Abstract: A method firing green ware. The method for firing includes setting a kiln oxygen concentration set point for an atmosphere of a ware space of a kiln during an oxygen-consuming event in the ware space of the kiln. An oxygen flux control mode is initiated that includes measuring an oxygen concentration of the atmosphere of the ware space in the kiln, comparing the oxygen concentration to the kiln oxygen concentration set point to determine a difference between the oxygen concentration and the kiln oxygen concentration set point, and adjusting a flow of secondary gas into the ware space to set an oxygen flux in the atmosphere in the ware space of the kiln based on the difference between the oxygen concentration and the kiln oxygen concentration set point. A kiln for firing the ceramic green ware and a manufacturing system including the kiln for manufacturing ceramic ware are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for heating ware in a kiln. The ware space of the kiln includes a plurality of temperature control zones oriented in a first direction, and a plurality of temperature control zones oriented in a second direction. The method includes heating the ware space in a first heating stage, a second heating stage, and a third heating stage. At least one of the following conditions is satisfied: (i) in one of the heating stages, a temperature control zone oriented in the first direction has a setpoint temperature that is different from a setpoint temperature of one other temperature control zone oriented in the first direction; and (ii) in one of the heating stages, one temperature control zone oriented in the second direction has a setpoint temperature that is different from a setpoint temperature of one other temperature control zone oriented in the second direction.

Abstract: A method for heating ware in a kiln. The ware space of the kiln includes a plurality of temperature control zones oriented in a first direction, and a plurality of temperature control zones oriented in a second direction. The method includes heating the ware space in a first heating stage, a second heating stage, and a third heating stage. At least one of the following conditions is satisfied: (i) in one of the heating stages, a temperature control zone oriented in the first direction has a setpoint temperature that is different from a setpoint temperature of one other temperature control zone oriented in the first direction; and (ii) in one of the heating stages, one temperature control zone oriented in the second direction has a setpoint temperature that is different from a setpoint temperature of one other temperature control zone oriented in the second direction.

Abstract: A method for heating ware in a kiln. The ware space of the kiln includes a plurality of temperature control zones oriented in a first direction, and a plurality of temperature control zones oriented in a second direction. The method includes heating the ware space in a first heating stage, a second heating stage, and a third heating stage. At least one of the following conditions is satisfied: (i) in one of the heating stages, a temperature control zone oriented in the first direction has a setpoint temperature that is different from a setpoint temperature of one other temperature control zone oriented in the first direction; and (ii) in one of the heating stages, one temperature control zone oriented in the second direction has a setpoint temperature that is different from a set point temperature of one other temperature control zone oriented in the second direction, wherein the first direction is a vertical direction and the second direction is a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A method for heating ware in a kiln. The ware space of the kiln includes a plurality of temperature control zones oriented in a first direction, and a plurality of temperature control zones oriented in a second direction. The method includes heating the ware space in a first heating stage, a second heating stage, and a third heating stage. At least one of the following conditions is satisfied: (i) in one of the heating stages, a temperature control zone oriented in the first direction has a setpoint temperature that is different from a setpoint temperature of one other temperature control zone oriented in the first direction; and (ii) in one of the heating stages, one temperature control zone oriented in the second direction has a setpoint temperature that is different from a set point temperature of one other temperature control zone oriented in the second direction, wherein the first direction is a vertical direction and the second direction is a horizontal direction.

Abstract: Methods of firing ware in a furnace. At least one stack of ware is positioned in a ware space of a furnace. The stack of ware comprises a plurality of ware articles arranged such that at least laterally adjacent ware articles are spaced apart. The at least one stack of ware is heated in the ware space of the furnace. At least one gas is introduced into the ware space on a first side of the at least one stack of ware as the stack is heated. A flow condition of the at least one gas is adjusted to create a pressure differential within the furnace across at least a portion of the ware space such that at least some of the at least one gas flows through the at least one stack of ware.

Abstract: Methods of firing ware in a furnace. At least one stack of ware is positioned in a ware space of a furnace. The stack of ware comprises a plurality of ware articles arranged such that at least laterally adjacent ware articles are spaced apart. The at least one stack of ware is heated in the ware space of the furnace. At least one gas is introduced into the ware space on a first side of the at least one stack of ware as the stack is heated. A flow condition of the at least one gas is adjusted to create a pressure differential within the furnace across at least a portion of the ware space such that at least some of the at least one gas flows through the at least one stack of ware.

Abstract: A kiln or oven for producing ceramic products is described having a combustion chamber through which the ceramic products continuously pass, as well as a process for the operation and control of the kiln and the ceramic products perform a rotation about their own longitudinal axis in addition to the passage movement through the combusion chamber. The passage and rotation of the ceramic products takes place by means of a drive mechanism located in the kiln base with shafts projecting into the combustion chamber and located on an inventively designed receiving and holding device and can be regulated in infinitely variable and separate manner. The invention permits an effective, discontinuous operation of the kiln.