An industrial kiln is a huge investment, and it needs to be protected. Your kiln will typically last for decades – or longer – but only if it’s properly serviced and maintained to prolong its lifespan.  

Numerous problems with an industrial kiln can be avoided by staying on top of common maintenance issues. These are the problems we tend to see most often when we do repairs.

Five Critical Areas of Industrial Kiln Maintenance

1. Proper lubrication

Your kiln must have appropriate lubrication to function properly, and that means not having too much or too little.  Too little lubrication can quickly cause significant damage from heat and friction, while too much lubrication can create a fire hazard. Always refer to the documentation that came with your kiln to ensure proper lubrication whenever it’s in use.

2. Misalignment

Kilns will slowly go out of alignment over time, which is why we recommend all owners have their kiln re-aligned every 1-3 years, depending on usage.  Otherwise, critical parts of the kiln can become damaged due to uneven wear and weight distribution, as well as potentially affecting the heat envelope within the kiln itself.

3. Kiln shell crank

Another problem that can arise from misalignment is a situation called kiln shell crank, where the shell centerline has become eccentric to the axis of rotation. As with other types of misalignments, this will put significant stress on your kiln, while quickly wearing down critical parts.  Kiln crank can deform the shell, prevent proper sealing, or cause the roller shafts to fail.

4. Shell flex

When the weights within a kiln are not properly distributed, the shell itself can begin to flex – becoming increasingly oval, rather than circular. This will drastically affect the heat envelope within the kiln, affecting the products created, as well as putting more strain on the supports and rollers.  If shell flex is not identified and corrected soon enough, the entire shell could become damaged beyond repair.

5. Imbalanced carrier rollers

Finally, be sure to regularly inspect the carrier rollers. These are vital for ensuring the kiln rotates properly, but over time, they can fall out of balance. If the forces exerted on them become too unbalanced, the rollers can begin to fail – causing disastrous problems with the kiln.

Kiln Technology Company has decades of experience selling, repairing, and servicing industrial kilns, as well as providing parts and other support. If you’re having issues with your kiln, acontact us for help!