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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:
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- 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 |
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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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360 Downdraft
Kilns
This design is sometimes referred to
as the 360 Convection. The forced draft burner in this
configuration causes the heat flow to splatter on a target
brick. When this occurs, the whole concept of the forced draft
burner system is defeated. The circulation in the kiln is
drastically reduced well below the circulation of a natural
draft kiln. This splattering effect also requires additional
bricks to protect nearby pottery from flame impingement and
scorching. (figure
4)
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360 Downdraft
Kilns
Figure 4 |
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