The Use Of Advanced Numerical On-And Off-Line Tools To Minimize Emissions

Worldwide regulations concerning new or modified combustion systems to melt glass are continuing to be more stringent, fuelled by concerns of global warming and greenhouse gas emissions. Mathematical modelling is reaching a high acceptance level within the glass industry. Today, most new furnaces are being modelled before the final design is decided. It is clear that modelling helps to optimise the furnace in respect to glass quality, energy efficiency, furnace lifetime and also emissions. The extra effort of modelling is certainly leading to a quick payback of this extra investment and increased profit over furnace lifetime. This paper shows some examples of how a glass furnace can be optimised taking all its parameters into account.