The provided diagram illustrates the multi-stage process of producing clay bricks for the construction industry.
Overall, the manufacturing of bricks is a linear, eight-stage process that commences with the extraction of raw clay and culminates in the delivery of the final packaged product. It heavily relies on automated machinery and precise temperature control.
The process begins when a large mechanical digger excavates raw clay from the earth. To ensure a uniform consistency, this clay is deposited onto a metal grid and passed through rollers, which sift out impurities and break down large clods. Following this, the refined clay is routed to a mixer where sand and water are introduced. This hydrated mixture is then molded into standard brick shapes using one of two methods: extrusion through a wire cutter or pressing into individual molds.
Once shaped, the bricks enter the thermal phases of production. Initially, they are placed in a drying oven for a duration of 24 to 48 hours to remove excess moisture. Subsequently, the bricks are subjected to intense firing in a two-stage kiln system; they are first heated at moderate temperatures ranging from 200°C to 980°C, before being transferred to a high-temperature kiln reaching up to 1300°C. Afterward, they are left in a cooling chamber for 48 to 72 hours. Finally, the hardened bricks are packaged on pallets and loaded onto commercial trucks for delivery to their respective destinations.