Sulphate Utilization In Float Glass Production

The use of batch sulphate as a melting and fining agent is common to both the float glass and container industries. But, to satisfy quality requirements, the float glass process must produce glass that is in orders-of-magnitude better than needed for a container operation. This level of melter seed cannot even be approached in laboratory tests. Production furnace experiments, guided by basic thermochemical principles governing the melting and fining behaviour in float glass production are summarized, and crucial differences between container furnace and float practice are noted.