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Taylor Tunnicliff Ltd
Bullers Bars



Bullers Bars, formerly known as Holdcroft Bars, are the most simple, visual method of measuring the effects of heat work when firing ceramic articles.
They are often used for lower temperature enamel and decorating firings which are outside the temperature range of Bullers Rings. Additionally, they can be used across the full range of temperatures as a visual measure of heat work.


Bullers Bars
Maximum Yields - Maximum Profits
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To develop the optimum properties of a ceramic product, the control and uniform application of the heat work is essential. Even the latest kilns, with microprocessor temperature controls, provide for 'spot' readings only, at fixed points, and cannot monitor the effects of heat work or kiln loading on the firing process. Variations in local temperatures within a kiln can exceed 100 degrees, introducing a variable that is difficult to predict. Bullers Bars are the most simple, visual devices developed to measure heat work.

Bullers Bars
Simple To Use
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Bullers Bars, like the products themselves, react to the effects of time and temperature, the combined effects of which produce a bend in the bars.

The bars can be used to map the thermal performance of a kiln by placing them at various points across the setting or to monitor the progress of a firing by observing the bars (through an inspection hole) at frequent intervals for signs of deformation.

Bullers Bars
Quality Control
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Manufacture of Buller Bars takes place under a tight system of quality control in accordnace with BS EN ISO 9002. All raw materials as well as manufactured bars are pre-tested to exacting standards before being released and are fully traceable.

Bullers Bars
Applications
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Bullers Bars (described in BS 10441: 1988 - Temperature measurement, part 7, temperature / time indictors, paragraph 5, Thermoscope Bars) are used by the leading producers of ceramic products including famous names such as Wedgewood, Royal Doulton and Churchhill. Applications range from enamel through to refactory firing - with a temperature range of 590°C - 1525°C.
Craft potters and other users of small kilns can ensure the same accuracy of kiln environment as enjoyed by major ceramic producers.
The bars can be used in all types of kiln, continuous or intermittent, providing an indicator of consistancy of firing.


Bullers Bars
Technical Specification
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Length : 57mm
Rectangular cross section: ca. 6 mm x 8 mm
Made from fusible ceramic materials by a dust-pressing method. The compositions used vary with the bar number, and are designed to bend at different temperatures.
Primary use: measurement of heatwork at temperatures outside those covered by Bullers Rings.
Secondary Use: visual monitor across the whole temperature range.


Bullers Bars
Simple To Use
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Place four consecutively numbered bars horizonally on the refractory stand.
The control bar should be second from the top.

Several stands can be used in various positions across the kiln to assess the uniformity of firing conditions. To monitor the progress of a firing place one stand where the bars can be seen through an inspection hole. Take care to protect the bars from exposure to direct flame or cooling draughts.

As the temperature rises the lowest numbered bar will bend first, the degree of bend increasing with rising temperature. The other bars will begin to bend in a similar manner until the control bar reaches its correct degree of sag for the firing conditions. The higher-numbered bar may remain unaffected.

The temperature given in the table is that at which the bar commences to bend under the standard firing conditions.

Bars are standardised at a heating rate of 60°C/hour in electric kilns. A slower rate of heating will cause the bar to bend at a lower temperature; in the case of more rapid heating the reverse will apply.

The temperatures shown in the tables are for guidance only as many factors of firing can affect the bar value / temperature relationship.

The re-usable stands are pre-dipped in alumina-china clay wash which helps release of the fired bars from the stand.

In order to evaluate the advantages of Bullers Bars under their own firing conditions, new customers are advised to take advantage of our new low cost trial pack ( 1x stand, 10 x 4 bars).

Bullers Bars
Temperature Guide
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Temperature Guide
The range of bars suitable for control of the firing of various types of ceramics is indicated below:-
Ceramic Bar Number
Enamel fire
1 - 12
Glaze fire
12 - 20
Earthenware and tile biscuit, heavy clay products
20 - 26
Bone china, engineering bricks, vitreous floor tiles, vitreous sanitary ware
26 - 34
Hard paste porcelain and refractory products
34 - 42

Approximate bending temperature of bars.
Bar No. °C.
1
590
2
610
3
625
4
650
5
685
6
715
7
745
8
775
9
800
10
820
11
845
12
870
13
890
14
915
15
940
16
965
17
990
18
1015
19
1045
20
1075
21
1095
22
1115
23
1130
24
1145
25
1160
26
1175
27
1190
28
1205
29
1220
30
1240
31
1260
32
1280
33
1300
34
1320
35
1340
36
1365
37
1395
38
1425
39
1450
40
1475
41
1500
42
1525
 
NOTE 1
Each temperature given in the table is that at which the bar starts to bend in an electric kiln with a heating rate of 80°C/h.
NOTE 2
The nending temperature depends on the rate of heating; reports on firing behaviour should quote the bar number, not the temperature taken from the table.
NOTE 3
The bar can be expected to bend sufficiently to touch the stand at a temperature of 10°C to 30°C higher than the values given in the table, depending on the composition of the bar.