News
 

May, 2013

TECHNOLOGY AND CERAMIC PROCESS, APPOINTMENT AT CERMODEL 2013
Sacmi among the “sponsors” of the convention, which will bring together experts and researchers of world-class standing

Bringing international experts and researchers in the ceramic science and material modelling fields together with industry representatives to smooth technological transfer and make both products and production processes more efficient: this, then, is the goal of the “Cermodel 2013: modelling and simulation meet innovation in ceramics technology” congress, to be held in Trento this coming 10 - 12 July.

Organised by the University of Trento and sponsored by the Società Ceramica Italiana, this initiative forms part of the 7th European Framework Programme and is supported by some of the most important Italian research bodies and technology producers, including Sacmi Imola.
The convention, in fact, is an integral part of the European INTERCER2 project – Modelling and optimal design of ceramic structures with defects and imperfect interfaces – organised by the University of Trento (Mechanical and Structural Engineering Department), the British universities of Aberystwyth (Institute of Mathematics and Physics) and Liverpool (Department of Mathematical Sciences) with the industrial support of EnginSoft (Research & Development Department) and Sacmi Imola.

During the meeting talks will be given by Massimiliano Gei, Nicola Pugno and Andrea Piccolroaz (University of Trento) together with other Italian and internationally acclaimed professors and experts, from Marc Geers (Eindhoven University of Technology) to Stefano Guicciardi of Istec-Cnr, from Tomasz Hueckel (Duke University, USA) to Robert Mc Meeking (University of California), from Alexandru Stancu (from the Rumanian Alexandru Ioan Cuza University) to Cristiano Nicolella of the University of Pisa. The goal of the convention is to compare results obtained in the field of experimental research on materials with the best computational calculation techniques in order to improve production process efficiency and, additionally, test the potential of new advanced materials under specific application conditions.

For further information please visit:
http://events.unitn.it/en/cermodel2013
http://intercer2.unitn.it/


April, 2013

 THE "LEAN GAS" ALTERNATIVE IN A TIME OF HIGH ENERGY COSTS
From Sacmi Forni and the University of Modena-Reggio comes a study on the potential of CFD simulation

Is an alternative to natural gas possible when it comes to powering kilns? It’s a question asked by many researchers and, of course, one of keen interest to ceramic businesses, especially in emerging economies facing serious energy supply problems. So, in order to respond to market demand, kiln makers are doing their best to find alternative energy solutions that can be competitive without compromising the quality or efficiency of the production process. Among them is Sacmi Forni, which, together with the Civil and Mechanical Engineering Faculty of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, has conducted and published a study on the use of “burners fed with lean gases in the ceramic firing process”.

 
 









‘Lean’ gases are gases with a low calorific value on account of their high inert diluent content (e.g. biomass or coal gasification gases). So how can they be made competitive with ‘noble’ natural gases? “The widely varying chemical composition of these gases”, states the study, “requires that the burners be studied and adapted on a case by case basis”. Above all, utilisation of these gases requires attentive preliminary investigation of firing curves and optimal heat distribution inside the kiln so that, even where a fuel of lower calorific value is used, the successful outcome of ceramic firing processes is ensured.

The answer, explain the researchers, lies in mathematics, that is in CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis as a plausible, economically viable alternative to the costly, time-consuming field tests traditionally used to develop suitable burner models. The result of the study (which takes into account several variables, such as different fuel types, burner configurations and nominal power ratings) has been the development of “3-D” forecasting models, the starting point for the development of the first prototypes and, therefore, industrial application on a vast scale.

One of the most important conclusions reached by the study was the discovery that the geometry of most commercially available burners fails to allow combustion of all the gas in the burner; the unburnt amount, in fact, varies between 6 and 32%. In short, then, by making just a few simple inexpensive changes (which are, however, the result of a preliminary fluid dynamics analysis that is anything but simple, hence the importance of this study) it is possible to act on the geometric configuration of the burner, especially the combustion chamber, to minimise the amount of unburnt gas, which, according to tests carried out so far, can be reduced by up to 63%.

And the next step in the study? Experimentation on a real kiln to validate the data obtained from CFD simulation – with Sacmi once again aspiring to be a ‘pioneer’ of product and process innovation by getting a head start in a fast-changing world where the energy question is of ever-greater importance for the competitiveness of the ceramic industry.

 

March, 2013

CERAMICS CHINA 2013: Technology Goes First

The question to the downshift of world economy reflected in ceramic industry is: the way out. CERAMICS CHINA 2013, organized by CCIA and Unifair, will take the theme of “Change, Innovation, Advancement” to answer this question. The show will gather globally-advanced technologies, equipments, and raw materials in Guangzhou.

CERAMICS CHINA 2013 is the largest and major ceramics industry exhibition in the Asia. It will cover an area of 80 000m2 with 4500 booths in 8 halls in Canton Fair Complex. The 4-day show is estimated to have 800 exhibitors showcasing their products and technologies from 29th May to 1st June (Wednesday to Saturday). Eight sectors will be highlighted in the show, including Energy Saving and Emission Reduction Technology & Equipment Area, Automation Technology & Equipment Area, Ceramic Inkjet Printing & Application Area, Ceramic High-Tech Area (International Hall), Decorative Material Area, Raw Material, Anti-friction Material and Fire Resistance Area, Moulds, Tools and Spare Parts Area, Ceramic Creative Products Area. The organizer will definitely forge a professional, international ceramic pageant.

  

Automation is always the solution to increasing cost in both labor and production itself. Beside, nowadays it is not only the solution but also the trend. As a show aims to lead the industry trend, CERAMICS CHINA 2013 will present abundant of advanced and quality automated products in Automation Technology & Equipment Area.
Another well-known trend is the inkjet printing adopted in ceramics industry. CERAMICS CHINA 2013 will extend the technology and encourage it to cover more ceramic manufacturers. Since its appearance in CERAMICS CHINA 2009, inkjet printing technology has been the highlight of the show, attracting hundreds of thousands of insiders. Riding on the number of 30 inkjet printing companies in the last show, Unifair will forge a highly professionalized Ceramic Inkjet Printing and Application Area in 2013. Insiders can check out the latest ceramic inkjet printing application, such as inkjet microlite, inkjet wood finish, inkjet rustic tiles, inkjet ceramic chips, etc.
Problems including over capacity, excessive mining, serious environment pollution, etc, all call for better environmental friendly performance. This is the ground for more energy-saving & environment protecting innovation in the fair. Energy Saving and Emission Reduction Technology & Equipment Area will be another highlight
The exhibition is not only scaling up, but upgrading itself as the platform to showcase and share the latest technology. The show is eager for your presentation in Guangzhou.



ASEAN CERAMICS 2013- CALL FOR PAPERS
September 11-13th, Bangkok

The ASEAN Ceramics 2013 committee announced the preliminary programme for the exhibition’s supporting conference. The guest speakers are coming from the US, Japan, Turkey, Singapore, New Zealand Spain, Italy and Germany, the committee have also now issued the official call for papers.

It´s possible to send abstract for consideration to the following online link at ASEAN Ceramics Conference.

www.mtec.or.th/ICTA2013/index.php/abstraction-submission-page

  

 

Full guidelines and conference details can also be found on the website. The conference programme alongside the ASEAN Ceramics 2013 exhibition will feature ceramic industry from throughout the world focussing on the latest trends and innovation directly relating to the developments of Asia’s traditional and advanced ceramic sectors.

Already the event has confirmed pre-registered trade visitors from Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, UAE, Vietnam and indeed from throughout Europe.

More information at:
ceramics@aesexhibitions.com



March, 2013

KELLER HCW wins major order from Saudi Ceramics Company

The Saudi Arabian company Saudi Ceramics Company has ordered an ultramodern production plant for horizontally perforated bricks, ceiling bricks and common bricks with preparation and shaping machinery and kiln, dryer and production technology from KELLER HCW.
For Saudi Ceramics the criteria for placing this order were the low energy consumption for dryer, kiln and machinery, an efficient personnel management, and highest flexibility and quality for the future products.
The new brick factory, which will be built in the vicinity of the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh, is designed for a daily output of 1,000 metric tons per day and, with its sophisticated plant design, it is fully prepared for future market developments in the Arab world.

 

www.keller.de

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