PTCR in practice: accuracy andconvenience
Firing process optimization
In the process of establishing a standard, the firing processis characterized by 'mapping' the ring temperatures of PTCR ringsdistributed throughout the kiln. This allows the 'hot' and 'coldspots' to be detected and defined.
Using the heat treatment mapping, the firing process can then beoptimized by offsetting heat sources or thermocouples as indicatedby the variations in ring temperatures. As a rule of thumb, onedegree of ring temperaturecorresponds to one degree Celsius. Theexact relationship between ring temperature and
degrees Celsius is of course dependent upon the specific firingcycle of the kiln.
 
The adjoining illustration shows two heat treatment mappings of thesame 15m3 kiln.
The first was generated before using thePTCR; the second, afterfiring process optimization using PTCR rings,
 resulting in substantial yield improvement.
 
Firing process control
In the course of time - as a result of aging of the heatingelements or fre alternating firing cycles - 'hot' and 'coldspots' maygradually return to the kiln.The PTCR can help here, too.Once the firing process has been optimized, PTCR rings can be usedregularly to monitor the firing process and to detect thesedeviations as they gradually arise, before they affect product
 
By comparing the current ring temperatures against the definedstandard, the number of degrees of ring temperature by which thefiring process must be adjusted can be determined. Using severalrings at critical locations in the kiln ensures that an even heatdistribution is maintained.
 
control at lower cost
Besides the benefits of yield improvement through optimization ofthe firing process, the PTCR can also help reduce productioncosts.Simple comparison of ring temperature against a indicates whether the products are sintered tospecification.Expensive, time-consuming conventional checks- destruction testing, geometry,density and porosity tests - can bereduced or eliminated.