What Art Educators Need to Know
about Venting a Kiln

What happens when a kiln is used to fire ceramics?

     As you know, ceramics are made  from clays and other materials which produce undesirable fumes during fir firing. The primary fume is carbon monoxide. This is produced during the oxidation of organic material. Fumes can also contain sulfur oxides, hydrogen flouride and volatilized metals. These fumes are unhealthy and should not be breathed.
     Because gases expand when heated, the fumes will not stay inside the kiln unless the kiln is kept under negative  pressure. From a health and safety standpoint, it is important to remove fumes from the work area.

What good does venting do?.          

      Fume removal is the number one benefit of venting. The Orton system collects and dilutes the fumes with room air so they can be removed from the classroom to the outside or exhausted through your school's vent or exhaust system.
An automatic vent also adds safety to firing. When manually venting, you need to prop and then close the lid of the kiln. The Orton vent eliminates this because the vent stays closed. Also, the maitenance staff isn't burdened with opening and closing the kiln for venting.
     The kiln also cools faster with an automatic system like the Orton vent. In some cases, up to four hours faster. This means you can empty and reload the kiln in less time and complete the firing for your students in a timely matter.
For ceramic pieces, venting with the Orton system means color turns out bright and students can fire red glazes without disappointment. Fewer firings may be needed because you can mix different colored pieces in one load.
Finally, venting extends the life of the metallic parts of the kiln. This means longer kiln life, better performance and reduced repair costs.

 What kinds of vents are there?

     Two methods of venting are typically used. Either vent the room or vent the kiln.

Venting the Room

     When venting the room, fumes are  allowed to escape from the kiln into the classroom or workroom. Using an exhaust system, room air is exchanged with fresh make-up air. Considerable make-up air is needed to adequetely remove fumes.

Venting the Kiln

      Two methods can be used to vent the kiln. A hood can be placed over the kiln, or a downdraft vent system can be used to keep the kiln under negative pressure. Gases are exhausted outside the building.
The downdraft venting method is superior to hoods because it removes all of the fumes and requires less make-up air. Fumes are not released into the classroom or workroom. The downdraft vent also improves firing conditions inside  the kiln.
With a hood sytem, fumes are released into the classroom or workroom before they are collected. The effectiveness of the hood depends on how close it is to the kiln and the volume of air being removed from the room. Rarely does a hood remove more than 85% of the fumes. Make-up air of more than 250 CFM is required.
The downdraft system made by Orton and other manufacturers allows the kiln to remain closed throughout the firing. It also keeps  the kiln under a slight negative pressure. This means all the fumes are exhausted and the air needed to fire the ceramics is brought into the kiln. The improved air flow also results in more uniform temperatures within the kiln, reducing hot and cold spots.
The downdraft vent fits beneath or on the side of the kiln, saving space and mobility. In the US today, the downdraft vent is the standard for kiln venting.

What about installation?

 I     n many schools, the vent can be installed by the custodian or maitenance staff. Depending on the configuration of your classroom, the vent can be exhausted to an outside wall or window using standard dryer  ducting, or hooked into an existing exhaust system.
Sometimes architects and industrial engineers may specify elaborate and costly exhausting systems. However, the patented Orton vent is simple and economical to install and  meets Uniform Mechanical Code Requirements. Our techinical staff can assist you with specific installation concerns and many ceramic supplies and kiln repair companies can do installations.

Why not just forget ceramics?

      Ceramics is actually a very safe art form. Just like sports, home economics or shop, proper safety precautions need to be followed. A saw isn't operated without a blade guard. An oven isn't touched without  hot pads. Athletes don't play football without protective gear like shoulder and kidney pads. Ceramics can be fired safely with proper precautions.

How about moving the kiln to another room, not a classroom?

      The fumes are still there and need to be removed for the best fired results. In addition, a kiln away from the classroom is less convenient and less likely to be used.

      What are the health issues associated with fumes and vapors?

OSHA has set standards for carbon monoxide exposure of 35 ppm for long term exposure and 200 ppm for short term exposure. Independant  testing has shown that these fumes can reach over 400 ppm near the kiln during firing.
You and your students may have experienced headaches, fatigue, sore throats and nausea when working in rooms with unvented kilns. These are  classic symptoms of carbon monoxide poisining. The carbon monoxide level in your classroom or workroom can e measured using a device called a dosimeter tube, which records the level of exposure. It is an inexpensive device (about $25.00) that provides good information.

Are there any other regulations for venting?

     Some states and localities have set venting requirements for classrooms and workrooms. The local and state health board should have this imformation. The Uniform Mechanical Code lists accpeted venting methods. The downdraft system is listed in the 1992 approved Code.

How much would it cost to buy the Orton vent and to run it?

      We know budgets can be tight. That's one of the great things about the Orton vent. The cost for the vent is less than $400. That includes 8' of ducting and other parts needed for installation. Some PTAs or PTOs will purchase the KilnVent.
The cost to run the vent is about 1 cent an hour. For an 8 hour firing, that's only 8 cents to fore safely and remove fumes. Compared to hood systems, the Orton vent can save $1.00 a day for the  needed make-up air. Made of stainless steel and equipped with a heavy duty blower, the Orton system will provide many years of service under normal operating conditions.

How many of these vents are used in schools?

      Hundreds of Orton vents are used in schools today. Some schools have installed them system wide and city wide. If you would feel more comfortable talking to someone who is using an Orton vent, we'd be glad  to give you references. Please give us a call if you have any questions, or would like additional information.

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