For the uniform drying free from cracks, drying was effected by warm air rising from the ovens into the upper rooms of the factory or even by natural movement of the air in the open. Bricks were dried usually about 8 to 14 days, larger articles were dried for many months and sensitive glass parts were dried for 1 to 2 years. The drying process was controlled particularly as exposed edges and corners by pasting strips of papers or covering with cloths by drying slowly later and by supplying heat towards the end.
Drying is faster if small amounts of flocculants are added. However some times this may result in other problems in the processing of clay articles.
To be contd……………
