Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln - Revision history

Rasmus: /* Pros and Cons vs. Compressed Earth Blocks */ typo

2017-04-29T19:41:39Z

Pros and Cons vs. Compressed Earth Blocks: typo

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:41, 29 April 2017
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	* uses low-cost / low-quality fuel such as coal fines or charcoal fines, possibly pyrolysis gas from other processes (see development proposal below)		* uses low-cost / low-quality fuel such as coal fines or charcoal fines, possibly pyrolysis gas from other processes (see development proposal below)
	* carbon negativity more easily achieved (if part of a [[Biochar/Brick Co-production System]])		* carbon negativity more easily achieved (if part of a [[Biochar/Brick Co-production System]])
	* possibility to re-~~used~~ waste heat (space heating for applications such as greenhouses, fish tanks, etc.)		* possibility to re-use waste heat (space heating for applications such as greenhouses, fish tanks, etc.)
	* no stabilizer needed (e.g. cement, [[lime]], flyash, etc.), leading to energy savings.		* no stabilizer needed (e.g. cement, [[lime]], flyash, etc.), leading to energy savings.
	* reduced wear and tear on the infrastructure per brick (volume is large)		* reduced wear and tear on the infrastructure per brick (volume is large)

Rasmus: typo etc., minor changes

2016-04-27T12:59:50Z

typo etc., minor changes

Rasmus at 09:00, 27 April 2016

2016-04-27T09:00:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:00, 27 April 2016
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	==Development Proposal==		==Development Proposal==
	(see page: [[Biochar/Brick Co-production System]])		(see page: [[Biochar/Brick Co-production System]])

	The typical VSBK is coal-fired, mostly using low-quality coal fines. As shown in the (Vimeo) animation above, pieces of coal are scattered onto the bricks from the top. Since coal is a polluting and sometimes unavailable fuel, the proposal here is to develop a (carbon-negative) VSBK fired with pyrolysis gas (with [[biochar]] as a co-product). Some reports suggest that wood chips and crop waste can be used as fuel instead of coal fines, but it is not clear how that affects the whole process.		The typical VSBK is coal-fired, mostly using low-quality coal fines. As shown in the (Vimeo) animation above, pieces of coal are scattered onto the bricks from the top. Since coal is a polluting and sometimes unavailable fuel, the proposal here is to develop a (carbon-negative) VSBK fired with pyrolysis gas (with [[biochar]] as a co-product). Some reports suggest that wood chips and crop waste can be used as fuel instead of coal fines, but it is not clear how that affects the whole process.
	*The brick kiln could be re-designed as part of a combined system to run on the [[pyrolysis]] gas, a byproduct of biochar production. In such a system, the hot pyrolysis gas would be blown into the kiln from the front and back, through the 5 or so holes in the bottom layer of each brick stack.		*The brick kiln could be re-designed as part of a combined system to run on the [[pyrolysis]] gas, a byproduct of biochar production. In such a system, the hot pyrolysis gas would be blown into the kiln from the front and back, through the 5 or so holes in the bottom layer of each brick stack.

Rasmus: /* Development Proposal */

2016-04-27T08:58:50Z

Development Proposal

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:58, 27 April 2016
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	==Development Proposal==		==Development Proposal==
			(see page: [[Biochar/Brick Co-production System]])
	The typical VSBK is coal-fired, mostly using low-quality coal fines. As shown in the (Vimeo) animation above, pieces of coal are scattered onto the bricks from the top. Since coal is a polluting and sometimes unavailable fuel, the proposal here is to develop a (carbon-negative) VSBK fired with pyrolysis gas (with [[biochar]] as a co-product). Some reports suggest that wood chips and crop waste can be used as fuel instead of coal fines, but it is not clear how that affects the whole process.		The typical VSBK is coal-fired, mostly using low-quality coal fines. As shown in the (Vimeo) animation above, pieces of coal are scattered onto the bricks from the top. Since coal is a polluting and sometimes unavailable fuel, the proposal here is to develop a (carbon-negative) VSBK fired with pyrolysis gas (with [[biochar]] as a co-product). Some reports suggest that wood chips and crop waste can be used as fuel instead of coal fines, but it is not clear how that affects the whole process.
	*The brick kiln could be re-designed as part of a ~~[[pyrolysis]]~~ system to run on the ~~pyro-gas (see also:~~ [[~~Biochar/Brick Co-production System~~]]). In such a system, the pyrolysis gas would be blown into the kiln from the front and back, through the 5 or so holes in the bottom layer of each brick stack.		*The brick kiln could be re-designed as part of a combined system to run on the [[pyrolysis]] gas, a byproduct of biochar production. In such a system, the hot pyrolysis gas would be blown into the kiln from the front and back, through the 5 or so holes in the bottom layer of each brick stack.
	*This gas-fired kiln would have cleaner emissions than the coal-fired one (less: soot, heavy metals, organic pollutants, etc.). The off-gas could conceivably be used for CO2 enrichment in a [[greenhouse]] or garden/field (this may require a [[biofilter]] step first).		*This gas-fired kiln would have cleaner emissions than the coal-fired one (less: soot, heavy metals, organic pollutants, etc.). The off-gas could conceivably be used for CO2 enrichment in a [[greenhouse]] or garden/field (this may require a [[biofilter]] step first).
	*Co-products in addition to bricks: [[biochar]], heat, CO2-rich gas for greenhouses.		*Co-products in addition to bricks: [[biochar]], heat, CO2-rich gas for greenhouses.

Rasmus: /* Development Proposal */

2016-04-25T02:08:19Z

Development Proposal

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:08, 25 April 2016
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	==Development Proposal==		==Development Proposal==
	~~(also see: [[Biochar/Brick_Co-production_System]])~~		The typical VSBK is coal-fired, mostly using low-quality coal fines. As shown in the (Vimeo) animation above, pieces of coal are scattered onto the bricks from the top. Since coal is a polluting and sometimes unavailable fuel, the proposal here is to develop a (carbon-negative) VSBK fired with pyrolysis gas (with [[biochar]] as a co-product). Some reports suggest that wood chips and crop waste can be used as fuel instead of coal fines, but it is not clear how that affects the whole process.
	The typical VSBK is coal-fired, mostly using low-quality coal fines. As shown in the (Vimeo) animation above, pieces of coal are scattered onto the bricks from the top. Since coal is a polluting and ~~often~~ unavailable fuel, the proposal here is to develop a (carbon-~~negativ~~)e VSBK fired with pyrolysis gas (with [[biochar]] as a co-product). Some reports ~~exist suggesting~~ that wood chips and crop waste can be used as fuel instead of coal fines, but it is not clear how that affects the whole process.
	*The brick kiln could be re-designed as part of a [[pyrolysis]] system to run on the pyro-gas (see also: [[Biochar/Brick Co-production System]]). In such a system, the pyrolysis gas would be blown into the kiln from the front and back, through the 5 or so holes in the bottom layer of each brick stack.		*The brick kiln could be re-designed as part of a [[pyrolysis]] system to run on the pyro-gas (see also: [[Biochar/Brick Co-production System]]). In such a system, the pyrolysis gas would be blown into the kiln from the front and back, through the 5 or so holes in the bottom layer of each brick stack.
	*This gas-fired kiln would have cleaner emissions than the coal-fired one (less: soot, heavy metals, organic pollutants, etc.). The off-gas could conceivably be used for CO2 enrichment in a [[greenhouse]] or garden/field (this may require a [[biofilter]] step first).		*This gas-fired kiln would have cleaner emissions than the coal-fired one (less: soot, heavy metals, organic pollutants, etc.). The off-gas could conceivably be used for CO2 enrichment in a [[greenhouse]] or garden/field (this may require a [[biofilter]] step first).

Rasmus: /* About */

2016-04-24T23:25:58Z

About

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:25, 24 April 2016
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	'''Output:''' Each batch of bricks is made up of four layers, making a total of 320 bricks per batch. Many of these kilns put out 10,000-15,000 bricks per day (this figure may refer to a 2-shaft kiln). Quality is very high and brick wastage is very low when compared to other kilns, being only 2-5% in China. The firing process is completed in about 24-30h as the bricks move from top to bottom.		'''Output:''' Each batch of bricks is made up of four layers, making a total of 320 bricks per batch. Many of these kilns put out 10,000-15,000 bricks per day (this figure may refer to a 2-shaft kiln). Quality is very high and brick wastage is very low when compared to other kilns, being only 2-5% in China. The firing process is completed in about 24-30h as the bricks move from top to bottom.

	'''Versatility:''' Well suited for firing solid bricks. Works with hand-molded bricks or extruded bricks, even non-standard shapes as long as the stability of the stack is assured. It can also be used to fire bricks with perforations, but is not suitable for firing hollow bricks or thinner products like tiles.		'''Versatility:''' Well suited for firing solid bricks. Works with hand-molded bricks or extruded bricks, even non-standard shapes as long as the stability of the stack is assured. It can also be used to fire bricks with perforations, but is not suitable for firing hollow bricks or thinner products like tiles (although [http://www.gsa.lk/projects_vbsk.php attempts] are being made in this direction).

	==Videos==		==Videos==

Rasmus: redid the "About" section.

2016-04-24T22:08:32Z

redid the "About" section.

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:08, 24 April 2016
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	==Basics==		==Basics==
	Updraft kiln for firing clay bricks. High fuel economy (coal, biomass). Low space requirements. Produces high-quality bricks.		Updraft kiln for firing clay bricks. High fuel economy (coal, biomass). Low space requirements. Produces high-quality bricks. '''Open source!'''

	==About==		==About==
	* Updraft = heat is ~~reused~~. ~~Cold air entering at the bottom cools down the descending~~ (~~fired~~) ~~bricks~~, is ~~then used for firing, then warms up the still-cold bricks on top of the stack)~~.		'''Origin:''' VSBK technology is not patented. Since its commercial, environmental and social development was financed by SDC (Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation), this technology is considered open source. The concept was originally developed in China in the late 1960s during the cultural revolution. In some ways, its development parallels that of the [[Chinese Greenhouse]]: a rural, medium-scale technology that was eventually strongly supported by government and academia, leading to many small technical improvements and massive roll-out.
	* Developed in China in the late 1960s during the cultural revolution. In some ways, its development parallels that of the [[Chinese Greenhouse]]: a rural, medium-scale technology that was eventually strongly supported by government and academia, leading to many small technical improvements and massive roll-out.
	* Combines low cost of updraft firing with high fuel economy.		'''Principle:''' Updraft = heat is reused. This operating principle is similar to that of a vertical shaft [[lime]] kiln. Cold air entering at the bottom cools down the descending (fired) bricks, is then used for firing, then warms up the still-cold bricks on top of the stack). Bricks are loaded at the top and removed at ground level in a continuous process (see animation below for details).
	* Usually fired with low-grade coal fines, but may be adapted to other fuels.
	* Said to be twice to three times as energy efficient as [http://www.lowtechmagazine.com/2009/10/hoffmann-kilns-brick-and-tile-production.html Hoffmann kiln]		'''Energy:''' Most energy efficient brick kiln there is. Combines low cost of updraft firing with high fuel economy. Said to be twice to three times as energy efficient as [http://www.lowtechmagazine.com/2009/10/hoffmann-kilns-brick-and-tile-production.html Hoffmann kiln]. Energy consumption figures (China): 0.103 kg coal per brick or 975 MJ/kg per 1000 bricks. Usually fired with low-grade coal fines, but may be adapted to other fuels. Firing shaft is very well insulated on all four sides, minimizing heat loss.
	* energy consumption figures (China): 0.103 kg coal per brick or 975 MJ/kg per 1000 bricks.
	* Firing shaft is very well insulated on all four sides, minimizing heat loss.		'''Output:''' Each batch of bricks is made up of four layers, making a total of 320 bricks per batch. Many of these kilns put out 10,000-15,000 bricks per day (this figure may refer to a 2-shaft kiln). Quality is very high and brick wastage is very low when compared to other kilns, being only 2-5% in China. The firing process is completed in about 24-30h as the bricks move from top to bottom.
	* Bricks are loaded at the top and removed at ground level in a continuous process (see animation below for details)
	* Each batch of bricks is made up of four layers, making a total of 320 bricks per batch.		'''Versatility:''' Well suited for firing solid bricks. Works with hand-molded bricks or extruded bricks, even non-standard shapes as long as the stability of the stack is assured. It can also be used to fire bricks with perforations, but is not suitable for firing hollow bricks or thinner products like tiles.
	* Many kilns put out 10,000-15,000 bricks per day (this figure may refer to a 2-shaft kiln)
	* Brick wastage is very low when compared to other kilns, being only 2-5% in China.
	* Operating principle is similar to that of a vertical shaft [[lime]] kiln.
	* The firing process is completed in about 24-30h as the bricks move from top to bottom.
	* Versatile: hand-molded bricks or extruded bricks; even non-standard shapes as long as the stability of the stack is assured
	* well suited for firing solid bricks. It can also be used to fire bricks with perforations, but is not suitable for firing hollow bricks or thinner products like tiles.

	==Videos==		==Videos==
	<html>		<html>

	<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/3689165" width="640" height="432" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>		<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/3689165" width="640" height="432" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
	</html>		</html>
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	==Further Information (links)==		==Further Information (links)==
	* TERI: [http://www.teriin.org/technology/brick-kiln-technology VSBK] (short overview)		* TERI: [http://www.teriin.org/technology/brick-kiln-technology VSBK] (short overview)
	* [http://www.swisscontact.org/en/home.html Swisscontact] is an agency that has done a lot of work trying to facilitate knowledge transfer ~~about~~ this technology		* [http://www.swisscontact.org/en/home.html Swisscontact] is an agency that has done a lot of work trying to facilitate knowledge transfer for this technology. Paper from Swisscontact: [http://www.swisscontact.org/fileadmin/media/Medienberichte/0913_Vertical_Shaft_Brick_Kiln_VSBK_01.pdf "VSBK - An effective South-South Technology Transfer for climate change mitigation in the Clay Brick sector"] (internal copy: [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/File:0913_Vertical_Shaft_Brick_Kiln_VSBK_01.pdf here])
	* paper from Swisscontact: [http://www.swisscontact.org/fileadmin/media/Medienberichte/0913_Vertical_Shaft_Brick_Kiln_VSBK_01.pdf "VSBK - An effective South-South Technology Transfer for climate change mitigation in the Clay Brick sector"] (internal copy: [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/File:0913_Vertical_Shaft_Brick_Kiln_VSBK_01.pdf here])
	* Technical manual [http://www.skat.ch/publications/prarticle.2005-09-29.1982292338/skatpublication.2013-11-28.9355422243 "VSBK Design Option Guidelines"] (50 pages) from Swiss Centre for Appropriate Technology (SKAT) with extensive detail on all sorts of different design options. File is a .pdf but missing proper file extension, needs to be renamed after download. I have therefore uploaded this [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/File:SKAT_VSBK_Design_Option_Guidelines.pdf internal copy] until it is fixed.		* Technical manual [http://www.skat.ch/publications/prarticle.2005-09-29.1982292338/skatpublication.2013-11-28.9355422243 "VSBK Design Option Guidelines"] (50 pages) from Swiss Centre for Appropriate Technology (SKAT) with extensive detail on all sorts of different design options. File is a .pdf but missing proper file extension, needs to be renamed after download. I have therefore uploaded this [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/File:SKAT_VSBK_Design_Option_Guidelines.pdf internal copy] until it is fixed.
	* [http://www.fastonline.org/CD3WD_40/GATE_DL/BUILDING/VS/EN/VS.HTM Fastonline: VSBK] (internal copy: [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/File:Fastonline_-_The_Vertical_Shaft_Brick_Kiln.pdf here])		* [http://www.fastonline.org/CD3WD_40/GATE_DL/BUILDING/VS/EN/VS.HTM Fastonline: VSBK] (internal copy: [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/File:Fastonline_-_The_Vertical_Shaft_Brick_Kiln.pdf here])
	* [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/File:VSBK_India_-_BASIN.pdf internal .pdf copy] of: "Lessons in technology transfer: a case study of the vertical shaft brick kiln" BASIN - News No. 14 - August 1997 : Bridging Gaps through Cooperation (BASIN-GTZ-SKAT, 1997, 35 p.)"		* [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/File:VSBK_India_-_BASIN.pdf internal .pdf copy] of: "Lessons in technology transfer: a case study of the vertical shaft brick kiln" BASIN - News No. 14 - August 1997 : Bridging Gaps through Cooperation (BASIN-GTZ-SKAT, 1997, 35 p.)"
			* [http://www.vsbkindia.org/index.htm VSBK India] (has FAQs)
	*[http://www.devalt.org/newsletter/sep04/lead.htm Devalt.org: "The Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln : a technology for the masses"] (internal copy [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/File:The_Vertical_Shaft_Brick_Kiln_a_technology_for_the_masses.pdf here])		*[http://www.devalt.org/newsletter/sep04/lead.htm Devalt.org: "The Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln : a technology for the masses"] (internal copy [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/File:The_Vertical_Shaft_Brick_Kiln_a_technology_for_the_masses.pdf here])
	* [http://www.nzdl.org/gsdlmod?e=d-00000-00---off-0hdl--00-0----0-10-0---0---0direct-10---4-------0-1l--11-en-50---20-about---00-0-1-00-0--4----0-0-11-10-0utfZz-8-00&a=d&c=hdl&cl=CL2.11.2&d=HASH4668b8a7cc5494b2730059.7.4 Article from GATE - 4/91 - Environmental NGOs Humanity Development Library - The Chinese vertical Brick Kiln]		* [http://www.nzdl.org/gsdlmod?e=d-00000-00---off-0hdl--00-0----0-10-0---0---0direct-10---4-------0-1l--11-en-50---20-about---00-0-1-00-0--4----0-0-11-10-0utfZz-8-00&a=d&c=hdl&cl=CL2.11.2&d=HASH4668b8a7cc5494b2730059.7.4 Article from GATE - 4/91 - Environmental NGOs Humanity Development Library - The Chinese vertical Brick Kiln]
	* [http://www.vsbkindia.org/index.htm VSBK India] (has FAQs)

	[[Category:Housing and construction]]		[[Category:Housing and construction]]
	[[Category:Materials]]		[[Category:Materials]]

Rasmus: /* Further Information (links) */

2016-04-24T21:32:27Z

Further Information (links)

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:32, 24 April 2016
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	* [http://www.swisscontact.org/en/home.html Swisscontact] is an agency that has done a lot of work trying to facilitate knowledge transfer about this technology		* [http://www.swisscontact.org/en/home.html Swisscontact] is an agency that has done a lot of work trying to facilitate knowledge transfer about this technology
	* paper from Swisscontact: [http://www.swisscontact.org/fileadmin/media/Medienberichte/0913_Vertical_Shaft_Brick_Kiln_VSBK_01.pdf "VSBK - An effective South-South Technology Transfer for climate change mitigation in the Clay Brick sector"] (internal copy: [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/File:0913_Vertical_Shaft_Brick_Kiln_VSBK_01.pdf here])		* paper from Swisscontact: [http://www.swisscontact.org/fileadmin/media/Medienberichte/0913_Vertical_Shaft_Brick_Kiln_VSBK_01.pdf "VSBK - An effective South-South Technology Transfer for climate change mitigation in the Clay Brick sector"] (internal copy: [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/File:0913_Vertical_Shaft_Brick_Kiln_VSBK_01.pdf here])
			* Technical manual [http://www.skat.ch/publications/prarticle.2005-09-29.1982292338/skatpublication.2013-11-28.9355422243 "VSBK Design Option Guidelines"] (50 pages) from Swiss Centre for Appropriate Technology (SKAT) with extensive detail on all sorts of different design options. File is a .pdf but missing proper file extension, needs to be renamed after download. I have therefore uploaded this [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/File:SKAT_VSBK_Design_Option_Guidelines.pdf internal copy] until it is fixed.
	* [http://www.fastonline.org/CD3WD_40/GATE_DL/BUILDING/VS/EN/VS.HTM Fastonline: VSBK] (internal copy: [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/File:Fastonline_-_The_Vertical_Shaft_Brick_Kiln.pdf here])		* [http://www.fastonline.org/CD3WD_40/GATE_DL/BUILDING/VS/EN/VS.HTM Fastonline: VSBK] (internal copy: [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/File:Fastonline_-_The_Vertical_Shaft_Brick_Kiln.pdf here])
	* [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/File:VSBK_India_-_BASIN.pdf internal .pdf copy] of: "Lessons in technology transfer: a case study of the vertical shaft brick kiln" BASIN - News No. 14 - August 1997 : Bridging Gaps through Cooperation (BASIN-GTZ-SKAT, 1997, 35 p.)"		* [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/File:VSBK_India_-_BASIN.pdf internal .pdf copy] of: "Lessons in technology transfer: a case study of the vertical shaft brick kiln" BASIN - News No. 14 - August 1997 : Bridging Gaps through Cooperation (BASIN-GTZ-SKAT, 1997, 35 p.)"
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	* [http://www.nzdl.org/gsdlmod?e=d-00000-00---off-0hdl--00-0----0-10-0---0---0direct-10---4-------0-1l--11-en-50---20-about---00-0-1-00-0--4----0-0-11-10-0utfZz-8-00&a=d&c=hdl&cl=CL2.11.2&d=HASH4668b8a7cc5494b2730059.7.4 Article from GATE - 4/91 - Environmental NGOs Humanity Development Library - The Chinese vertical Brick Kiln]		* [http://www.nzdl.org/gsdlmod?e=d-00000-00---off-0hdl--00-0----0-10-0---0---0direct-10---4-------0-1l--11-en-50---20-about---00-0-1-00-0--4----0-0-11-10-0utfZz-8-00&a=d&c=hdl&cl=CL2.11.2&d=HASH4668b8a7cc5494b2730059.7.4 Article from GATE - 4/91 - Environmental NGOs Humanity Development Library - The Chinese vertical Brick Kiln]
	* [http://www.vsbkindia.org/index.htm VSBK India] (has FAQs)		* [http://www.vsbkindia.org/index.htm VSBK India] (has FAQs)


	[[Category:Housing and construction]]		[[Category:Housing and construction]]
	[[Category:Materials]]		[[Category:Materials]]

Rasmus at 16:45, 24 April 2016

2016-04-24T16:45:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:45, 24 April 2016
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	* The firing process is completed in about 24-30h as the bricks move from top to bottom.		* The firing process is completed in about 24-30h as the bricks move from top to bottom.
	* Versatile: hand-molded bricks or extruded bricks; even non-standard shapes as long as the stability of the stack is assured		* Versatile: hand-molded bricks or extruded bricks; even non-standard shapes as long as the stability of the stack is assured
			* well suited for firing solid bricks. It can also be used to fire bricks with perforations, but is not suitable for firing hollow bricks or thinner products like tiles.

	==Videos==		==Videos==

Rasmus: /* Related Pages On This Wiki */

2016-04-24T12:22:17Z

Related Pages On This Wiki

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:22, 24 April 2016
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	* [[Biochar-Lime Co-production System]]		* [[Biochar-Lime Co-production System]]
	* [[Compressed Earth Blocks]]		* [[Compressed Earth Blocks]]
			* [[CEB Vaults]]

	==Pros and Cons vs. [[Compressed Earth Blocks]]==		==Pros and Cons vs. [[Compressed Earth Blocks]]==

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:59, 27 April 2016
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	==About==		==About==
	'''Origin:''' VSBK technology is not patented. Since its commercial, environmental and social development was financed by SDC (Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation), this technology is considered open source. The concept was originally developed in China in the late 1960s during the cultural revolution. In some ways, its development parallels that of the [[Chinese Greenhouse]]: a rural, medium-scale technology that was ~~eventually~~ strongly supported by government and academia, leading to many small technical improvements and massive roll-out.		'''Origin:''' VSBK technology is not patented. Since its commercial, environmental and social development was financed by SDC (Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation), this technology is considered open source. The concept was originally developed in China in the late 1960s during the cultural revolution. In some ways, its development parallels that of the [[Chinese Greenhouse]]: a rural, medium-scale technology that was later strongly supported by government and academia, leading to many small technical improvements and massive roll-out.

	'''Principle:''' Updraft = heat is reused. This operating principle is similar to that of a vertical shaft [[lime]] kiln. Cold air entering at the bottom cools down the descending (fired) bricks, is then used for firing, then warms up the still-cold bricks on top of the stack). Bricks are loaded at the top and removed at ground level in a continuous process (see animation below for details).		'''Principle:''' Updraft = heat is reused. This operating principle is similar to that of a vertical shaft [[lime]] kiln. Cold air entering at the bottom cools down the descending (fired) bricks, is then used for firing, then warms up the still-cold bricks on top of the stack. Bricks are loaded at the top and removed at ground level in a continuous process (see animation below for details).

	'''Energy:''' Most energy efficient brick kiln there is. Combines low cost of updraft firing with high fuel economy. Said to be twice to three times as energy efficient as [http://www.lowtechmagazine.com/2009/10/hoffmann-kilns-brick-and-tile-production.html Hoffmann kiln]. Energy consumption figures (China): 0.103 kg coal per brick or 975 MJ/kg per 1000 bricks. Usually fired with low-grade coal fines, but may be adapted to other fuels. Firing shaft is very well insulated on all four sides, minimizing heat loss.		'''Energy:''' Most energy efficient brick kiln there is. Combines low cost of updraft firing with high fuel economy. Said to be twice to three times as energy efficient as [http://www.lowtechmagazine.com/2009/10/hoffmann-kilns-brick-and-tile-production.html Hoffmann kiln]. Energy consumption figures (China): 0.103 kg coal per brick or 975 MJ/kg per 1000 bricks. Usually fired with low-grade coal fines, but may be adapted to other fuels. Firing shaft is very well insulated on all four sides, minimizing heat loss.

	'''Output:''' Each batch of bricks is made up of four layers, making a total of 320 bricks per batch. Many of these kilns put out 10,000-15,000 bricks per day (this figure may refer to a 2-shaft kiln). Quality is very high and brick wastage is very low when compared to other kilns, being only 2-5% in China. The firing process is completed in about 24-30h as the bricks move from top to bottom.		'''Output:''' Each batch of bricks is made up of four layers, making a total of 320 bricks per batch. Many of these kilns put out 10,000-15,000 bricks per day (this figure may refer to a 2-shaft kiln). Quality is very high and brick wastage is very low when compared to other kilns, being only 2-5% in China. The firing process is completed in about 24-30h as the bricks move from top to bottom. One batch is removed at the bottom at a regular interval.

	'''Versatility:''' Well suited for firing solid bricks. Works with hand-molded bricks or extruded bricks, even non-standard shapes as long as the stability of the stack is assured. It can also be used to fire bricks with perforations, but is not suitable for firing hollow bricks or thinner products like tiles (although [http://www.gsa.lk/projects_vbsk.php attempts] are being made in this direction).		'''Versatility:''' Well suited for firing solid bricks. Works with hand-molded bricks or extruded bricks, even non-standard shapes as long as the stability of the stack is assured. It can also be used to fire bricks with perforations, but is not suitable for firing hollow bricks or thinner products like tiles (although [http://www.gsa.lk/projects_vbsk.php attempts] are being made in this direction).
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	* CEBs may not be suitable for all applications anyway (e.g. where they are exposed to a lot of water), so an alternative is needed. Fired bricks are a good, proven alternative.		* CEBs may not be suitable for all applications anyway (e.g. where they are exposed to a lot of water), so an alternative is needed. Fired bricks are a good, proven alternative.
	* bricks are of consistently high quality (in fact, they HAVE to be, because of the compressive force that they have to withstand for the stacking)		* bricks are of consistently high quality (in fact, they HAVE to be, because of the compressive force that they have to withstand for the stacking)
	* likely less work needed per brick for handling (one of the links below describes the labor requirements thusly: "Labour requirements are low, requiring one man to load and two men to unload, during an 8 or 12 hour shift. The ~~labourers~~ are not working continuously, as there are 3 or 4 hours between each loading/unloading session.")		* likely less work needed per brick for handling (one of the links below describes the labor requirements thusly: "Labour requirements are low, requiring one man to load and two men to unload, during an 8 or 12 hour shift. The laborers are not working continuously, as there are 3 or 4 hours between each loading/unloading session.")
	* less need to monitor bricks over weeks (e.g. curing of CEBs with moisture monitoring etc.)		* less need to monitor bricks over weeks (e.g. curing of CEBs with moisture monitoring etc.)

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	* At a realistic market price of $0.5/brick, 10,000 bricks per day = $5000/day gross revenue (minus labor costs, minus fuel costs, minus amortization, etc.)		* At a realistic market price of $0.5/brick, 10,000 bricks per day = $5000/day gross revenue (minus labor costs, minus fuel costs, minus amortization, etc.)
	* output of 3 million bricks/year = ~$1.5M revenue		* output of 3 million bricks/year = ~$1.5M revenue
	* construction cost for one such facility (standard, coal-fired) in India ~~was mentioned as~~ $50,000 (~~reference year unclear~~).		* construction cost for one such facility (standard, coal-fired) in India about $60,000-80,000 (2013 publication by SKAT, see below), depending on configuration.
	* amortization cost is ~~negligible~~, considering an expected operational lifetime of 15 years		* amortization cost is low, considering an expected operational lifetime of 15 years
	* fuel costs may be minimal if waste biomass is used (wood, straw, other biomass)		* fuel costs may be minimal if waste biomass is used (wood, straw, other biomass)