Why Kiln Ventilation?
With any firing using lusters, metallics, paints, or enamels, you need to consider a kiln ventilation system. There are two main reasons to have a kiln ventilation system.
  • First: Many lusters, metallics, paints, and enamels give off toxic fumes during the first 700 °F rise in temperature.
  • Second: Many colors, especially the reds, require an oxygen-rich environment for the color to maintain its true and brilliant shade. Kilns without kiln ventilation systems produce carbon monoxide during the firing; this causes dull colors. The vent system brings in more air and removes the carbon monoxide and toxic gasses.
NOTE: There is NO problem of thermal shock to the glass (glass cracking or breaking) because of the air circulation in the kiln from the ventilation system.
Orton Kilns.

Orton Kiln Ventilation Systems 

Orton Kiln Vent, Stand Version. Orton Kiln Vent, Plate Version.

Orton Kiln Vent, Stand Version

Orton Kiln Vent, Plate Version

The downdraft models are best for glass kilns. Sidedraft and updraft models are also available. A metal kiln stand is required. 

Glass artists prefer the downdraft (stand version) for kiln ventilation. It works best and does not cause any thermal shock to the glass in the kiln. 

Most pottery / ceramic / porcelain / Cone 10 users prefer the downdraft version, too. However, there are special cases in which the plate-mounted sidedraft version or the suspended updraft version would be more appropriate. We will be glad to discuss the merits and attributes of any of the systems with you.

KILN VENT is more than just fume removal 

  • replaces carbon monoxide in kiln with air needed for true colors and best firings 

  • improves temperature uniformity in kiln 

  • extends life of heating elements/Kiln-Sitter ®

  • costs less than 1 ¢ /hour to operate 

  • uses 80% LESS make-up air than hoods 

  • less expensive and easy to install 

  • eliminates manual venting 

  • reduces cooldown time by 4-10 hours 

  • self-cooling fan motor does not overheat 

Provides a healthy work environment 

  • collects practically all fumes (hoods allow 15% or more of fumes into room) 

  • kiln stays closed -- avoids manual venting of hot kilns reduces fumes to well below OSHA limits 
    Kiln Vent operation  

Back

How it works: 

Downdraft ventilation of electric kilns was developed and patented by Orton. A small amount of air is drawn into and through the kiln, collecting fumes and odors while improving firing conditions. 
 
1.  small holes near top let air into kiln 
2.  air is drawn through the kiln 
3.  fumes and odors are pulled from the kiln near the bottom 
4.  fumes are diluted with room air 
5/6.  gases are exhausted through aluminum ducting 

We thank The Edward Orton, Jr. Ceramic Foundation for making the above drawing and descriptive information available.
Centre DeVerre LLC




Centre DeVerre
3 Robinson Road, Unit A2    Directions
Bow, NH 03304

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2nd Saturday of month, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Eastern.

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Phone: ( 603 ) 228-2900
 Fax: ( 603 ) 228-2905
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