Electric Kiln Build: Power Calculation for 40x40x40cm, 1300°C, Heating Element Layout

I intend to build an electric kiln for pottery, clay ( an other materials ) sculptures.

The internal dimensions would be 40cm(height) x 40cm(width) x 40cm(deep).

Therefore, its internal surface is 9600 cm2. I need a maximum temperature of 1300 Celsius.


 

1) I would like you to confirm or correct this information. I was informed that in a typical kiln the calculation of the total Electric Power necessary is given by this formula P ( Watts ) = 0.6 X Total Area ( cm2). If that is true, then I would need 5760 Watts. However, I found in the internet values that are different from 0.6. So, if you are an expert please give me your informed opinion on that.

2) In order the temperature inside de kiln could be as much homogeneous as possible, its internal walls should be filled with as much heating element wires as possible. But there is a trade-off to be made. The more heating wires the bigger will be the resistance and the weaker will be the production of heat.Furthermore it may unnecessarily increase the cost of heating elements. Additionally, there will be the need to carve too many grooves on the refractary bricks to fit the elements inside which will weaken and possibly fracture them. By looking at the pictures of many different kilns it seems that the optimum distance between two parallel coiled wires is about 7cm ( axis to axis ). But if the grooves should be carved directly on the bricks and in the middle of their height then the distance between parallel grooves would be equal to their height or a multiple number of it.

Would you agree with my reasoning or do you have a different one ?

3) It seems to me that 3 resistances ( heating elements ) electrically connected in parallel is a good circuit because they would use only three relays and probably could be controlled by an electronic controller. What is you informed opinion on that ?

4) Another important aspect of the kiln design is the coiled wire ( heating element ) diameter. The bigger its diameter the bigger will be its durability. However bigger diameter reduces the resistance of the heating element and produces lesser heat. I intuitively think that a diameter of 1.30 mm would be OK. ( Of course, later on, I should also consider the coil diameter and the distance between its turns ).

Do you have a better informed proposition ?

Hi Eustratios,

I am not an expert of electric kiln for pottery, but I already seen one related to that pottery making and how they hardened those material by heating them up with fire. It seems like cooking those material and let it cold down so it will harden.

Considering those observations, if you are not so particular about pottery making process, then you can design an electric kiln based on how you will do it. As long as it heats up or cook the pot with acceptable process time, then it is fine. However, if you are really particular of the process, therefore you should consider those parameters or materials you've cited and have a lot of testing.

Hope it helps and God Bless.

Best,
Neil