The decomposition of raw materials during glass melting yields large quantities of gases. Most of these gases, especially water vapor, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and air are released to the furnace atmosphere. But a smaller portion either remains dissolved within the glass melt or forms bubbles. But this is not the only bubble forming mechanism. Gaseous inclusions in the product are one of the most common defects affecting the quality of glass. Gas bubble analysis is the most important tool of bubble fault diagnosis, especially when combined with bubble size distribution analysis and determination of the position of the bubbles. By analyzing gas content of the bubbles, having knowledge of the interaction of the gases dissolved and tank design and operation, the analyst can suggest the source and cause of bubble defects.
