Optimización del Proceso de Cocción en la Producción de Ladrillos de Cerámica Roja en el Cantón Chambo

Abstract

Research to optimize the firing process with the addition of calcium carbonate in the production of red ceramic bricks in Chambo Canton, in order to improve its production. This research is part of the project "Ecologically and economically sustainable production of bricks in Chambo/Ecuador", with the Executing Agency Red Eco Sur. Previously, the firing temperature was monitored for 4 months in a particular brick kiln, observing that the burning is done at 690 °C in a time of 48 hours per load (15,000 bricks). In order to improve the conditions, we proceeded to work with different amounts of CaCO3 with 9 samples, which were subjected to firing; using two ways: first in the artisan kiln and at laboratory level with an industrial kiln, handling different temperatures and times. As a result of the tests, it was verified that in the industrial oven a firing result of 3 hours was obtained at a temperature of 900°C, with an addition of 2% CaCO3. This was different from the artisanal kiln, which took 37 hours at 834°C. Quality tests such as compressive strength, absorption and density were carried out with this sample, which are subject to INEN quality standards. Thanks to the tests carried out, it was possible to prove that production is increased and economic yield is increased by improving the firing time and temperature, thus achieving the objective set at the laboratory level, but insitu it did not give good results due to the inefficiency of the kiln and the low quality of the clay with respect to its components. It is recommended to build vertical kilns and make a mixture of clays to increase the percentage of Al and Si, since the one currently used is sandy and not plastic.