Wiktor Wise
Kilns have been used for thousands of years, with the earliest known kilns dating back to around 6000 BC. These early kilns were pit fire kilns, where wares were placed in holes or trenches dug into the earth and covered with wood or other combustible materials to achieve high temperatures. Over time, kiln technology evolved, with new innovations emerging in China and the Roman Empire, leading to higher temperatures and advancements in pottery and brick-making. In the 19th century, American inventor Elihu Thomson patented several designs for electric kilns, and in 1908, Dutch ceramist Samuel Geijsbeek built the first practical electric kiln. The development of the electric kiln revolutionized the ceramics industry, offering greater control over firing temperatures and improved efficiency compared to traditional wood-fired and coal-fired kilns. Today, modern kilns utilize various technologies, including electricity, vacuums, and microwaves, for a range of applications beyond ceramics, such as glass processing, cement production, and even culinary purposes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of invention | 20th century |
| Inventors | Elihu Thomson, Siemens Brothers, Walther Nernst, Samuel Geijsbeek |
| Previous kiln types | updraft kilns, downdraft kilns, pit fire kilns |
| Previous fuel types | wood, coal, charcoal, gas |
| Modern kiln types | electric, natural gas, propane, microwave |
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What You'll Learn
- The first kilns date back to 6000 BC, with the earliest being pit fire kilns
- The Industrial Revolution replaced wood-burning with coal or anthracite
- The 20th century saw the development of electric kilns for small-scale use
- German chemist Walther Nernst developed a globar furnace in 1907
- Dutch ceramist Samuel Geijsbeek built the first practical electric kiln in 1908
The first kilns date back to 6000 BC, with the earliest being pit fire kilns
The history of kilns dates back to the early days of civilisation, with the earliest kilns being pit fire kilns. The first kilns are thought to have been invented around 6000 BC in Mesopotamia, where they were used to turn clay into pottery, tiles, and bricks. These early kilns were also used by the Sumerians to produce ceramic vases, female clay figurines, and statues of gods and goddesses.
Over time, kiln technology spread to other parts of the ancient world, including China, Egypt, Greece, and the Roman Empire. Each civilisation built upon the design of the Mesopotamian kilns, making advancements such as adding airflow piping to prevent smoke discolouration and building larger, more efficient kilns. By the time of the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BC), the Chinese had perfected the art of climbing kilns, with their dragon kilns capable of reaching temperatures of up to 1400°C.
In the 5th century, the Japanese further refined kiln construction with the creation of the famous Anagama and Noborigama kilns. The Noborigama kiln, also known as a downdraft kiln, allowed for greater production and more consistent glaze firing. The Anagama kiln, a type of kiln still used today, usually consists of one long firing chamber with a firebox at one end and a flue at the other.
The industrial revolution brought about significant changes to kiln technology, with the invention of electronically-enabled or gas-fired, thermally insulated firing chambers. Electric kilns, first developed in the 20th century, offered improved temperature control and efficiency, making them a valuable tool for artists and small-scale use. Today, modern kilns feature sophisticated electronic control systems and continue to be used in various industries for pyroprocessing and materials manufacturing.
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The Industrial Revolution replaced wood-burning with coal or anthracite
The use of kilns dates back to the early days of human civilization, with primitive clay objects formed in kilns dating back to the Neolithic period, approximately 10,000 years ago. The word "kiln" is derived from the Latin "culina", meaning "kitchen". Mankind has been using kilns since approximately 6000 BC, primarily for the formation of ceramics and the smelting of ores. Early kilns were updraft kilns, with heat rising naturally during the firing process.
The Industrial Revolution, which began in Britain in the 18th century, transformed the way kilns operated. This revolution was based on the availability of coal, which was used to power steam engines and generate electricity. Coal was also used directly in homes for cooking and heating, with wealthier people using coal-derived manufactured gas and electricity. The transition to coal was driven by its higher energy yield compared to wood and its availability in areas where wood was scarce.
The shift to coal-fired kilns brought about by the Industrial Revolution replaced traditional wood-burning practices. The invention of electronically-enabled or gas-fired kilns allowed for improved thermal capacities and the production of high-quality goods on a larger scale. These modern kilns replaced the fuel-burning component with heating elements such as metallic wires or coils, which generated radiant heat using electricity.
Today, electric kilns are commonly used for various purposes, including hardening processes such as annealing, tempering, and calcination. They are designed to operate at extremely high temperatures, with some capable of reaching 1300°C or even 1500°C for extended periods. Electric kilns are valued for their efficiency and lack of draft, as the elements in the kiln walls radiate heat that evenly fills the chamber.
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The 20th century saw the development of electric kilns for small-scale use
The history of kilns dates back to the early days of civilization, with primitive kilns found worldwide. Over the past 10,000 years, kilns have undergone numerous advancements, with the first kilns appearing around 8000 BC in the Near East. These early pit-fire kilns were temporary structures where objects were surrounded and covered by wood or other combustible materials to reach firing temperatures.
The development of electric kilns was a gradual process, with several individuals contributing to their evolution. In 1873, the Siemens Brothers in Germany patented an early design for an electric furnace suitable for various purposes, including ceramics. American inventor Elihu Thomson patented several electric kiln designs in the late 19th century, utilizing resistance heating elements made of carbon or metal.
In 1907, German chemist Walther Nernst invented the globar furnace, which used electrically heated rods made of rare-earth oxides to attain high temperatures for firing ceramics. Dutch ceramist Samuel Geijsbeek is credited with constructing the first practical electric kiln in 1908, utilizing Nernst's globar technology and Thomson's heating element concepts.
The advent of electric kilns revolutionized the ceramics industry, enabling artists and artisans to fire pottery and ceramics conveniently in their homes or studios. The 20th century also witnessed the widespread use of industrial bottle kilns in England, which, despite their inefficiency, persisted until the mid-20th century. During this period, large factories mass-produced ceramics and other fired goods, contributing to the scale and diversity of kiln applications.
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German chemist Walther Nernst developed a globar furnace in 1907
The history of kilns goes back thousands of years, with the earliest known kilns dating back to around 6000 BC. These early kilns were used for the formation of ceramics and the smelting of ores, and they could produce temperatures exceeding 900°C. However, it was not until the 20th century that kilns operated by electricity were developed. These early electric kilns were primarily used for smaller-scale applications in educational and hobbyist settings.
In the context of this evolution of kiln technology, German chemist Walther Nernst played a significant role by developing a globar furnace in 1907. Nernst's innovation used electrically heated rods made of rare-earth oxides to achieve high temperatures suitable for firing ceramics. This development was a key step in the ongoing transition from traditional wood-fired and coal-fired kilns to more advanced electric kilns.
Nernst's globar furnace represented a significant advancement in kiln technology. By utilising electrically heated rods, Nernst was able to generate the high temperatures necessary for firing ceramics efficiently. This efficient heating method eliminated the need for fuel-burning components, such as wood or coal, which had been traditionally used in kilns.
The globar furnace's ability to reach high temperatures made it particularly well-suited for ceramic applications. Ceramics require precise control over firing temperatures to ensure the desired results. With Nernst's design, artists and artisans gained greater control over the firing process, enabling them to create more intricate and consistent designs.
The impact of Nernst's work extended beyond the immediate benefits of the globar furnace. His use of electrically heated rods and the achievement of high temperatures inspired further innovations in kiln technology. Subsequent inventors built upon Nernst's concepts, refining and improving the electric kiln to make it more practical and accessible.
In summary, German chemist Walther Nernst's development of the globar furnace in 1907 was a pivotal moment in the evolution of kiln technology. By harnessing electrical power and rare-earth oxides, Nernst created a kiln that revolutionised the firing process, particularly for ceramics. This innovation paved the way for the widespread adoption of electric kilns, offering greater control, efficiency, and convenience to artists and industries alike.
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Dutch ceramist Samuel Geijsbeek built the first practical electric kiln in 1908
The history of kilns goes back thousands of years, with early kilns dating back to around 6000 BC. These early kilns were used for the formation of ceramics and the smelting of ores. However, it wasn't until the 20th century that kilns operated by electricity were developed. While there is no single inventor credited with the creation of the electric kiln, Dutch ceramist Samuel Geijsbeek built the first practical electric kiln in 1908.
Geijsbeek's kiln was a significant development in the history of kiln technology. Prior to the invention of the electric kiln, kilns were primarily fuelled by wood, coal, or charcoal. The transition to electricity allowed for greater control and precision in regulating kiln temperatures, enabling more complex firing processes. Electric kilns also eliminated the need for fuel burning, replacing it with heating elements such as metallic wires or coils that generated radiant heat using electricity. This made electric kilns cleaner and more efficient than their predecessors.
The development of the electric kiln revolutionized the ceramics industry. It offered artists and artisans greater control over firing temperatures and improved efficiency. The absence of an open flame in electric kilns results in a higher oxygen content in the kiln atmosphere, which can be beneficial for certain glaze results. Additionally, electric kilns do not have any draft, as there is neither an updraft nor a downdraft due to the absence of fuel burning.
Samuel Geijsbeek's contribution to kiln technology built upon the work of earlier innovators. German chemist Walther Nernst developed the globar furnace in 1907, using electrically heated rods made of rare-earth oxides to achieve high temperatures suitable for firing ceramics. American inventor Elihu Thomson also patented several designs for electric kilns in the late 19th century, incorporating resistance heating elements made of carbon or metal. Geijsbeek's kiln, however, was the first practical electric kiln, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of kiln technology.
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Frequently asked questions
The first electric kilns were developed in the 20th century, primarily for smaller-scale use in schools, universities, and hobby centers.
There is not one inventor credited with the creation of the electric kiln. However, German chemist Walther Nernst, American inventor Elihu Thomson, and Dutch ceramist Samuel Geijsbeek all played significant roles in its development.
Electric kilns are used for hardening processes such as annealing, tempering, and calcination. They are also used for firing clay and porcelain pieces, creating ceramics, and smelting ores.
