A method for heating ware in a kiln. The ware space of the kiln includes a plurality of temperature control zones oriented in a first direction, and a plurality of temperature control zones oriented in a second direction. The method includes heating the ware space in a first heating stage, a second heating stage, and a third heating stage. At least one of the following conditions is satisfied: (i) in one of the heating stages, a temperature control zone oriented in the first direction has a setpoint temperature that is different from a setpoint temperature of one other temperature control zone oriented in the first direction; and (ii) in one of the heating stages, one temperature control zone oriented in the second direction has a setpoint temperature that is different from a set point temperature of one other temperature control zone oriented in the second direction, wherein the first direction is a vertical direction and the second direction is a horizontal direction.

The present invention describes an improved process for the commercial scale production of high-quality catalyst materials. These improved processes allow for production of catalysts that have very consistent batch to batch property and performance variations. In addition these improved processes allow for minimal production losses (by dramatically reducing the production of fines or small materials as part of the production process). The improved process involves multiple steps and uses calcining ovens that allow for precisely control temperature increases where the catalyst is homogenously heated. The calcining gas is released into a separate heating chamber, which contains the recirculation fan and the heat source. Catalysts that may be produced using this improved process include but are not limited to catlaysts that promote CO hydrogenation, reforming catalysts, Fischer Tropsch Catalysts, Greyrock GreyCat? catalysts, catalysts that homologate methanol, catalysts that promote hydrogenation of carbon compounds, and other catalysts used in industry.

The present invention related to an electrical element (100, 101, 102) including an electrically conductive element (3, 5, 10, 31, 32, 51), characterized in that the electrical element also includes a first layer (1) of a polymer material with electrical conductivity gradient obtained from a polymer composition including at least one polymer and conductive carbonaceous fillers.