http://www.harropusa.com

Technical Services & Consulting
Harrop's technical support staff and facility actually play a dual role in our service to the ceramic industry. These resources are utilized in the critical process analysis phase of all our dryer and kiln design offerings, but they are also available to customers through fee-based, stand-alone consulting services.

Technical Consulting: A growing number of manufacturers are contracting with Harrop for technical assistance with matters ranging from raw material behavior to process troubleshooting to plant energy audits to capital needs evaluations. Clients have come to rely on the industrial experience and the unbiased advice of our full-time professional staff to help clients achieve improved plant operations.

Contract Testing: Our 10,000 sq. ft. materials testing laboratory and firing facility are unique in the industry. We can conduct standard ASTM compliance testing or customized testing of clay and other raw materials using computerized DTA, TGA, dilatometry, and other sophisticated techniques. The thermal and physical behavior of ceramic bodies can be evaluated using such techniques as psychometric drying studies, thermal gradient analysis, and firing cycle development.

Investigations	Efficiency Improvements	Capacity Expansion
Plant process surveys- clay preparation and storage, mixing and forming, drying, and firing Plant expanions/cost alternatives Process energy analysis Raw material studies Optimized drying and firing schedules "Fast drying" and "fast firing" feasibility studies	Kiln/Dryer/Holding Room Revamps Upgrade of kiln preheating and cooling systems Applied pulse combustion technology Combustion system upgrades PLC controls and data acquisition systems Kiln cars and refractory upgrades Plant repairs	Enlargement of kilns, dryers, and holding rooms Kiln car supply and installation Replacement of outdated car moving equipment Expanded and updated clay grinding and storage facilities Building additions, floors and trackage