Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Traditional Brick Kilns Through Sustainable Insulation with Rice Husk Ash and Wood Ash

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Abstract

This study investigates the enhancement of energy efficiency in traditional brick kilns through sustainable insulation using rice husk ash (RHA) and wood ash (WA). The physical properties of these materials were analyzed, revealing that RHA and WA had mean particle sizes of 0.35 mm and 0.24 mm, respectively, with specific gravities of 2.349 and 2.594 and porosities of 61.071% and 45.273%, respectively. Experimental results demonstrated that WA insulation was more effective than RHA, particularly at 15 cm thickness with loose compaction (15WAL), achieving the highest temperature difference of 597°C and a minimal heat loss of 23.24 MJ. The integration of RHA and WA as insulation materials led to a 15.09% improvement in thermal efficiency, a significant reduction in fuel consumption, and a payback period of just 1.44 years, marking a remarkable return on investment for small-scale brick enterprises. The thermal efficiency of brick kilns increased from 39.33% (traditional kilns) to 54.42% with WA insulation, indicating a substantial reduction in heat loss. Furthermore, this research supports the transition toward a circular economy, demonstrating that waste-derived materials can replace conventional insulation methods while reducing carbon emissions and mitigating environmental impacts. These findings offer a viable, cost-effective strategy for improving the sustainability of brick production, encouraging widespread adoption of RHA and WA in industrial applications. The study concludes that WA is a superior insulation material, offering significant environmental and economic advantages in energy-efficient brick kiln operations.

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