OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCE OF AN OXY-FUEL FIRED GLASS MELTER USING AN IMPROVED SILICA CROWN AND WIDE FLAME BURNERS

摘要

The implementation of oxy-fuel firing technology in glass furnaces has become a technically feasible solution for producing glass over the last 2 decades. However, challenges do still exist concerning refractory corrosion and furnace life. It has been recognized that the high concentration of sodium species in an oxy-fuel fired furnace can lead to accelerated corrosion of the furnace crown. In this paper, the details of an operational campaign for an oxy-fuel fired container glass furnace are presented and discussed. The furnace crown was constructed with a low lime silica brick (0.8% CaO) which was expected to offer superior corrosion resistance to a conventional silica crown. The furnace also employed ultra low-momentum, Wide Flame burners to help minimize volatilization from the melt surface. The experience from this furnace campaign indicates that the crown material and burners both met performance expectations and should be considered as part of a robust operating solution for container glass manufacturers.