Need to modernize brick kilns,
Pakistan
Introduction
Pakistani Punjab (and Indian Punjab and Delhi) experience
smog in the winters. These phenomena results in closure of airports, flights
diversions, accidents, closure of main high ways and health problems. The
reasons for this smog are said to be: burning of crops in Indian (and Pakistani
Punjab); Industrial pollution; and coal fired power
plants in India. Punjab government has since last two years closed brick kilns
and some other industries in winter, this has resulted in ; hardship of the day
labor involved in brick kiln industry who have few alternatives ; sharp
increase in price of bricks ; and decreased construction activity. The brick
kiln industry in Pakistan is very poorly regulated and there are opportunities
to seek medium to long term modernization of this industry. The need is to
modernize this neglected industry.
Kiln Technology
Kilns
are thermally insulated chambers, or ovens, in which controlled temperature
regimes are produced. They are used to burn coal or dry materials. The bricks
to be fired are loaded into the kiln. The kiln is sealed and the internal
temperature increased according to a schedule. After the firing process has
been completed, both the kiln and ware are cooled. Kiln technology is very old,
and the development of kiln from a simple earthen trench filled with pots and
fuel to modern methods has taken place in stages. One improvement was the
construction of a firing chamber around pots with baffles and a stoking hole.
This allowed heat to be conserved and used more efficiently. The use of a
chimney stack improves the airflow or the "draw" of the kiln, thus
burning the fuel more efficiently.
Brick Kiln Industry status quo
Pakistan needs to
consider introducing alternative technologies to avoid environmental
degradation and fuel wastage, both of which are interrelated factors in the
overall national economic context. There are more than 10,000 brick kilns in
Pakistan engaging approximately one million direct workers living and working
in atrocious conditions. Social evils such as child and bonded labor, supply of
unhygienic water, poor sanitation and adverse health conditions are rampant at
brick kilns. These issues need to be addressed urgently Brick production sector
in Pakistan is still being operated on centuries old Bull Trench Kiln (BTK) technology
which is fuel wasting, contributes to environmental pollution and causes
considerable emission of greenhouse gases. There is, therefore, a need to start
the process of exploring innovative scientific technologies to counter all this
negative fallout of brick kiln operations.
Due to their unusual working conditions and exposure to polluted air and contaminated water, brick kiln workers are prone to fall prey to diseases such as hepatitis A & E, polio, dengue fever, tuberculosis, backache and hernia, which constitute a national loss, because a healthy and contented kiln workforce, aided by modern technology, can play a pivotal role in the execution of mega infrastructure projects that the government plans to undertake.
There are two important aspects of the brick kiln industry: the socio-economic and health-related issues of kiln workers who are often kept in virtual serfdom along with their families, and fuel efficiency and cost of the brick manufacturing process.
The current figures on coal consumption from the Economic Survey of Pakistan 2011-12 reveals that the major users of coal in the country are the cement sector and brick kilns; about 60 percent of total coal is Consumed by cement while 39 percent is consumed by the brick kiln industry during current Year as compared to 62 percent consumption of coal in cement industry and 37 percent in
Brick kiln industry last year. About 56.5 percent of total coal
extracted in the
country has been consumed by the brick kilns industry whereas 42.7 percent by cement industry during
the
period July-March 2010-11.
The coal
consumption shares of brick kilns decreased
by
2.4 percent and that of cement industry increased by 3.1 percent. The
percentage share of power sector declines by 1.24
percent during July-March 2010-11
compared
against the same period last year
Consumption
of
Coal by Various
Sectors (Percentage Share)
Year
|
Power
|
Brick Kilns
|
Cement
|
2001-02
|
5.7
|
58.5
|
35.9
|
2002-03
|
4.2
|
53.3
|
42.5
|
2003-04
|
3
|
42.7
|
54.2
|
2004-05
|
2.3
|
49.5
|
48.2
|
2005-06
|
1.9
|
54.7
|
43.3
|
2006-07
|
2.1
|
41.5
|
56.4
|
2007-08
|
1.6
|
37.2
|
61.2
|
2008-09
|
1.3
|
39.0
|
45.3
|
2009-10
|
1.54
|
36.9
|
61.5
|
2010-11 (e)
|
0.76
|
56.5
|
42.7
|
It is expected that the coal consumption in the country would vary against the variations in demand for bricks and cement, being the primary consumers in Pakistan. With current surge for
increasing housing demands at the aftermath of recent floods and growing population, it can be
safely vouched that the
demand for local coal would increase, the local coal mining (and all
mining) are very poorly regulated and monitored sectors .There is a strong need for formulating a national coal policy and sustainable
exploration in order to not only cater for current
energy needs but also environmental needs of future generations.
The brick kiln industry if modernized would have decreasing energy needs per
brick produced and also would result in an improvement In environmental impacts
related to brick kiln industry.
Improved
Brick Kilns
Since
the advent of industrial age, kilns have been designed to utilize electricity
and more refined fuels, including natural gas and propane. A majority of large
industrial pottery kilns now use natural gas, as it is generally clean,
efficient and easy to control. Pakistan needs to introduce a non-polluting
technology with lower energy consumption. It is also necessary to improve the
working conditions of kiln workers who are subjected not only to unprecedented
levels of pollution, but also to serious health hazards. Even a modest
reduction in specific consumption of fuel would have a significantly positive
impact on national energy scenario.
The VSBK technology can be best applied to the medium-sized brick kilns. There are several site-specific factors, ie quality of raw materials (soil and fuel) used for brick making, skills, labor cost, the quality and price of bricks and so forth. The economic analysis of the VSBK technology, as compared to the BTK, shows that the former requires an investment about a quarter higher than that needed for the latter.
Since no infrastructure project can be executed without an efficient and cost-effective brick manufacturing industry, the government should pay greater heed to modernizing brick kilns. It should also ensure that service conditions of kiln workers are brought at par with industrial workers of all sectors of the economy.
The VSBK technology can be best applied to the medium-sized brick kilns. There are several site-specific factors, ie quality of raw materials (soil and fuel) used for brick making, skills, labor cost, the quality and price of bricks and so forth. The economic analysis of the VSBK technology, as compared to the BTK, shows that the former requires an investment about a quarter higher than that needed for the latter.
Since no infrastructure project can be executed without an efficient and cost-effective brick manufacturing industry, the government should pay greater heed to modernizing brick kilns. It should also ensure that service conditions of kiln workers are brought at par with industrial workers of all sectors of the economy.
Islamabad brick kiln owners had last year
launched a new technology called Vertical-Shaft Brick Kiln Technology (Hi-VSBK)
to enable kilns to use less energy with a lower level of air pollution. After
successful generation of Vertical-Shaft Brick Kiln Technology (Hi-VSBK) in
Nepal and its successful start in Afghanistan, the Swiss Agency for Development
and Co-operation (SDC) had commissioned Skat to transfer the 3-G-VSBK at Lohi
Bher and 3-G-VSBK new Chinese brick manufacturing technology combining with energy
efficient firing of the Vertical Kiln with traditional slow cooling.
Zig-Zag Kilns
Fixed Chimney Bull’s Trench Kiln (FCBTK) have
been operational in sub-continent for several decades. The performance of
existing brick kilns can be improved by retrofit to superior design i.e Zig – Zag kiln. Existing FCBTKs can be easily
retrofitted to Zig – Zag design and the cost of retrofitting is nearly 2 – 2.5 million Rs.
As per Brick
Association in Pakistan, about 15,000 brick kilns with coal as primary fuel
remain operational for 10 months per year on average: Average coal consumption per
kiln per annum=1200 tons Average Bricks production per kiln per annum
(@20,000 bricks per day) = 6 million Total Coal Consumption by 15,000 kilns per
Annum = 18 Million Tons Total Annual Brick Production by 15000 kilns
where coal is the primary fuel = 90 billion
Demo 500 Kilns Annual Consumption
of Coal = 6,00,000 tons
Retrofit Cost
for 500 kilns = 1.25 billion Pak Rs. Investment required during 2 Years for
retrofits= 1.25 Billion Pak Rs.~10.86 Million USD @115 Pak Rs/USD Pay back=less than 6 months
(less coal, more A-Grade bricks, less material loss etc) Coal
Reduction Potential per Annum for 500 kiln= 1,80,000 Tonnes = 0.125 MTOE. 1TOE=1.43
TCE
Introduction of Internal Fuel Green Brick (IFGB) Firing in Traditional Brick Kilns of Pakistan
Internal Fuel Brick Firing is an energy efficient technique of brick firing/ baking in a brick kiln. In this technique, the coal or fuel is pulverized through mechanical means if not available in powder form, weighed through a scale and an amount proportionate to the mass of the brick is mixed in the clay used for making the bricks prior to its firing in the kiln. The technique is widely used in
Vietnam, China and some parts of India and Nepal to achieve higher efficiency of the coal firing and achieve better quality bricks from a brick kiln. Pakistani entrepreneurs are yet to experiment and
promote this efficient technique in their traditional
way of brick making.
Energy Efficient Brick Production Project (2008-2011) of Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and Techno Green Association (TGA) after gaining
experience in Internal
Fuel
Technology at VSBK during the last years went on to introduce the technology in traditional Bull’s Trench
Kilns in Pakistan during
the last year of the
project. The experiment was the first of its kind
and
had no previous examples in the South Asian region. Two successful trials on firing/baking of
Internal Fuel Green Bricks (IFGBs) were conducted at two different BTKs around Rawalpindi/ Islamabad. The BTKs selection was made on the recommendation of the local brick kilns owners association. The first trial of firing 200,000
green
bricks was conducted during the months of May- July
2011, while
the
second
test of
300,000 bricks was made
during
Oct-Nov
2011. A capitalization
workshop
on the subject technology was organised in
December
2011 in
collaboration with
local
brick association.
The IFGBs is a lasting success in improving the traditional brick kilns’ fuel efficiency viz-a-viz environment friendliness in the history of the project. At the end of the year through successful trials and effective
marketing, EEBP project received five
requests from local kiln entrepreneurs to provide them with technical help in applying the technology, however due to time constraints and unfortunate decision on project closure from SDC, their requests went in vain.
Following are
some of the key notes from the two successful trials made at BTKs;
a.
Fuel Saving
The existing firing practice in the brick kilns could only achieve coal consumption of 200- 210 gm/brick to mark maximum efficiency and application of extra-ordinary skills from fire
masters. The trial experiment of IFGBs firing at BTKs showed that the coal consumption during the internal fuel brick firing was reduced up to 20%, which means that the per brick consumption
while
firing
with
Internal Fuel (IF) remained
160-170 gm.
b.
Efficient Kiln Firing
Since the internal fuelling method provides excellent mode of fuel distribution in the kiln, the kiln attains maximum efficiency in terms of firing/baking the bricks. The wastage is
minimized and reduced up to 15-20% if compared to normal brick firing with same kiln conditions.
c.
Higher Quality and Quantity
The quality of bricks produced with IF is excellent with metallic ring and uniform yellow
color. The test results showed that the bricks achieved strength (2300 psi) well beyond the standards required (1600 psi) for building construction in Pakistan. Due to firing of IFGBs in BTK, the speed of firing cycle (Chakkar) increases thus reducing the number of days spent on one Chakkar (cycle) for the
same number of bricks; therefore the overheads
also reduced accordingly. This way, the yearly fired brick production increases by 2.4 million bricks and approximately annual earnings of Pak Rs. 5.0 Million could additionally
be
achieved.
d.
Environmental Protection
The kiln efficiency and environmental pollution are interrelated. As long as the kiln is fired in an efficient manner with sufficient air supply and complete combustion of applied fuel, the kiln emissions contain fewer contents that could harm the environment particularly the human life, otherwise known as pollution. Since the IF provided efficient kiln firing, the resultant emissions fully endorsed the principles of combustion vs. emissions and the kiln emissions were found drastically lowered than normal kiln emissions. The IFGBs firing was duly tested by the provincial and federal Environmental Protection Agencies and declared the emissions well within the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS).Table below
provides summary of the
emissions recorded
by
the respective
agencies.
Table Comparison of Kiln
Emissions against standard NEQS
Parameters
|
NEQS
|
Normal Bricks
Firing
|
IFGBs
|
MBTK*
|
Particulate Matter (PM10)
|
500
|
676.78
|
325
|
428
|
NOx
|
400
|
296
|
74.16
|
10.2
|
CO
|
800
|
334
|
831
|
370
|
SO2
|
400
|
44.8
|
233
|
20.5
|
CO2
|
Doesn’t exist
|
8.99
|
7.5
|
7.9
|
*MBTK-Modified Bull’s Trench Kiln (Indian Design-a solitary BTK exists in Burhan-Pakistan)
e.
Safer Work Conditions
Since the IFGBs production allows controlled consumption of fuel and less emissions of harmful gaseous material, the workers on the kiln are directly benefited from the safer work conditions. The fuel mixing in the
clay has another added advantage of soft molding
and
ease in brick making which alternatively increases the daily production of green brick
making labor
thus increasing
their daily wages/income.
f.
Increased Wages for Labor Force
The internal fuel brick making creates a win-win situation for the owner and the labor force of the brick kilns. Since the crushing and proportionate mixing of coal requires
additional labor which the green brick molders provide on overtime basis, the normal wages of the labour increases by 25-30% against their otherwise daily wages. The owner gets benefited from the higher rate of production and fuel saving with application of efficient kiln firing practices.
Economic & Cost Benefit Analysis
The brief economic analysis of brick kilns shows the average profit margins in this business. are high enough for considering it as an industrial unit albeit working silently unto the peripheries of
urban areas. There is a serious need to consider the sector in order to cater for the energy conservation issues and quality of building construction in the country.
Legal Framework
According to
the Pakistan Environment Protection Agency (PEPA) 1997 in clause (xxiv) section 2, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) shall precede all projects that may have an environmental impact. Since this is a socio-economic development project whose planned
activities likely do not fall under the criteria of development projects which need EIA, therefore only an Environmental Assessment (EA) of project is required under the PEPA Review of Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2000.
There is a widespread belief that brick kilns, specially the emissions thereof, are a major cause of
widespread respiratory and other diseases for the workers and residents of the areas within the reach of the smoke. This belief is also confirmed from the review of available literature, meetings with the experts and has surfaced again in the qualitative survey done by the team for this study. A most ostensible reason why no action has been taken to address this issue is the absence of
brick kiln specific legislation and support from scientific research. A review of the EIA reports for the housing colonies of
Lohi Bher, Islamabad also confirms that the issue of brick kiln smoke hazard was never considered.
Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997
This Act provides for the protection, conservation, rehabilitation and improvement of the environment, prevention and control of pollution, and for promotion of sustainable development. It
also aims to prevent any activity that has adverse environmental impact. Section 2 of this Act defines adverse environmental impact as impairment of or damage to the environment inclusive of
impairment or damage to human health and safety or to biological diversity or property, pollution or any adverse environmental effect as may be specified in the regulations framed
under this Act.\
Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency Review of Initial Environmental Examination and Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2000
This Regulation provides the basis, criteria and procedures for the preparation of environmental studies for all projects likely to impinge on the environment. It also specifies the procedure
whereby environmental approval is granted by the federal
or
provincial
agencies for such projects.
Schedules
I and II of the Regulation list the projects that require either an IEE of EIA.
However, none of the Schedules lists ‘Brick Kiln’ as a project worth undertaking of an IEE or EIA. Resultantly brick
makers
are free to construct any type of kilns
anywhere they like without
hindrance. The only known action taken by EPA against brick kilns is the Environmental Protection Order issued against two kilns near Khanna
Bridge, Islamabad, and that too not on account of public health but due to haze that is inconvenient to aircrafts landing and taking off from the
nearby airport. This case, however, remains un-decided as the
brick makers have lodged
appeals in the Environmental Tribunals
under the PEPA
1997.
Recommendations
Recommendations which are Pakistan specific and given
as follows
Immediate Measures
Small scale, simple and low cost interventions yielding
tangible and visible results, when offered
within the prevailing system
will readily be accepted by the kiln owners and
workers alike. Following small scale energy conservation actions at basic kiln units can substantially capitalize on the energy saving potential, when implemented at national level keeping in view the economy
of
scale:-
Awareness through IEC Materials.. To
create awareness amongst the
stake
holders about the
needed improvements, benefits
which
can be
accrued from the recommended
interventions
and the methods
through which
these
benefits can
be achieved,
Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials be prepared and
disseminated.
Introduction of Brick Kiln Trades.. Trades, specific to brick kilns, such as Kiln Supervisor, Master Moulder, Fire Master, Extruder operator etc be introduced at
“District Trade
Training Schools” and workers be trained on the scientific based curriculum. Presently
there is no such training
arrangement/ institution available for the kiln workers.
Interventions
. Interventions are enumerated as under:-
(1) Improvement in green brick making practices and procedures such as soil selection its seasoning, mixing of internal fuel,
maturing and
ensuring optimal moisture
content at the time
of
brick loading into the kiln.
(2) Enhancing firing efficiency through selection of quality coal, reducing it to
desired size, appropriate stoking of coal
and
monitoring the fire for temperature adjustments.
(3) Periodically conducting the “Energy Audit “at brick kilns, by the owners/ workers
themselves.
(4) Free Technical
Support. Kiln owners/ entrepreneurs be provided with free
technical
support for energy conservation measures i.e.
availability of green brick making manual,
guide
line on efficient firing
techniques, modified kiln
designs, construction drawings and
technical
trouble
shooting check lists for the kilns etc.
Long Term Measures
a.
Statutory and Regulatory Legislation for the Sector. Brick sector of Pakistan is un- regulated undocumented and not even recognized as a cottage industry. Pakistan Standard and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), Pakistan Council
of Scientific &
Industrial Research (PCSIR), Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and different other public sector organizations have issued standards and quality control statutes for products and industries but none has framed kiln specific standards which are mandatory for regulating the sector for improvement. Statutes specific to bricks kilns,
establishing
base line
standards on
quality bricks, energy
efficient kiln designs, emissions etc need to be
promulgated for implementation and improving
upon the
sector.
b. Approved Kiln Technologies. Energy efficient kiln technologies alternate to traditional, in-
efficient kilns be approved/ specified
for small, medium and large enterprises e.g. VSBK, Mod BTK, Habla Kiln, Hybrid Hoffman Kiln and Tunnel
Kiln.
c.
Mechanized Green Brick Making. Mechanized IFGB be approved for the specified technologies, a mandatory provision for successful adoption of these high production technologies. This will not only conserve energy but will also eradicate the curse of child
women and
bonded labor issues for which
the brick sector is notorious.
d.
Public Private Partnership (PPP) Initiatives. Energy efficient technologies yielding high production, stipulate substantial capital investment which can be reassured by the government through
PPP
ventures.
e. Establishment of Provincial Brick Authorities. These
authorities
will have a focused
approach on issues pertaining to the brick sector, besides the energy conservation will also
specify the locations of brick fields away from fertile lands, vocational
training
for the women, occupational safety and health at the kilns etc. etc.
f.
Status of Industry. Brick sector needs to be given the status of an industry to avail the industrial privileges facilitating the implementation of energy efficiency improvements
.
Demand for Bricks: Bricks are the major ingredients in construction material. Pakistan is in huge deficit of housing for which both public and private sectors are initiating mega projects. Building and construction activities are at lower pace at present due to current economic crisis and socio-political situation. However a boom in the sector is expected as soon as the situation
improves. A proper handling of this huge demand for brick could effectively be utilized for the technological advancement in this field.
Supply Side: Brick Industry in Pakistan is a neglected sector and is running on traditional
unorganized pattern. The brick kilns are operating mainly to cater for the
needs of local areas and are uncoordinated. Labor at these kilns is seasonal and production is intermittent for an average period
of eight months in
a
year
with
intervals
in between. Due
to present
slump in the construction business, many of the kilns are working
under capacity.
Lack of Knowledge and Research: Brick business
in Pakistan grossly
lacks modern knowledge about mechanization and innovative methods. None of the respondents in brick kilns was found using computers or other IT equipment at their sites. Those few who are conversant
with modern knowledge and
technique are uncoordinated.
Environment Concerns are Looming: Despite the ignorance of majority
of EPs
regarding environmental pollution created by the traditional BTK, the fact is that this issue will be a major concern in coming days. The countries are under global obligations to reduce emission
of polluting gases such as produced by the brick kilns. The government has recently decided to
relocate BTKs from outskirts of Islamabad. The project needs to devise a comprehensive strategy to be proactively involved at relevant quarters in this arena. The Capital Development Authority has learnt to hint at financial requirement for relocation of BTKs. The project may negotiate to fill the gap by investing on Public-Private-Partnership.
Social Conditions Improvement of Brick Kiln Labor
Interventions
proposed as a way
forward:
a.
Ensuring that workers obtain NICs for themselves, and their families including
birth registration of their children. The NICs are critical for access to social protection programs of
the
government, as well as ensuring that workers can access social services and exercise their rights as voters.
b.
Adult Literacy and/or Vocational Training with compensation (and in-built requirements for completion of course) so livelihood is not
affected. Alternative
skills training can
be initiated.
c.
Schooling
for children through lobbying with the Education Ministry/Department for implementation of Education for All
(EFA) and provision of non-formal schools in the area.
d.
Access to better quality government health facilities through lobbying with district
governments.
e.
Explore the possibility of health insurance schemes for the poor as initiated by RSPN
/PRSP in Punjab.
f.
Improved work conditions such as shelter to protect from adverse weather conditions; improved work timings, fewer hours of work (than the present 11-13 hours) and minimum wage, equal pay for equal work. Simple facilities on the work site such as clean drinking water and first-aid box can also be initial steps to improve work conditions that do not
require substantial investments. The
provision of latrines at the
worksite, though it requires
a small investment, is a must.
g.
Improved living conditions for the workers who live on the site: This includes infrastructure
improvements such as improved building
materials in houses, provision of latrines, proper
drains, running water, safe drinking
water, piped gas for cooking
etc.
h.
Employers/owners emphasized the introduction of fuel-efficient technologies more than
the introduction of mechanization. We believe such technologies should be introduced but
the profits that accrue
should be shared with the workers in the form of improved work and
living conditions.
i.
Tripartite dialogue between
employers, workers and
stakeholders to ensure
2-way benefits accruing from fuel-efficient technology transfers.
j.
Interface with private sector businesses for accessing better technologies and financial
incentives that will
result in
environmentally responsible
practices as well
as direct material benefits to workers.
k.
Explore the possibility of forming formal forums for dispute resolution and associations for
articulating workers’ demands.
Environmental Aspects of Brick Kilns
a.
Data on emissions from brick kilns for Pakistan does not exist; therefore, primary data
must be collected. Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency is the appropriate agency to be contacted in this regard.
b.
Data on health impacts of brick kiln is also not available.
Pakistan Medical Research
Council is the
appropriate body to
be
contacted in this regard.
c.
One way forward to bring brick kilns into the realm of monitoring of environmental agencies is to lobby for the recognition of brick kiln as an industry in the Pakistan Environmental
laws.
d.
Like India and Nepal Standards, for brick kilns in particular emissions are
much needed
in Pakistan.
e.
Studies are needed to assess the health impacts of brick kiln smoke on the adjoining residential areas and the same may be compared with control areas to draw
inferences.
f.
Proper Guidelines for Brick kiln workers especially those involved in coal
fire should be prepared.
g.
Alternate coal fire ignition fuels be considered instead of used tires
h.
Environmental education of brick
kiln owners, workers and those living nearby is
needed.
i.
Research on brick kiln emissions, effects of top soil removal for green brick making, vegetation trends on abandoned sites of kilns, comparison of vegetation at kiln sites and control sites, and faunal surveys and assessments of PAHs and ionized silicates emissions are much
need.
Green Brick Making
–
Introduction of good practices for green brick making like
(i)
mechanized green making, (ii) fencing and covering / storage under sheds, (iii) proper brick stacking techniques, (iv) artificial drying, using exhaust air
–
Separate studies may be carried
out
to: determine the suitability and availability of mud for green brick making from canals and
water courses dredging determine
the viability of fly ash bricks in
Pakistan
–
The local brick making plants can be the most suited mechanized green brick making technology in areas / localities facing power connectivity and
supply issues.
Brick
Making
–
Introduction of best practices in terms of (i) Solid fuel placement in kiln and (ii) Air-flow
control technologies / techniques
–
The local FCBTKs and Modified FCBTKs are not as environmental friendly as deemed necessary. At the same time the Hoffman kiln has the longest pay-back period and is the most capital intensive. The two alternates available are the VSBK and tunnel Kiln. The two types have certain advantages in terms of fuel
efficiency, emissions, productivity, yield
etc.
The tunnel kiln
is, however, more capital intensive
as
compared to the
VSBK.
–
While
“re-introducing” the
VSBK, lessons from the
past should be given due
consideration, in
terms of sustainability of efforts, long
term technical
and training
support etc.
–
A core group of engineers and technicians
should to be trained as master trainers to provide further training and
disseminate good practices on a large scale.
–
Introducing the concept of cluster councils can help the kiln owners to deal with issues like
training, testing & inspection and marketing
–
A
separate study may be conducted to Analyze the viability of tunnel technology in Pakistan’s perspective along with the VSBK; covering aspects like increased production capacity, adaptability to local conditions etc..
Analyze the technological aspects of briquetting technology for brick making sector, in terms of brick raw material and multiple-fuels. It may also include the development of briquetting
techniques and
equipment
Update: Dec., 24, 2018
South Punjab’s first-ever zigzag brick kiln
has been made operational in Jahanian, Khanewal district. After Lahore, this is
the first kiln in South Punjab with has been converted to the zigzag
technology. The technology has reduced coal consumption by 40%. “Over 0.7
million bricks can be baked at the same time Around Rs10 million were spent on
constructing this brick kiln. Not only does it not cause pollution, it is also
cost effective,” Environmental expert Dr
Umar Ghouri says that zigzag brick kilns emit white smoke, which is not harmful
for human health, as compared to the black smoke which is emitted from
traditional kilns. Government had directed owners to convert to zigzag
technology. The technology, which is originally from Nepal, was introduced in
Pakistan with the cooperation of the Brick Kiln Owners Association of Pakistan
(BKOAP) about a year ago.
