Progress In Reducing Energy And Co2 By Combining A Batch/Cullet Preheater With An Oxy-Fuel Fired Furnace

Two oxy-fuel fired furnaces equipped with batch/cullet preheaters have demonstrated specific fuel consumptions of 2.9-3.2 GJ/ton for container glass with 50-60% cullet, or around 30% fuel savings over state-of-the-art regenerative furnaces. Praxair is currently developing an advanced batch/cullet preheater which is projected to reduce the specific fuel consumption further to 2.65 GJ/ton and specific CO2 emissions to 237 KG/ton. Experiences from past batch/cullet preheater installations are reviewed and progress on the development of this advanced system is reported.