Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Dec 21 : Brick kilns in Kashmir are adopting Zig Zag technology to reduce air pollution as well as enhance fuel consumption, leading to sustainable development.
Dr Bilquees Ara, a senior scientist at Pollution Control Board Srinagar told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that Zig Zag technology ensures a more controlled and efficient airflow, resulting in improved combustion of fuels like coal.
“This not only reduces air pollution but also minimizes fuel consumption, offering a dual benefit of environmental conservation and cost savings for brick kiln operators,” she said.
“In Zig Zag technology bricks are arranged to allow hot air to travel in a Zig Zag path. The length of the air path is about three times that of a straight line and this improves the heat transfer from flue gases to the bricks making operation more efficient,” Dr Ara added.
According to her, the technology results in better mixing of air and fuel thereby allowing completion of combustion reducing coal consumption by about 20 percent.
Dr Ara said that the technology, when operated according to Standard Operation Procedure (SOP), meets the existing emission standard of 750 mg per cubic metre.
She added that adopting the zigzag design also ensures uniform distribution of heat, increasing the share of Class I bricks to about 90 per cent. It also reduces emissions considerably.
“By reducing air leakages by using instrumentation and process control systems, the combustion of fuel can be improved, thereby reducing the source of emission,” she added.
Local communities are witnessing a positive shift as switching over to Zig Zag technology not only avoids deterioration of air quality but also creates employment opportunities through the installation and maintenance of these upgraded kilns.
Officials believe that the move towards sustainable practices aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and reduces smog formation.
The ripple effect of these changes extends beyond the immediate region, setting an example for other areas to follow suit in the quest for a greener, more sustainable future—(KNO)
