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soda/salt and ifb bricks

updated fri 27 jan 06

 

mel jacobson on wed 25 jan 06


i totally concur with vince on this one.

itc and coatings slow down the
corrosive quality of salt, but it will
not last over a long period. i would however
make a salt kiln of quality fibre soaked in itc.
now that works. i have the proof. again, expensive,
but it will last.

we are working on some new ideas...esp
the idea of soaking an entire brick in itc.
but, for most folks this would be far too expensive.

so.
hard brick works in corrosive atmospheres and if
you are firing every week even that will only last
a few years. that is the best economy for kiln, but
very expensive to fire.

it is a hard choice. it all depends.
my theory is:
screw salt.
it kills kilns. i have never seen pots that
come from salt that were worth the death of a
fine kiln. just my opinion...of course i love a fine
kiln.
from mel/minnetonka.mn.usa
website: http://my.pclink.com/~melpots3

Ivor and Olive Lewis on thu 26 jan 06


The idea of soaking an insulating brick, which is in essence a sponge, =
in ITC (Which one????) is an interesting concept and no doubt would =
work. But do we know anything about the technology and science behind =
such a proposal ? Would it be any more effective that using a high =
alumina firebrick interior encased in insulating firebrick shell.

Part of the answer to such a question depends on how you view the =
chemistry of alternative methods of using Sodium, in one form or =
another, as a melding agent for the components of a ceramic body. =
Whatever you choice, vapour glazing with Sodium compounds as a fluxing =
agents does not give a reliable glaze. It is impossible to control the C =
of E so crazing always seems inevitable and Sodium Silicate is water =
soluble, sparingly so but it is a fact of life.

Best regards,

Ivor Lewis.
Redhill,
South Australia.