Two views of intake ends of autoclaves.
B 10009/4
Description Two views of intake ends of autoclaves.
Date 17/8/1981
Collection Records of the Scottish Industrial Archaeology Survey at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Sco
Catalogue Number B 10009/4
Category Photographs and Off-line Digital Images
Copies SC 730052
Scope and Content Autoclaves, Kirkforthar Brick Works, Fife The Kirkforthar Brick Works was started in 1965 using local sand from the Ladybank area as the main raw material. This was mixed with lime from Yorkshire as local lime proved unsuitable for mixing with local sand. 500kgs of sand were chemically bonded with 35kgs of lime and compressed into bricks. This shows the autoclaves used to steam the bricks under pressure, which accelerated the bonding process. The bricks were loaded into cars, one of which is shown going into the autoclave in the centre of this photograph. The autoclave was then closed, like the one on the right, and the pressure turned on. There were 1,000 bricks in each of the 22 cars wheeled into each autoclave. The bricks were then steamed for 12 hours to 'cure' them, after which the pressure was allowed to drop over many hours before the bricks could be removed. This type of brick was more popular for its appearance than its weather-resistant qualities. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.
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