Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to outline and discuss the various problems encountered in designing and operating ceramic-drying systems, and to indicate the several methods that may be used in attacking the more difficult problems that arise.
The process of drying clay wares may be a relatively simple one or it may be quite complex. This is due to (1) wide variations in production requirements in different industries, (2) extreme differences in the physical characteristics of clay bodies used, and (3) various sizes and shapes of different products. In many cases, the methods and equipment used may appear to be very slow and inefficient when considered in the light of modern drying practice. Their use is generally justified, however, when all factors are taken into consideration. However, this does not imply that all present systems are best suited for their particular task.
The problems discussed in the paper center around the development, maintenance, and determination of safe, rapid, and economical drying rates and the reduction or prevention of ware losses in order to increase drying and manufacturing efficiencies.
