Ans: Eco-Kiln has the lowest specific energy consumption (0.7-0.9 MJ/kg of fired bricks) compared to all other brick firing technologies. Thus, the fuel consumption is reduced by 40-50%. It also has lower emissions compared to other firing technologies. An added advantage is the lowest black carbon emission (approx 0.002 g/kg of fired brick). Eco-Kiln can be operated all the year round modular.

Ans: Yes, Eco-Kiln is an economically feasible technology. It can be operated all the year round. It requires very little land. Its operational area is 4050 m². The building of multiple shaft production units further enhances the ratio of land use to production output. The construction cost of the kiln including the equipments is INR 18-20 lakhs (35,000-40,000 USD). The working capital is just INR 5-7 lakhs (10,000-14,000 USD). It has a lower gestation period and quick return on investments. It’s payback period is 4 years.

Ans: It depends on the number of shafts in a kiln. In a 2 shaft kiln of sizes 1m X 2m and 1.25 m X 2m, the daily production per shaft at the rate of 12 batch per shaft is 9000 and 11000 respectively. The production capacity of the kiln can be further increased by adding new shafts.

Ans: Consistent quality bricks of strength upto 200 kg/cm² can be produced with reduced wastage. Class II and Class III bricks are produced by traditional firing technologies. On the other hand, Class I bricks can be produced by Eco-Kiln.

Ans: All types of soil are suitable to be fired in an Eco-Kiln unit with modifications. The soil of an area can be tested to verify whether it can be used or not. VSBK Service Centre in Datia conducts test to determine the soil of a region can be used.

Ans: Both hand moulded and machine moulded bricks can be fired in Eco-Kiln. Compressive strength of machine moulded bricks can be upto 200kg/cm² and that of hand moulded bricks can be upto 100 kg/cm².

Ans: As Eco-Kiln is an energy efficient technology compared to other traditional technologies, thus it requires less fuel. Moreover, it allows the use of low grade coal such as lignite type of coal.

Ans: Consistent quality bricks of strength upto 200 kg/cm² can be produced with reduced wastage. Class II and Class III bricks are produced by traditional firing technologies. On the other hand, Class I bricks can be produced by Eco-Kiln.

Ans: Yes, skilled manpower is required to run Eco-Kiln. Trained firemasters are required to operate the kiln in a proper manner. Around 30 people are required for all operations from green brick making to firing process.

Ans: If properly maintained, Eco-Kiln can be operated for a long time. The expected life span for a unit is 10-15 years.