Cruciforms For High Performance Regenerators

In recent years, the sharp increase of already high energy prices, as well as tougher environmental regulations have drive the pressure on glassmakers to reduce fuel consumption to lower levels. Regenerative furnaces are a very competitive solution to produce glass economically. However, regenerator chamber performance is not yet maximised, despite the numerous improvements in checker designs over the last 35 years. In this article, the authors (from Saint-Gobain SEFPRO) discuss operational experience with Type 8 cruciforms for high performance regenerators.