A Study Toward Energy Saving in Brick Making: Part 1-Key Parameters for Energy Saving

Abstract

The state-of-the-art of brick making in Asia was studied and it was found that in many countries the industry is using energy inefficiently. Experiments determining the effects of firing temperature and firing time on the mechanical properties of the brick were carried out. The firing time does not affect the compressive strength and water absorption properties. Higher firing temperature increases the compressive strength but has no affect on the water absorption. It was found that the minimum firing temperature of clay-brick transformation is 600^oC. The specific energy is in the range of 569-966 kJ/kg brick for the firing temperature between 600 and 900^oC. The mechanical properties of four-hole hollow brick with different hole size were studied. The production of light brick (high area to mass ratio) is suggested in order to reduce the energy consumption without significant loss of mechanicals.