This paper describes the practical experience with a batch preheating system which was developed in the early eighties of the last century. The system is working with direct contact between the flue gas and the raw materials. Because it is laid out for the operation with high cullet contents it is suitable mainly for container glass furnaces. Because the emission limits mainly for dust have to be taken into account, the additional installation of a dust filter is obligatory. The impact of the batch preheating on the energy consumption and the pull rate of the furnace is discussed. Due to the direct contact between the flue gas and the raw materials the concentration of SO_x, Chlorine and Fluorine in the flue gas is reduced already in the batch preheater. The batch preheater has, been integrated in the flue gas system of four regenerative furnaces; one system was installed in combination with an oxy fuel furnace. The first installation was started in 1987. Three more followed in 1991 to 1995. Three of the systems are operated still today. As in any glass melting furnace the energy consumption strongly depends from the cullet content and the pull rate of the furnace practical figures generally an energy saving of 12 to 18% compared to furnaces without a batch preheater. The pull rate of the furnace can be increased in the same range as the energy consumption of the furnace decreases.
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