Abstract
In this paper results are presented Of a study conducted between June and December 1997. on nine brick firing kilns in Iringa and Mbeya. The locations for rhe study were Mahenje and Iloniba in Mbeya Region and Igumbilo in Iringa region. Three kilns were investigated in each location. For each kiln the process was followed from the laying Of the bricks into a kiln to the opening Of thc kiln for renu)val Of the bricks in preparation for the selling. Different weights and tenperatures were Taken a,' different times. Firing wet bricks results in consumption of 33.63 % of the total energy input to rhe kiln being used for drying the bricks. This amount can be saved through prolonged Sun drying. In addition, large bricks, i.e. those at Ilomba, were observed to be difficult to cure uniformly. Temperature distribution was observed Io be a major problem in all the kilns resulting in poor vitrification and oxidåtion Morganic matter. This is probably a contributing factor towards reduction offhe compressive strength ofthe burnt bricks which was observed to be between 2.17 and 4.51 MPa. An average of 36.19% of rhe input wood energy is used to raise the temperature Of the bricks while 31.3% is used to evaporate the moisture contained in the bricks. A further 5.6% is utilised to evaporate the moisture contained in the 't'00d used for fuel which was observed to be between 34 and 46 % by weight. The remainder 26.9% is considered to constitute other loses including losses through convection. Calculation of wood consumption per unit mass of brick indicated high thennal efficiency if the quality of bricks produced is not taken into account and was Ven' low when only quality bricks are counted.
Recommended Citation
Mushi, E. (1998). EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF RURAL BRICK BURNING IN IRINGA AND MBEYA REGIONS. Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET), 22(1), 23-36. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.52339/tjet.v22i1.267
Publisher Name
University of Dar es Salaam