Conveyor Kilns

Overview

Conveyor kilns, as the name suggests, conveys the load in a continuous operation through a thermal process.  The advantages of a continuous process  are realised in the ability to automate the material handling system of often fragile workpieces which require delicate handling. Conveyor kilns are conducive to multiple temperature zones individually controlled across the length of the kiln. This serves well for products which require pre-heating, a stepped heat firing profile and cooling. Such kilns allow for energy recovery from the cooling section and into the pre-heating section. Conveying can be in the form of wire mesh belts, roller hearths or trollies.

Wire Mesh Belt Kilns

Wire Mesh Belts are the most commonly supplied conveyor kilns due to their robust and reliable operation which has served the glass, heat treatment and baking industries for decades. Wire mesh belts are available in a wide range of materials, weaves and widths offering tremendous flexibility to match the client’s product requirements with the most suitable belt. Wire mesh belt kilns can operate at temperatures up to 1000C. 

Roller Hearth Kilns

Roller Hearth Kilns convey the load through the kiln by means of driven rollers. The load is either placed directly onto the rollers or they can be carried on ceramic tiles. Rollers can be individually driven allowing for variable speed of the load through the kiln. Roller Hearth kilns can operate at high temperatures in excess of 1400C. A disadvantage of Roller Hearth kilns lies in the fact that they have significantly more moving parts and a higher degree of maintenance as a result.

Trolley Kilns

Trollies are used to transport the load through the thermal process. The trolley bases are insulated and protect the wheels and drive system from the heat of the process. Trolley kilns are well suited to heavy loads which typically require a long firing cycles. Trolley kilns can operate at temperatures up to 1100C.