Introduction - Skutt EnviroVent 2 Operating Manual

Congratulations
Congratulation on your purchase of the newly designed EnviroVent 2. The EnviroVent 2 is a Downdraft Ven-
tilation System designed to extract fumes from your electric kiln and vent them outdoors before they have a
chance to enter the room. Because it is a DownDraft Ventilation System the EnviroVent 2 also improves the
firing atmosphere in the kiln while it is protecting you from the odorous fumes that can be emitted from certain
clay bodies and glazes when they are fired. Here is what you get:
• True Downdraft Venting
• Ability to Vent 2 Kilns
• Spring Loaded Plenum Cup
How It Works
A designated number of holes are drilled in the lid and floor of the kiln either in the factory or on location. A
spring loaded plenum cup (see diagram on page 4) is placed under the kiln and tensioned between the floor
of the kiln and the floor under the kiln. The holes in the floor of the kiln are drilled in a tight pattern so the
plenum cup can cover them all. The other end of the cup is connected by 3" ducting to a fan which is generally
mounted on the wall. On the opposite end of the fan the air is ducted through the wall to the outside air.
The plenum cup has 3 additional holes from which it draws room temperature air to mix with the heated air
from the kiln. This serves 2 purposes. Since the kiln air is mixed with cooler room air the air coming out of the
end of the vent is never hotter than an average hair dryer. Secondly, the holes in the plenum cup are sized to
reduce the vacuum on the kiln chamber so only a small amount of air is moving through the kiln. This ensures
the firing time is not affected and the ware is not at risk.
Better Heat Uniformity
Most people are aware of the fact that heat rises. The EnviroVent 2 helps compensate for this rising heat by
creating a flow of air moving back down the kiln chamber. As the air moves in a downward direction it is also
deflected by ware and shelves causing turbulence. This turbulence helps move heat to cooler areas of the kiln.
Better Kiln Atmosphere
When you are firing in an electric kiln you are firing in an Oxidation atmosphere. The EnviroVent 2 helps bring
in more oxygen and flush out fumes which can form a reduction atmosphere. A reduction atmosphere can be
desirable in a gas or wood fired kiln however it only causes problems in an electric kiln. Your elements will last
longer, your glazes will be clearer and brighter and you will help prevent glazes migrating between pieces.
Better Working Environment
Prior to the introduction of venting systems it was still necessary to vent the kiln. This was done by propping
the lid open with a wedge of brick until the kiln reached 1000 ˚F (538 ˚C). Not only was this inconvenient, it
also radiated the fumes right into the room.
A Better Vent
A new benefit of the EnviroVent 2 is that it is now a Negative Pressure System. This means that since the
motor is pulling the air instead of pushing the air, if there is ever a hole in the ducting the fumes will not escape
into the room. Also since the motor is now mounted away from the kiln it is protected from the heat of the
kiln and the kiln is protected from possible vibration from the motor.
A unique feature that no other vent on the market has is that the plenum cup is spring loaded. The floor of
your kiln will have a tendency to cup when it heats up. This cupping can compromise the seal and reduce
the pull of air on other models. With the EnviroVent 2 the Spring Loaded Plenum Cup ensures a tight seal
throughout the entire firing.
• Vent Up to 24 Cubic Foot Kiln
• Corrosion Resistant Ducting
• Mounts Away From Heat
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Introduction

• UL Listed Safe
• No Vibration to the Kiln
• Potential to Control With Kiln
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