The principal applications of all-electric melting have traditionally been in glasses containing volatile constituents, for relatively high value products. Environmental considerations and the changing balance of energy costs mean increasing focus on all-electric melting of other glass types and for lower value, higher volume products. Energy efficiency and the ability to design successful high capacity electric furnaces are key factors in many such applications. This paper reviews developments affecting all-electric furnace life, glass quality and energy efficiency, supported and illustrated by actual performance data. Particular factors relating to the design of high capacity electric furnaces are also considered, along with a look at likely future trends in all-electric melting for both volatile and non-volatile glasses.
