Improvement of batch preparation and feeding for glass furnaces

Abstract

The factors affecting the maintenance of stable batch quality when batch is loaded into glass furnaces after being transported from a sectional shop over a long distance are analyzed. The deficiencies arising during batch preparation and transport to a glass furnace are analyzed. A new method of loading batch into a glass furnace is proposed on the basis of the analysis; this method makes it possible to support optimal moisture content and uniformity of batch prior to loading into the furnace. The new method of loading batch has been tested in a glass furnace at "Salavatsteklo" JSC.Key words: batch moisture content, batch temperature, batch uniformity, batch quality, additional wetting of batch, batch loading method.The first step of our study of optimizing physical-chemical processes for preparing glass batch and evaluating the effect of its moisture content on the effectiveness of the glassmaking process [1] made it possible to determine that the optimal moisture content of the batch at all stages of batch preparation from the mixer in the sectional shop to loading into a glass furnace is of definite value for obtaining a uniform batch and maintaining its uniformity. It was established that it is important to maintain the batch temperature at the level 35 -40°C before the batch is loaded into a glass furnace.The main factors that determine the prescribed batch temperature level and correspondingly influence the change in the moisture content during batch preparation have been identified [1]: temperature of the raw materials, including cullet; temperature of the wetting agent during wetting of the batch components being mixed; ambient conditions and path length during transport of the batch to the glass furnace.To account of the effect of the environment the enclosure along the entire transport path of the batch was heated and the optimal temperatures of the surrounding environment were determined: 25 -30°C (Fig. 1). The batch temperature under these conditions decreased during transport by 2 -3°C,

Rational approaches to regulating the redox properties of batch for float-glass production

“…For this reason, a new method of loading batch into a glass furnace was proposed [2]. Improvement of the processes involved in the preparation, transport, and feeding of batch into a glass furnace had a positive effect on glass making and the quality of the final product.…”