Skip to content 
Ceratec has achieved an exceptional feat in developing and commissioning a unique tunnel dryer concept at the Ibstock Aldridge plant.
The cutters
The bricks undergo a series of processes including extrusion, texturing, sandblasting and slug-cutting, before being cut into BS65 or BS73 format bricks. The plant produces 28 million bricks a year.
A unique tunnel dryer concept
The tunnel dryer, a central element in the production chain, operates like a conventional tunnel dryer during business hours. However, unlike traditional dryers, which remain inactive during non-production periods, Ceratec’s innovation maintains the relative drying curve outside production hours by moving the dryer front. This is made possible by the development of special control software that enables efficient management of the drying process, without having to load and run the dryer continuously.
Compact design
Ceratec’s tunnel dryer concept not only revolutionizes operating strategies, but also addresses space and energy concerns. Thanks to its compact design, the dryer fits perfectly into a new, smaller building. This optimization not only maximizes the space available in the plant, but also significantly reduces energy consumption compared to older chamber dryers.
The integration of this innovative technology underlines Ceratec’s commitment to sustainable development and is in line with Ibstock’s ESG objectives.
