This work presents a method for evaluating effects of temperature, process time, flow conditions & insulation in a model melting space on energy consumption, melting performance & flexibility of the process to convert rapidly from one glass type to another in terms of dissolution & bubble removal. The requirement for completion of both homogenisation processes just prior to the glass leaving the melting space was maintained in all calculations. The calculations utilised laboratory sand dissolution times and fining times with the aim of finding theoretical optimum conditions for dissolution & bubble fining processes during glass melting. The results obtained under isothermal conditions provide a way to fundamentally improve both processes; particularly by process separation, application of controlled glass melt flows & special conditions for bubble removal.
