Back to the Future; New Refractory Concepts in Glass Furnace Design

摘要

It is concluded that refractory development for the glass industry is dynamic and progressive; ensuring that the furnace designer/glass manufacturer have products which permit optimum output on a cost efficient basis. Spinel for oxy/air fuel melters, alumino-silicate (mullite) regenerators, low permeability superstructure for colourant forehearths; novel AZS and supremely low creep mullite products have all been cited. Although the glass industry is traditionally averse to risk taking; there has been considerable progress with new refractory compositions leading to a new degree of capability in these market sectors.