Here is what we decided to do. There are 8 elements in all in the kiln, three in each side section and two in the floor. We divided up the kiln into 4 sections of 2 elements each. This is quite different from how the kiln was originally wired, which was a 3, 3, 2 configuration.
Each of these pairs of elements will be wired in series within the pair, and all 4 pairs will be wired in parallel to each other. The elements will be 8 ohms each so each section will be have 16 ohms of resistance and 15 amps of current, and all 4 sections will generate 60 amps.
The wire is going to be 12 gauge Kanthal A1 wound around a 3/8 inch mandrel. This gives us a very good length to the element -- when it is stretched the pitch is just about perfect. And the watt loading figure is very low so these guys should last a long time.
Let me know if I need to be more specific about any of this -- how we did it, why we did particular things.......
John
2 comments:
John, Even though the math makes my brain shut down I have enjoyed your element discussion. My electrician friend Bill is really enjoying it. He long ago convinced me that my L & L kiln was far superior to the others and even enjoys reading the manual. Is the search for the perfect element driven by economics, efficiency, or a specific need of control for the work you make?
I guess my comment is along the line of Dan's this morning.
Where do/es current elements/element design fail in your needs?
Did your needs change after buying the kiln?
Is this an ideal element for just your firing process in general or a holy grail element design?
Thanks again for all of your help with my thermocouples. It was wicked depressing seeing all those metal filings come pouring out of the protection tubes.
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