°F (1704° - 1760°C). The furnaces have controlled heating with the top soak temperature confirmed and set using an optical pyrometer. We have a variety of Periodic Kilns to accommodate both large and small batch operations.

Tunnel Kilns

The tunnel kiln temperatures range from 2000°F - 3000°F (1093°C - 1650°C) with anything outside this range requiring special adjustments. The tunnel kilns are currently operated in “index” mode (vs. continuous). In the index mode, a kiln car is pushed into the kiln at predetermined intervals. Push times can range from 3 hours to 16 hours. Depending on the kiln and the push time, total kiln residence time door to door can range from 24 hours to 5 or more days.

We are currently running four tunnel kilns. Three of the four tunnels have one heat zone of control. The fourth tunnel kiln has four zones of control to help meet your specifications.

The advantages of Tunnel Kilns include the ability to provide larger campaign runs with higher temperature requirements. Larger vessels and shapes can be accommodated by the wide range of kilns available.

Roller Hearths

Roller hearth kilns run on continuous cycles with precision firing controls to meet the most stringent profile requirements. These kilns can reach 2400°F (1316°C), with door to door time ranging from 90 minutes to 8 hours. Depending on the roller hearth, the “heat zone” is 40% or 60% of the kiln, the remainder being pre-heat and cooling areas.

The main advantages to the roller hearth are the uniformity and consistency of the fired product, responsiveness to processing and temperature changes, and short residence time.

Click to view our kilns used for custom firing.

Depending on the material to be calcined, ceramic saggers composed of alumina, mullite, cordierite or fused silica have been used.