Installation:

How do I determine the size, number and location of holes in the top and bottom of the kiln?
The KilnVent owner's manual contains a chart with the appropriate information. As a general rule, you should have one 1/4 inch hole for every 4 cubic feet of kiln volume. The holes are normally placed within a 4 inch circle in the center of the kiln floor. The same number of holes is used in the top of the kiln, but they are placed about 1 inch in from the inner edge of the kiln wall.

How do I know if the system is working ?
The easiest way to test the operation of the KilnVent system is to turn the unit on and to place a lighted match directly over and level with one of the holes in the lid of the kiln. The flame from the match should be gently pulled into the kiln as a result of the draft.

How hot does the duct get during the firing?
Due to the introduction of fresh air through the plenum of the vent system mixing with the hot gases being drawn from the kiln, the temperature of the duct of the duct is usually well below 150 degrees F. This will prevent burns from occurring in the event of the duct being touched.

How long can the duct be and how many bends can it have?
Up to 60 feet of ducting containing four 90 degree bends may be safely used with no drop in static air flow at the duct exhaust point or a reduction in draw at the kiln. The ducting can be run either horizontally or vertically.

Do I need double wall duct when going through the roof?
You do not normally need double wall ducting when going through the roof since the pipe or duct does not reach high temperature. It is always advisable to check your local building codes for their requirements.

What type of duct do I use if I need more than 8 feet?
You can use more of the flexible aluminum dryer ducting or you can use galvanized furnace ducting. We have also had people using "pvc" plastic piping with good results. You should always use the recommended diameter of pipe listed in the owner's manual.

Do I remove the white material on the top of the plenum?
You do not want to remove the white gasket on the plenum. This material is used to provide a seal between the vent and the kiln floor. This gasket will compress and not cause any harm to the floor of the kiln.

Will the fumes coming through the vent damage my plants, the neighborhood pets or disturb the local environment?
No. The fumes and the gases coming from the kiln have been diluted with enough fresh air to make them safe for the environment.

Firing:

Will using the KilnVent cause my firing to take longer?
The vent system pulls only a very small amount of air out of the kiln, so very little heat is removed and firing times will change very little. For some kilns, a high firing may take a little longer. The insulation value and the number of air leaks in the kiln also determine the length of the firing.

What does it cost to operate the KilnVent system?
The KilnVent system typically costs less than 1 cent/hour to operate (electricity costs). KilnVent systems save on heating and cooling costs when compared to hoods. Hoods remove massive amounts of air from the kiln room - air that may have been heated or cooled, depending on the time of year. KilnVents remove 80% less air in the kiln room than does a hood.

Will the cold air entering the kiln damage the product?
The amount of air that is entering the kiln is so small that it does not cause problems with the ware. The top holes are placed toward the outside of the chamber area so that no air comes down directly onto ware that is placed near the top of the kiln.

Will faster cooling crack the ware if I leave the KilnVent on during the cooling cycle?
No. Some kilns can cool an average of 4-12 hours faster with the use of the vent system. The cooling is faster but it is taking place at an even rate throughout the kiln avoiding uneven stresses being placed on the ware. Most ceramic ware can be cooled more quickly if the cooling takes place at an even rate. The rate of cooling increase will depend on the kiln size and the density of the load.

What should I do if I still smell fumes?
If you still smell fumes after hooking up the vent system then you should check to make sure all of the holes are open in the plenum. You should also check your ductwork to make sure it is properly connected and that the joints are sealed. You can also check for extra air leaks around your kiln and repair these if necessary.

What should I do if the kiln has an excessive amount of vibration?
Check to see if the kiln is level. Make sure that the kiln stand sits firmly on the floor and that the gasket is not damaged or missing. In some cases harmonic noise can be created and cause vibration. If this occurs, contact Orton for an additional gasket to dampen this effect.

How do I take care of my KilnVent?
The first step in obtaining proper performance and long life from your vent system is to keep the interior of the kiln clean and to make sure that the holes do not become blocked. You also need to keep the blower motor free of dust and accumulated dirt. It should be vacuumed often. Try to keep all dust and debris out of the kiln vent fan and plenum area.