Control of clay powder moisture is paramount
to the production of quality floor and wall tiles of consistent
dimension.
Too high moisture results in a badly formed, flexible tile
in the dry press, and too low moisture in easy breakage.
On line moisture measurement:
• results in tighter control
of bulk density of powder and consequently more consistent
product in terms of final dimension
• enables achievement of optimum moisture level minimizing
wastage
• saves energy through not over drying
Tile Manufacturing Process
Clay, talc and other mineral constituents are quarried, refined,
mixed and dried to a set moisture level prior to forming in
a Dust or Ram Press at very high pressure. The formed tiles
vary in moisture by as much as 6%, and must be oven or air
dried to within 1%, prior to kiln firing. This prevents explosion
of tiles within the kiln.
Gauge Installation
The sensor is located perpendicular to, and approximately
8” above a conveyor transporting the clay powder. Ideally
the sensor should be viewing freshly turned product, so an
ideal location is immediately after a conveyor change. |
