|
|
Paragon Energy Miser Kilns
The vast majority of the kilns stocked by Dogwood Ceramic Supply are capable of firing to 2350°F (Cone 10). Many of these kilns are rated as an Energy Miser by Paragon. Energy Miser kilns always have 3" of brick insulation in the walls, lid and bottom to increase the firing efficiency of the kiln. Standard kilns from Paragon have only 2½" of brick insulation. What seems like a relatively small increase in brick thickness is actually rather dramatic, as the element and element channel occupy nearly 1" of the wall brick thickness. Doing the basic math, a kiln with 2.5" bricks only has about 1.5" of insulation between the element and the kiln exterior while the kiln with 3" bricks has 2" insulation between the element and the kiln exterior. Because of the 3" bricks, the Paragon Energy Miser kilns have nearly 33% increase in thermo efficiency versus standard kiln bricks. The increased thermo efficiency of the kiln can be translated into a higher firing (temperature rated) kiln, lowered electrical consumption or longer life for the kiln elements.
The industrial kilns from Paragon (Dragon and Super Dragon for example) are even equipped with 4" of insulation (3" kiln brick plus 1" block insulation). The additional insulation adds hundreds of pounds to the shipping and handling weight of the kilns but the added weight (and added cost) is a major benefit when the improved temperature uniformity at extreme temperatures, lowered electrical consumption, slower cooling cycles and longer element life are added to the equation.
| Yes, a kiln with 3" bricks cost
more than a kiln with 2.5" bricks. Typically $50 to $75 for many of
the kilns stocked and sold by Dogwood Ceramic Supply. From a pure cost versus benefit relationship, a
small kiln might require 50 firings to pay for the increased insulation
while a large kiln might require only 20 firings to reach the same
breakeven point. Purchasing a large electric powered kiln without
3" bricks doesn't make much sense unless your day job is selling
squirrel feed to Mississippi Power so their turbine spinning squirrels
are kept happy and well fed. Unfortunately there are kiln companies that don't offer 3" brick insulation on any of their kilns or maybe just a few select models. Keep that point in mind when comparing competing products. The downside to 3" brick insulation? Slower cool-down cycles. 3" brick insulation can add several hours to the cool-down cycle of the kiln. Since Speed is Not your Friend the additional cool-down time should never be an issue. |
| Yes, even many of the Paragon glass kilns, such as the Pearl 22 or GL 24ADTSD are equipped with the Energy Miser 3" bricks in the lids, walls and floors. One very important reason is better weight capacity for the kiln floors with the thicker bricks. Of course glass artists enjoy saving money on firing costs just like potters. Unfortunately many competing glass kiln companies utilize 2.5" or even 2" brick designs for their glass kilns. Maybe these other companies own stock in electric power plants or just like selling a lot of replacement elements. |
..
12590 Dedeaux Road
Gulfport Mississippi, 39503
Telephone (228) 831-4848 Fax (228) 831-3111
Showroom Business Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 10AM to 5PM
Thursday 1PM to 6PM
Closed Wednesday and Sunday
The vast majority of the kilns stocked by Dogwood Ceramic Supply are capable of firing to 2350°F (Cone 10). Many of these kilns are rated as an Energy Miser by Paragon. Energy Miser kilns always have 3" of brick insulation in the walls, lid and bottom to increase the firing efficiency of the kiln.