| The original GEIL Downdraft Design was created
in 1971 by owner, Paul H. Geil, and has since been refined and improved
upon without alteration to the basic design. The basic
design features: |
- Elimination of all
deflection devices characteristic of other kiln designs.
- Multi-directional
downdraft circulation.
- High velocity, natural
draft, Venturi burners.
- Precise atmosphere
control.
- Even temperature
distribution throughout the kiln chamber.
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The Geil Downdraft
design
The GEIL Downdraft System utilizes heat energy to its fullest potential
through recirculation. This, of course, means energy savings and
consistently superior results in firing. In contrast to other kiln
designs the GEIL Design ingeniously allows for the elimination of all
such deflection devices through the vertical positioning of the burners
within the framework of a downdraft design. (figure 1)
Deflection devices simply absorb valuable heat energy and obstruct the
direct transfer of heat to the setting. The elimination of deflection
devices produces an unobstructed, multi-directional heat flow or
circulation within the kiln chamber which conserves fuel, produces
excellent firing results and offers more available combustion area.
Combustion areas running the entire length of the side walls insure a
proper oxygen to gas ratio, necessary for complete combustion to occur.
The occurrence of combustion heats the kiln's atmosphere. The kiln's
heated atmosphere rises and is drawn downward by the action of the
flue. The flue opening is centered in the rear wall directly over the
kiln floor and serves to create the necessary vacuum to pull the
atmosphere downward through the setting. Precise atmosphere
distributions are easily achieved through the adjustment of the damper
and the main gas valve controlling the burners. |
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The
Geil Downdraft design
| Front view cutaway |
Side view cutaway |
| Figure 1 |
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The GEIL Downdraft Patented
Design differentiates itself
from other kiln designs with its unique placement of the burners in
relation to the draft.
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Standard Downdraft Kilns
The standard
relation of the burners to a downdraft-type system utilizes a
horizontal placement of the burners, thereby necessitating the use of
deflection devices, such as bagwalls, to deflect the heat flow upward.
This deflection drastically reduces the velocity at which the heat
enters the chamber, therefore a high flue is necessary in order to pull
the atmosphere through the kiln. (figure 2) |
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Standard
Downdraft Kilns
Figure 2
Front view cutaway
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Standard Updraft Kilns
The vertical placement of the burners commonly found in updraft design
requires the deflection of heat energy outward and upward through the
use of hearth slabs.
The updraft kiln has the flue opening at the top of the kiln and does
not pull the atmosphere down through the center. The heat travels in
only one direction-up and out the flue. This produces very little
circulation and wastes valuable heat energy. (figure 3)
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Standard
Updraft Kilns
Figure 3
Front view cutaway
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