Technological needs to achieve CO2 neutrality during glassmaking were investigated by theoretical calculations on energy balances & experimental investigations on batch reactivity & fining efficiency. The concept is based on the assumption of utilisation of woody bio fuel combustion directly over batch blanket & glass melt bath for heating the glass furnace. Energy balance calculations were made for a "hot top," 50/tpd continuous furnace. Elimination of chemically bound CO2 in the glass batch has been considered by investigating substitution of batch carbons by other compounds not bearing chemically bound CO2.compounds not emitting oxides of carbon, nitrogen or sulphur were considered as candidate batch component. Studies on the effect of batch melting & fining indicate beneficial effect on energy efficiency & melting rate when using carbonated substitutes. It is concluded that the combustion concept is theoretically fully possible for glass tank application. The substitution of batch carbonates by non carbon compounds is questionable form an environmental point of view since the alternatives are expected to by synthesised by routes emitting CO2.
