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History of the
VSBK technology |
Where did it all start ?
The Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln Technology
evolved in rural China. The first version of a Chinese Vertical
Shaft Brick Kiln originated from the traditional updraft intermittent
kiln in the early 1070’s. During this decade, and in
tune with the economic reform process initiated in 1979, the
kiln became popular in several provinces. In 1985, the Chinese
Government commissioned the Energy Research Institute of the
Henan Academy of Science at Zhengzhou University to study
the kiln to improve its energy efficiency.
The Government partly supported the dissemination
of the technology. By 2000, between 50,000 to 60,000 VSBK
units were estimated to be operating in China. Here, the VSBK
technology is used for small-scale brick production only.
Production rates using VSBK technology generally vary from
2’500 to 20’000 bricks per day.
VSBK technology is well suited to decentralized
production systems, a factor that has contributed towards
its successful adaptation in China. Simple mechanization is
used for material handling, transportation and extrusion of
green bricks. Internal fuel in the form of coal, biomass and
sawdust is added during the moulding of green bricks –
this creates highly favorable conditions for short cycle firing.
It should be emphasized that the time interval between loading
and of green bricks and unloading of fired bricks is 20-24
hours compared to 20-30 days in the most conventional kilns.
The
VSBK technology outside of China
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