A new HWS shuttle kiln firing a wide mix of pieces has recently been installed at the Sanitaryware production plant in the UAE. The high-efficiency solution is equipped with all the latest automatic systems to eliminate manual kiln loading/unloading operations.
One of the top international manufacturers in terms of production capacity, RAK Ceramics has for many years now concentrated on technological innovation to reduce the environmental footprint of its sanitaryware production process. Central to this philosophy is the firing process and this has been the focus of the recent investments at the production site at Ras Al-Khaimah, in the United Arab Emirates, where the new SACMI-Riedhammer HWS 9/420/120-G shuttle kiln, equipped with Pulse Firing burners has recently been started up.
Dedicated to the first-firing of sanitaryware and especially the large one-piece WCs particularly popular on this market, the kiln is served by 12 kiln cars (6 of which are provided with double loading deck) and is equipped with an automatic transport system up to the vertical door and related lift platform. This eliminates the need for manual handling of the cars, a sign of the company’s commitment to investing in automated solutions to avoid the most heavy-duty repetitive tasks for the operators.
The useful height of 1.20 m, with loading end width of 4.20 m, allows a good level of flexibility during firing and is designed mainly for large-sized pieces loaded in a single layer, but also for medium-small pieces with the help of the double loading deck. With the assistance of Pulse Firing technology – 39 burners in total, 25 of which are installed in the kiln roof – and thanks to the optimization of all the parameters, this kiln guarantees the best energy performance levels in its category.
Suitable for firing glazed pieces both in Vitreous China and Fine Fire Clay, the kiln has been designed for the first firing of pieces finished either with matt or gloss glaze, allowing for further diversification of the product portfolio. This investment at the Ras Al-Khaimah site is part of a wider plan for production expansion and revamping which RAK is carrying out together with its partner SACMI and involves, in particular, the “Sanitaryware I” plant.