Optimisation of energy usage in ceramic kiln using pinch technique

Abstract

The Pinch technology is one of the most advanced methodologies for energy saving in processes and total sites based on thermodynamic principles. In ceramic industry, energy distribution in kiln is very complex. The pinch analysis was used to minimise energy levels for ceramic kiln during operation at Phuoc Du Long ceramic company in Vietnam. Using Pinch technology, it was possible to identify appropriate changes in the core process conditions that could have an impact on energy savings. After the heat and material balance was established, targets for energy saving could be set prior to the design of the heat exchanger network in ceramic kiln. The results showed that the efficiency of the heat exchanger in the flue heat exchanger network had been determined. This also indicated that at the optimisation conditions, the heat loss was at a minimum. The heat and material balance were established in ceramic kiln. From the basic heat and material balance inside the old type of ceramic kiln, the energy lost via flue gas emission and heat transfer was found to be about 600 kJ. The Pinch point at 820 °C was determined to give a chance for energy saving.