Ceramic – Glass
Melting – The furnace is considered as the heart of the float glass process. The parameters determining the furnace functionality are the product quality, production capacity, Furnace life and the Energy Consumed by the furnace. The above said factors are highly interrelated. A change in one of the parameter will have direct impact on the others. Similar to batching this process is also fully automated and the automated control system helps to have a better eye on the operation and process control in the furnace. In the initial years the average life of a furnace used in the Float glass furnace was 5 years, but today with the evolvement of better refractory materials, construction improvements and hot-repair techniques the average life of a float glass furnace is about 15 years. Generally the melting temperature of 1,600C or above is used. Improved insulation and better combustion control will result in efficient fuel usage. Normally Gas or oil is used as fuel. But some manufacturers use oxygen/gas burners for extra melting capacity to increase production and improve quality. Some also use electric boost to melt high iron automotive glasses.
Furnace generally consists of 3 main areas; An melter where the raw materials are melted and liquefied, a refiner to allow gas bubbles to escape, and a working end where the glass is cooled before exiting into the bath.
To be Contd….
