US2277764A - Brick treating method and apparatus therefor - Google Patents

Description

Marh 31, 1942. G. B. Kls'siNGER BRICK TREATING METHOD AND APPARATUS THEREFOR Filed Nov. 2, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 March 31, 1942. G. B. KlsslNGER 2,277,764

BRICK TREATING METHOD AND APPARATUS THEREFOR Filed Nov. 2, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 gmc/MM l @raya Mull/yar Patented Mar. 31, 1942 BRICK TREATING METHOD AND APPARATUS THEREFOR George B. Kissinger, Takoma Park, Md. Application November 2, 1936, Serial No. 108,893

Claims.

The present invention relates to improved kilns and methods of loading, unloading and using the same. More particularly the present invention relates to novel portable kilns for treating ceramic or analogous materials and methods of using the same.

Kilns of the above mentioned character, now in general use, consist of large stationary structures adapted to be loaded and unloaded by workmen entering suitable doors provided in the kiln walls. As a consequence considerable handling of the materials and long cooling periods are necessary in order to load the same. To illustrate, the present practice, where the material `treated is brick, requires the transportation of green brick in cars to the buyer, a building consisting of heated chambers, then to the kiln floor where the products are set for burning. Unloading the kiln necessitates placing the finished product on cars or wheelbarrows and transported to storage or delivery trucks. It will be appreciated that extension trackway systems and numerous cars sides in providing a kiln having a light weight steel frame work and spaced light weight insulating lining blocks for preventing radiation of the heat.

A further object of the present invention re- Y sides in providing a kiln formed `by mating semil embodying the present invention and showing and workmen are required in a plant where a considerable volume of brick is manufactured.

Furthermore, since the green brick is relatively soft, a kiln cannot be filled entirely at one time. 1"-

As a consequence, the lling of a kiln must be carried out in stages, that is to say a first layer of brick is deposited in the kiln after it has been treated in a dryer where it is stored until it is dry and hard enough to handle without injury to the product. This necessitates a building, underground flues, stacks, tracks, cars and other materials that are subject to repair at all times and is an expense that materially adds to the cost of production. In addition to this cost it requires extra labor charges to operateA and maintain.

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a kiln structure permitting the proper stacking and drying of the green brick in a much shorter time while eliminating the extensive trackways, the numerous cars and the prolonged drying periods.

A further important object of the present invention resides in the provision of a kiln structure which enables the burning of a maximum number of brick with the smallest number of kilns and re boxes.

A still further object of the present invention resides in the provision of a portable kiln which enables the loading and unloading operations to take place in the open without resorting to frequent rehandling of the brick.

Another object of the present invention rethe kilns of the present invention disposed yin operative relation with respect to the well known flue connections and the novel arrangement of circulating fans used in the present invention.

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic sectional view through one of the kilns illustrated in Figure 1 showing the manner in which the green brick is loaded in the kiln.

Figure 3 is a side elevational view in partial section showing a kiln constructed in accordance with the present y invention.

Figure 4 is a plan View of the kiln shown in Figure 3.

lFigures 5 and 6 are detailed sectional views showing the novel manner of securing the insulating lining to the steel frame work of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a fragmental view disclosing a damper structure designed to permit chemical treatment of brick to provide ash brick or the like.

With continued reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals are used to designate the same parts throughout the several figures, the numerals II] and II indicate the well known double, circular flue structure utilized to obtain proper circulation of the hot kiln gases and the compact arrangement of the several kilns. In this connection, it is to be understood that flues ID and I I are superposed in the usual manner, the illustration in Figure 1 being resorted to for the sake of clearness.

Suitable dampers I2 and I3 are located one above the other in their respective ues I I) and II for controlling the passage of the hot gases through the lues. Exhaust fans I4, preferably four in number located at approximately 90 intervals around ues III and II, are connected to ues I6 and Il by means of conduits I5 and I6. Dampers I1 and I1a in conduits I5 and I6 control the passage of gases from fans I4 to ues l and II, respectively. Each fan I4 is provided with an outlet stack I8 and a louvre I9 which is adapted to admit cool air and water into fans I4 for tempering the hot waste gases circulated thereby. Fans I4 are designed to circulate the waste gases through flues I6 and II in a manner to be hereinafter described.

Suitable dampers are provided for closing stacks I8 of fans I4. Dampers I2, I3, I1 and I1a are adjustable so that the circulation of the gases may be readily controlled at any point around flues I0 and II.

A plurality of kiln stations 2| are provided around ues I6 and II. Stations 2i are preferably equally spaced around flues I0 and II and are alternately disposed with respect thereto. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, fifteen stations spaced at approximately 20 intervals around flues I and II are provided. As seen in Figure 1, a substantial space is left between the lowermost stations 2I, this space being taken up by a loading conveyor 22 for feeding green material to the center of the stations and a shiftable conveyor 22a designed to supply green material to stations 2I. The conveyor 22a, as shown in dotted lines in Figure l, may be brought kiln stations shown, as hereinafter pointed out.

, for the end half wall sections 32 of each semikiln unit 33 and as a consequence only one will be described in detail. Section 28, includes a pair of spaced vertical I-beams 34 preferably of steel. I-beams 34 are interconnected adjacent their upper ends by a relatively short horizontal steel I-beam 35. A pair of vertical U-frame members into operative relation with each of the stations for the purpose of loading the green material. Due to this novel structure any kiln may be loaded at any time since the conveyor 22a, may be brought into the desired position irrespective of the position of the kiln to be loaded. Any suitable conveyor structure capable of operating in the above described manner may be used.

Each station 2I is provided with conduits 23 and 24 each of which is connected to flues II) and II, and to the center and periphery of the sta- 4 tions 2|. Suitable adjustable dampers 25 and 26 control the passage of gases through conduit 23 from the flues I0 and II to stations 2|. Damper 25 controls the passage of the gases in conduit 23 to or from the center of the stations 2I and damper 26 controls the passage of the gases in conduit 23 to or from the periphery of the stations 2I. Dampers I2 and I3 disposed in iiues I0 and II adjacent dampers 25 and 26 permit the gases in ues I0 and I I to be directed past dampers 25 or 26 or into conduit 23 in accordance with the desired manner of flow. Dampers 25a and 26a connected in the same manner as corresponding dampers 25 and 26 control the passage of gases from flues I0 and II through conduit 24 while the previously described dampers I2 and I3 which are located between dampers 25 and 25a and 26 and 26a respectively permit the gases to be directed past members 25a and 26a or into conduit 24 as may be desired.

As heretofore pointed out, the present invention provides fifteen kiln stations each of which, in the practice of the present improved method of use, functions successively as a loading station, a drying station, a water-smoking station, a preheating station, a burning station, a cooling station and an unloading station. In order to more eiiiciently utilize stations 2I in the several different capacities mentioned, the present invention provides novel portable kiln structures 21. Only twelve kilns 21 are required in the fifteen 36 are disposed in spaced relation on opposite sides of I-beams 34. Members 35 adjacent their upper ends are connected to I-beams 34 by I- beams 35 identical to the I-beams 35 previously described. `As seen in Figure 3, members 36 of adjacent sectionsA 28 are in abutting engagement in order that adjacent wall sections 28 may be intimately joined together. Short I-beams 31 interconnect I-beams 34 and frame members 36 as seen in Figure 7. I-beams 31, as seen in Figure 3 are of slightly less depth than I-beams 35 for a purpose that will presently appear. The ends of I- beams 35 and 31 are preferably welded to I-beams 34 and frame members 36, although any other suitable connection may be employed The lower ends of I-beams 34 and members 36 are interconnected by a U-frame member 38 which is disposed with its flat surface facing downwardly. The upper ends of I-beams 34 and members 36 are interconnected by a U-frame member 39, the longitudinal flanges of which are vertically offset so as to cause its flat surface 40 to slope downwardly away from the outer exposed face of I-beam 34. The slope of surface 4D may assume any desired angle, but a 45 angle as illustrated is preferably used.

A fiat sheet steel plate 4I is secured to the outer exposed faces of I- beams 34, 35 and 31 and frame members 36, 38 and 39 by bolt and nut assemblies 42 including compressible washers 43 adapted to permit expansion and contraction of the joints as the temperature in kiln 21 is raised and lowered. Plate 4I is provided with a re arch 44 which extends upwardly from the fiat surface of U-member 38 to a point just below I-beams 35. In order that arch 44 will be unobstructed at the bottom the upwardly extending anges 45 of member 38 are omitted between the I-beams 34. The vertical edges 46 and 41 of plates 4I on adjacent sections 28 overlap each other as seen in Figures 4 and 5.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention four wall sections 28 are placed in position with their frame members 36 in mating engagement. Bolts 48 are provided with compressible washers 49 and nuts 5I are utilized to secure the sections together in such a manner that the necessary expansion of the sections may take place. The edges of the end sections 28 are then provided with a half wall section 32 which is formed in the same manner as a half of wall section 28. The exposed edge 52 of section 32 is formed by a U-frame member 53.

The complete vertical wall of kiln 21 is formed by placing the frame members 53 of semi-kiln units 33 in abutting engagement and securing them together by expansion bands 54 and 55. Bands 54 preferably take the form of short sections 56 having integral outwardly extending flanges 51 formed at their opposite ends. Flanges 51 vof adjacent sections 56 are connected together in such .a manner that expansion is permitted between the ends of the adjacent sections.

Expansion band 55 is made up of short sections S like those previously described and sections 58 having flanges 59 at their ends. One flange 59 is connected to ange 51 of section 56 in the same manner previously described in connection with flanges 51 while the other flange 59 is adapted to be connected to removable re boxes 6| or to re arch doors 62 when fire boxes 6| are not in place.

As seen in Figures 3 and 4, wall sections 29 which are identical are formed by members 65 of a .length equal to that of members 39 of sections 28 and spaced parallelmembers 86 approximately half the length of .members 65. The ends of members 65 and 88 are connected by U-shaped frame members 61 and the outer exposedsurfaces are covered with steel plates 68. Members 65 and 86 of adjacent sections 29 and 3| are in abutting engagement so that members 39 and 65 may be secured in intimate jointed relationship and members 6B may likewisebe connected to members 68 of sections 3|. Since members 66 are shorter than members 65, sections 29 are wedgeshaped, the smaller end being disposed nearest the center of kiln 21. Suitable bolts similar to bolts 48 secure sections 29 to sections 21. Half sections 69 made up like half of a section 29 are provided for connection to sections 32 of the vertical kiln wall. Sections 69 are provided with centrally disposed U-shaped, frame members 1| corresponding to frame members 53 of sections 32.

Sections 3| are formed in exactly the same manner as sections 29, the only difference being that the parallel U-shaped frame members are shorter, i. e., the longest member 65 is exactly equal to member 86 of section 29 and the shorter member 12 is materially shorter. U-frame members 61 interconnecting the ends of members 86 and 12 and plates 68 complete sections 3|. Sections 3| are connected to sections 29 by bolts similar to bolts |58 in a manner that will be clearly understood.

As a consequence, sections 3| appear as extensions of sections 29 when viewed from above, as seen in .Figure 4, and extend nearly into abutting relation with each other at the center of kiln .21. The small space left between members 12 or sections 3| is closed by a plug-like member 13. Member 13, due to the fact that ten wall sections 28, 29 and 3| are used in the illustrated embodiment of the invention is of a decagonal shape. Member 13 is connected to sections 3| in the same manner that the several sections 28, 29 and 3| are connected to each other. Suitable vents 14 are provided in sections 3| for a purpose to be hereinafter pointed out.

The various I-beams, U-shaped frame members and plates are preferably made as light as possible consistent with the requisite strength of the steel supporting framework. As consequence, the entire framework assembly is relatively light in weight.

The steel framework constructed in the above mentioned manner is then lined: with heat and re resistant material. This material preferably takes the form of siliceous blocks, slabs, strips or the like indicated by numeral 1.5. As seen in Figure 3, the lowermost portion of wall sections 28 are of double thickness, the innermost layer 16 being fire brick in order to withstand the knocks and rough treatment usually encountered at this point. It is for thisreason that I-beams 31 are of less depth than I-beams 35.

While lining members 15 .are preferably made of siliceous material due toits .relatively light weight and high heat and re resistant qualities, it is to be understood that any other material exhibiting the desired characteristics may be employed. Members 15 are so mounted that they entirely cover the inner .surface of kiln 21. Due to this fact radiation of heat is prevented and the steel framework is subjected to the least possible amount of heat and is shielded from the flames.

In order that members 15 and 16 may be mounted as desired, applicant provides lowermost members 16 of sections 28 with a recess 11 which lits over the inner upstanding ange 45 of frame member 38 and recesses 18 which engage behind the lianges of members 34 and 36. The flat surface '19 of the member 15 abuts the inner flange of member 31 thereby holding member 15 in place.

The remaining members 15 and members 16 are held in place by a novel anchor rod construction as seen in Figures 5 and 6. Referring to these figures, it will be seen that dove-tail grooves 8| lare provided in these members. Grooves 8| are designed to receive dove-tail formations 82 which are formed around the central straight portions 83 of anchor rods 84. Rods 84 atl their ends are oiset at 85 to provide hook elements 86 which `engage the rear surfaces of the anges on members 34 and 36. As seen in Figure 5, members 15 adjacent the ends of rods 84 extend beyond hook elements 86 and fit ragainst the opposite faces of the flanges provided on members 34 and 36. The same is true of members 16 provided onsec'tions 28.

Rods 84 are made of a length suflicient to insure the proper disposition of hooks 86 with respect to members 34 and 36. Members 15 are then slipped over dove-tail formations 82 and the rod with the necessary number of members 15 thereon is placed in position with respect to members 34 and V36. Members '15 are associated with members 61 of sections 29 Iand 3| in the same manner vuntil the entire interior surface of kiln 21 is suitably lined.

After members 15 are'in place the interior surface thereof is coated with iire resisting compound of any suitable character indicated by numeral 81. Compound 81 seals the crevices between members 15 and the joints between the adjacent sections 28, 29 and 3l. Compound 81 is also used to cover the abutting end surfaces of semi-kiln units 33 to seal the `J'Ont between these units. The space 88 between plates 4| and members 15 is preferably filled with granular insulating material 89 of any suitable character or if desired, material 89 may be omitted and air circulated through space 88 to prevent the metal frame-work from reaching a high temperature.

In view of the fact that a light-weight framework structure is employed in conjunction with light weight silicious lining material the completed kilm 21 is very light. As a consequence, the semi-kiln units 33 may be moved around with great dispatch on rollers 9| provided on jacks 92 which are connected to suitable lugs 93 secured to plates 4|. Jacks 92, as illustrated in Figure 3, are extensible in order to raise semikiln units 33 so they will clear the iloor surface of the kilns when it is desired to move the units.

If desired kiln 21 may be raised as a unit by means` of a suitable crane connected to lugs (not shown) secured to the plug member I3 and the kiln sections 3I, and bands 54.

Fire boxes 6I and fire arch doors 62 previously described are removably connected to kiln sections 29 by means of lugs 94 secured in any suitable manner to fire boxes 6I and doors 62 and adapted to be connected to plates 4I adjacent arches 44. Fire-boxes 6I and doors 62 are preferably lined with members 'I6 in the same manner as kiln sections 28, and the joint between fireboxes 6I or doors 62 and sections 29 is sealed with compound 81 in Well known manner.

Operation The operation of the illustrated fifteen station kiln system is as follows:

Assuming for purposes of this description that station A is to be supplied with an initial charge of green brick and that stations B, C, and D are drying stations having varying fractions of their total charge of brick; that station E is the watersmoking station, at a temperature of approximately 400 F.; that station F is the pre-heating station, at a temperature of approximately 800 F.; that stations G, H and I are burning stations, at temperatures of approximately 1200 F., 1600 F. and 1800 F., respectively; and that stations J, K, L, and M are cooling stations,A at temperatures of approximately 1600 F., 1200 F., 800 F. and 400 F., respectively; and that stations N and O contain the finished products and are without kilns 21; that station A is without a kiln; green brick is deposited on conveyor 22 and conveyed to station A, where it is stacked in proper manner on the floor. During this stacking operation kiln units 33 at station M are transferred to station A and positioned about ten feet apart so tha-t conveyor 22 may swing back and forth in well known manner. The dampers 25, 25a, 26 and 26a at station A are closed at this time to prevent gases in ues I and I I from entering conduits 23 and 24 and dampers I2 and I3 are open to permit free passage of gases past station A. Since the green brick is relatively soft a portion only of the ultimate final quantity of brick may be stacked at one time. In this connection, it has been found that approximately one-fourth of the total number of brick, as indicated by dotted line a-a in Figure 2, may be stacked at this time.

After the desired quantity of brick is positioned at station A semi-kiln sections 33 are brought into abutting engagement by means of jacks 92. Since it is only necessary to dry the brick at stations A, B, C, and D, a sufcient amount to raise its mechanical strength to a point enabling the stacking of additional brick thereon, a relatively low temperature is satisfactory. As a consequence, the waste heat from the cooling kilns at stations J, K and L tempered to proper temperature and water content by cool air and water admitted through louvre I9 at the fan I4 adjacent station M are preferably utilized, thereby eliminating the necessity of firing the kilns at stations A, B, C, and D. As a consequence the kilns at stations A, B, C and D are provided with re arch doors 62 instead of re boxes 6I. The number of nre boxes 6I required can therefore be reduced since they are removable and interchangeable with doors 62. This enables reduction of the equipment cost by the difference between the cost of forty fire boxes and forty re arch doors. This reduction in cost when added to the saving eiected by the elimination of three kilns, due to the fact that no kilns are required at stations M, N and O, materially reduces the cost of equipping and maintaining a treating plant in operation. It, of course, will be understood that iire arch doors may be designed to close the openings through re boxes 62 and the full number of fire boxes used Without departing from the present invention.

In order to circulate the gases through kilns 2'I at stations A, B, C and D in the desired manner and properly temper the gases, the dampers in flues IIJ and II and at stations A to D and I to L and the dampers at fans I4 adjacent stations A and M are positioned as shown in Figure l and the fans I4 are started, the fan at station A creating a suction in flue I I and the fan at station M drawing cool air and Water through louvre I9 and forcing it into flue II. Dampers 20 provided in fans I4 at stations A and M are, of course, closed at this time to prevent escape of the gases through stacks I8.

As a result of this arrangement of dampers and fans, the hot gases from the kilns at stations J to L are drawn from the cooling kilns into ue I I, due to the action of fansv I4 at stations A and M, and tempered and forced through flue II in a clockwise direction as indicated by arrows R, to damper I3 at station A. At this point the gases divide into three streams one passing into and through the kiln at station A and out through vents 14, another passing by damper I3 and on to the kiln at station C and through vents T4 at station C and the third being drawn through fan I4 at station A and forced into and along iiue I0 into the kilns at stations B and D and out through the vents 14. In each instance the gases are directed into the center of the kilns and up through the material and out through vents "54. The tempered gases passed through the kilns at A, B, C and D are preferably at a temperature of approximately 300 C. and are circulated by the action of the fans I4 at stations A and M. The suction action of fan I4 adjacent station A is, of course, regulated so that only a portion, preferably one-half of the gases ,1. in flue II are circulated therethrough.

Since the two fans I4 that are in use in circulating these gases are relatively close to the cooling and loading kilns, a strong circulation of the gases through flues IIJ and II and kilns A, B, C and D is obtained. If desired, fan I4 at station M may be relied upon to circulate the gases through flue II to stations A, B, C and D the fan at station A being cut o and damper I3 opened.

Simultaneously with the circulation of the gases from the stations J to L to stations A to D, the hot gases in the burning kilns at stations G to I are drawn into and through flue IU in a counter-clockwise direction, as indicated by arrows T, by fan I4 adjacent station E and passed through the preheating and water-smoking kilns at station F and E, respectively. In order to eiectively circulate these gases, damper I2 adjacent station F is partially closed so as to divide the gases into two streams. One stream passes through conduit 23 into the center of the kiln at station F and up through the stacked brick, then down into the peripheral flue and out through conduit 24 into iiue II, through flue II and into fan I4 at station E where it is exhausted into the atmosphere. The other stream passes damper I2 and enters flue 23 and the kiln at station E and circulates therethrough in the manner described in connection with the kiln at station F. After passing through station E these gases enter nue II and are exhausted through fan I4 at station E along with the gases from station F. A strong circulation of gases is obtained here also due to the proximity of fan I4 t-o the kilns E to I.

In view of the fact that the hot gases from the burning kilns contain sulphur and other undesirable constituents-which would harmfully affect the green brick at the loading stations should the gases reach the green brick, it is necessary to provide means for preventing the passage of these gases through the loading kilns. In the present invention this end is obtained by lclosing the dampers I2 and I3 between the burning kilns and the cooling kilns and between the watersmoking kiln and the loading kiln. It will, accordingly, be appreciated that the present invention provides independent paths for the gases to prevent injury of the brick in the manner pointed out above.

This circulation of tained for twenty-one gases is preferably mainand one-half hours, i. e.,

a full twenty-four hour day minus two and onehalf hours, the time necessary to place onefourth of the at stations A, B, C` and D. After completion of this iirst full days treatment conduits 23 and 24 at stations A to D are shut oif by means of dampers 25, 25a, 25 and 26a and a further charge of brick, preferably one-fourth of the total brick to be treated at stations A to D is loaded. At the same time the next station, station O, which has been unloaded, is supplied with its initial onefourth charge and the kiln 2'! at station L, the coolest of the cooling kilns is transferred to station O.

The v-arious dampers are then adjusted in order that the gases from the new cooling kilns I to K are circulated in a clockwise direction through flue II and then through the new loading kilns O, A, B and C while the gases from the new burning kilns F to H are circulated in a counter-clockwise direction through nue I0 into the new pre-heating and water-smoking kilns at stations E and D, respectively. After another twenty-one and one-half hour heating period the iinal one-fourth of the brick is placed at station B, the third one-fourth of the brick at the station A, the second one-fourth of the brick Iat station O, and station N, which has now been unloaded, is supplied with its initial one-fourth charge. This progressive operation of loading and unloading is continued indefinitely, stations A to O each becoming loading stations, watersmoking stations, pre-heating stations, burning stations, cooling stations, etc., in succession.

It will be noted that iire boxes 5I are not connected until a particular station becomes a water-smoking'station. In other words, the heat used for the initial drying of the brick in all four stages of loading is obtained from the tempered waste gases from the cooling kilns and the watersmoking station derives its heat from the gases from the burning stations, although fire boxes 62 are in place ready for ring in order that the desired temperature of approximately 400 C. may be maintained. Fire boxes B2 are usually, however, red at the pre-heating station :and remain in operation until the kiln has reached the position in the cycle of operation corresponding to the first cooling station where the re is drawn. Fire boxes 62 are transferred from the third cooling station to the kiln at the water-smoking station and the re arch doors at the water-smoking station are transferred to the total quantity of brick in position kiln at the third cooling station in order that the desired saving in equipment may be effected.

Occasionally it: is necessary to speedup the burning ofthe brick at the last burning station in order to assure proper treatment of the brick. The present invention is peculiarly adapted to take care of such. an. emergency since it is only necessary to increase the. draft in the particular kilnv -by operating the fan. I4 nearest the kiln in question. For example, we shall assume that the kiln at station I during the first.v days run described above needs to be speeded up. This may be accomplished by closing damper 25 at station I and opening damper 25a and dampers I1 and I'la in conduits I6 and I5, respectively at fan I4 adjacent station I. Fan I 4 will then act upon the kiln at station I and draw the gases from the center of the kiln through conduit 24 and conduit I6 of fan Il!V and push the gases back through conduit I5 ofA fan I4 into iiue I0. As a consequence a much stronger draft is obtained at station I and a hotter re in re boxes 62 is obtained.

By use of the removable kilns, nre boxes, lire arch doors and the practice of the method just described, a considerablesaving in loading and treating time is effected. This saving results fromv the fact that the loading and setting of the kilns can beV accomplished in rapid succession since it is not necessary for the workmen to enter the kilns in order to load them. This saving is obtained since kilns 21 themselves'are moved from around the stack of brick so as to enable the loading ofthe kiln in the open air. As a consequence the loading and setting of the brick requires only four days. Since the watersmoking treatment requires one day, the preheating one day, the burning three days, the cooling four days, the nal' cooling and unloading two days, it will -be seen that the complete cycle of operations to obtain the finished brick requires just fifteen days. Due to this fact, it Will be appreciated that the preferred embodiment of the invention provides a very simple `and eiiicient continuous treating cycle.

In order that ay flash brick or other chemically treated brick mayy bev formed in the present system the additional v'damper structure shown in Figure 7 is preferably provided.. Referring to Figure '7 dampers TI and 'I8 are provided to'close voff conduits 23v and 24 between the kiln and dampers 25, 25a, 26 and 26av and a damper 'I9 is provided in the partition wall between conduits 23 and 24. With dampers 'I1 and 18 closed and damper 'I9 opened the gases4 in iiues III and II `may be by-passed around the kiln and the desired chemical supplied to the kiln. As a result of this structure the chemical may be supplied at the proper time without interfering with the normal operation of the remaining kilns,

The invention may be embodied in other specinc forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to ybe considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is:

1. Apparatus for use in treating ceramic or analogous material comprising in combination one or more circular flues; a plurality of kiln stations located at spaced intervals around saidflues, said stations being alternately arranged with respect to said flues; and a plurality of movable kilns of lesser number than said stations positioned at successive stations to cover the same, thereby leaving certain stations uncovered whereby said kilns may be moved from the final one of said covered stations to the uncovered station adjacent the initial covered station as the treating process proceeds.

2. The apparatus defined in claim l wherein each of said kilns is made in at least two units, each unit having jacks connected thereto for facilitating movement of said units.

3. The method of treating ceramic or analogous material in a multiple kiln brick manufacturing plant having a plurality of treating stations and a lesser number of covers for forming the complete kilns, comprising the steps of stacking a portion of the total charge of material in position for treatment at an unloaded station, covering said stacked material, passing tempered waste gases from cooling kilns through said material and through the partially dried material at the drying stations next succeeding said first mentioned station, passing untempered waste gases from the iinal burning kiln through said dried material at the last previous drying station for water-smoking said material, firing the material at the station next succeeding said new water-smoking station to pre-heat said material, maintaining and increasing the fire at the stations next after the new preheating station to burn the material at said stations, withdrawing the fire fromf the material at the previous nal burning station to permit cooling of the material, admitting air through the lire openings at the station next succeeding said new cooling station, uncovering the material at the next succeeding cooling station to permit iinal cooling of the material in the open, pleted material at the next succeeding station and stacking a portion of a further total charge of material at said last-mentioned station after unloading and repeating the aforementioned steps so as to successively alter the character of the treatment at each station as long as the plant is to be operated.

4. The method of treating ceramic or analogous material to harden the same comprising the steps of stacking a portion of the material, completely enclosing the stacked material with kiln sections, preliminarily drying said stacked material to partially dry it by passing tempered waste gases from cooling kilns through the material, completely removing said kiln sections to allow free circulation of air through the partially unloading the com-4 dried material whereby the harmful gases are rapidly dissipated to permit the stacking of further green material, stacking further portions of said material, again enclosing the material with the kilns and preliminarily drying the same, passing untempered waste gases through the material to effect water-smoking and aid pre-heating of the material, firing said material to apply direct heat to said material for pre-heating, increasing the ring of the material to burn said material, withdrawing the re from said material after completion of the burning to permit preliminary cooling of said material, admitting air to said material to substantially complete cooling of said material and uncovering said material to permit nnal cooling.

5. The method of treating ceramic or analogous material such as brick to obtain nished brick by means of a continuous fteen-day treating process, comprising the steps of stacking onefourth of the full charge in position to be treated, completely enclosing said partial charge with kiln sections, passing tempered waste gases from cooling kilns through said materials for approximately twenty-four hours, completely removing said kiln sections from said partial charge to allow free circulation of air through the partially dried material whereby the harmful gases are rapidly dissipated to permit the stacking of iurther green material and stacking a second onefourth of the full charge upon said iirst-mentioned one-fourth charge, completely enclosing said partial charges with said kiln sections and passing said tempered waste gases through said partial charge for approximately twenty-four hours, repeating said steps until the several onefourth charges are partially dried and the last one-fourth of the full charge has been subjected to said tempered gases for approximately twentyfour hours, then passing unternpered waste gases from a burning kiln through said material for twenty-four hours to effect water-smoking and through said water-smoked material while firing said material for twenty-four hours to pre-heat said charge, increasing the firing of said material for seventy-two hours to eiect burning of said charge, withdrawing the fire from said material and allowing forty-eight hours to effect partial cooling of said charge while covered and without admission of external air, permitting ingress of external air to the covered material for a further twenty-four hours to eiect further cooling of said charge completely removing said kiln sections from said material and permitting material to cool for forty-eight hours in the open to complete the cooling and removing said material to a storage room or to any other desired point.

GEORGE B. KISSINGER.

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