With the current improvement in the capabilities of mathematical simulation models, these models can now be used for control applications. It opens a new methodology for controlling glass furnaces in view of optimal glass quality. The method is based on three steps: from classical theories a set of basic rules can be derived that roughly describe the relation between furnace design, glass properties and operation settings on the hone hand, and glass quality on the other (step 1). These relations form a good basis for designing control strategies and (fuzzy) controllers (step 2). In the thrid step the control strategy is "fine tuned" by running the controller (or designed control strategy) against a mathematical simulation model of the furnace. The result is an "intelligent" controller that contains a high degree of glass melting know-how.
