Stable And Flexible Glass Manufacturing By Applying Predictive Process Operation

Supervisory Model Predictive Control is one of the technologies that enables an optimal and consistent operation of glass processes, ranging from melter, refiner, and forehearth to product forming. Integrating super-fast non-linear prediction tools into the control loop have resulted in unprecedented level of manufacturing optimisation. This article describes a typical application of a supervisory Model Predictive Control on a float glass melter and the possibilities of fully controlled product changeover on a container glass forehearth. Applications that result in more stable crown and bottom temperature in melters and forehearths, faster recovery after process upsets, reduced product changeover time and improved operator performance.