Gas kiln flue flame

[Terrampulvisignis]

Hello all,

newish potter here. I have the opportunity to convert an old electric kiln to a gas kiln and am wondering how hot and or how large is the flame or draft that exits the kiln? I would be firing it outside in a patio with a small leaning roof about 10 feet above and am wondering if its too risky? Ive seen videos of people firing indoors in a garage and generally people put kilns closer to their materials than i would think is ok but maybe im being too cautious?

In a way I’m wondering how practical and realistic the recommendations of “always supervising” your kiln really are. Of course everyone says that but also I’ve gathered many a potter just fire overnight(while they sleep) and often times indoors or next to wood shelves, papers, etc

i appreciate any feedback on this, thanks!

[neilestrick]

The height of the flame itself isn't going to be an issue. The flame won't reach the roof, however the heat from the flame is going to reach the roof and that is an issue. It needs to have a proper metal hood over it that directs the heat away/through the roof. Is the patio fully enclosed, or it just has a roof to keep the sun off? Can you post a picture?

[Bill Kielb]

3 hours ago, Terrampulvisignis said:

would be firing it outside in a patio with a small leaning roof about 10 feet above and am wondering if its too risky?

The infra red radiation out of the top of the kiln will be basically your firing temperature so 2000 degrees or so. The flames / flue will be very hot as well, properly diluted  diverted flue temperatures are 400 - 600 degrees so a guess for the top of your patio would be 800 degrees or more.

3 hours ago, Terrampulvisignis said:

n a way I’m wondering how practical and realistic the recommendations of “always supervising” your kiln really are. Of course everyone says that but also I’ve gathered many a potter just fire overnight(while they sleep) and often times indoors or next to wood shelves, papers, etc

Always supervising is important, especially for a gas kiln which basically needs full supervision. Fire is a life safety thing, erring on the side of safety is IMO realistically always the thing to do and should not be dismissed. 

Textiles generally catch fire at 450 - 500 degrees, not having combustibles around the kiln is pretty simple really.

I never heard of a studio burning down because they were too safe and responsible.

Edited June 4, 2022 by Bill Kielb

[neilestrick]

Make sure you have a flame safety system on the burner(s). At the very minimum, a pilot light with Baso valve and thermocouple

[Terrampulvisignis]

On 6/4/2022 at 1:06 PM, Bill Kielb said:

The infra red radiation out of the top of the kiln will be basically your firing temperature so 2000 degrees or so. The flames / flue will be very hot as well, properly diluted  diverted flue temperatures are 400 - 600 degrees so a guess for the top of your patio would be 800 degrees or more.

Always supervising is important, especially for a gas kiln which basically needs full supervision. Fire is a life safety thing, erring on the side of safety is IMO realistically always the thing to do and should not be dismissed. 

Textiles generally catch fire at 450 - 500 degrees, not having combustibles around the kiln is pretty simple really.

I never heard of a studio burning down because they were too safe and responsible.

I appreciate the replies here. I realize ive conflated two questions as in terms of unsupervised firing i meant with electric kilns specifically and should i go through with gas conversion im moreso avoiding rain as id be supervising a torch type raku situation and was wondering about the flue on that question. Anyways thanks again!!