July 11, 2008, Newsletter Issue #301: Measuring temperature and heat work

Tip of the Week

Measuring temperature and heat work.
Temperature is usually measured as degrees centigrade using a pyrometer. With a simple pyrometer and firing chart, you can monitor the firing's rate of climb and its temperature at any given moment. By using programmable kiln controllers, you can pre-set a firing schedule automatically.
Cones register the work done by the heat put into the kiln during a firing. Glazes mature due to “heat work”, not temperature, and therefore cones that measure the cumulative effects of heat (heat work) are the best method of monitoring firings. Pyrometric cones bend when their firing value is reached, so set them where they are visible through a spy-hole.

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