3-D modelling of an industrial clamp furnace for handmade bricks

The thermal behaviour of single bricks with and without fuel was simulated to fit DTA data by modelling the brick thermal diffusivity and the combustion rate of the fuel added. A 3-D model of a 30000 brick clamp furnace was developed, the results of which were in good agreement with experimental observations. The tendencies observed in the furnace model shed light onto the dynamics of the firing operation and suggested that the clamp furnace can produce good quality bricks when properly operated.