Praxair,in collaboration with Heye Glas, has developed & advanced oxy-fuel glass melting technology, termed "Tall Crown Furnace" (TCF) technology, to reduce silica refractory corrosion, NOx emissions, SOx emissions & particulate emissions while maintaining the high heat transfer & energy efficiency of oxy-fuel glass melting. The technology has been successfully implemented by Heye International into the engineering design of 3 commercial oxy-fuel fired container glass furnaces. The first furnace was lit off in 1996 & currently has reached a campaign life of 8 & a half years, without major silica corrosion problems. The furnace is expected to operate for a total campaign of 10-11 years with the original silica crown, with overcoat repair near the end of this period. A high heat transfer rate & excellent energy efficiency has been demonstrated.
