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THE FINING BEHAVIOR OF SELECTIVELY BATCHED COMMERCIAL GLASSES
Impact/Purpose:
The fining behavior of a selectively batched generic float glass is being investigated. In previous studies selective batching techniques utilizing two granules of different chemical composition have shown up to an 80% reduction in batch free times for SLS and E-glass melts. Our goal is to develop a fast fining process that utilizes selective batching technologies. Shortened batch free times lead to the reduction of CO2, while a fast fining process could help reduce dependence on saltcake. For each ton of flat or float glass produced in the United States, 1.5 Kg of SOx is emitted into the earth’s atmosphere. The use of selective batching technologies also inherently reduces NOx emissions through reduced fuel use. It was originally proposed that by tailoring the size of void spaces between granules, large gas bubbles could be generated and used to sweep smaller intra-granular bubbles to the surface.
Description:
A re-melt at higher temperatures is underway to try and resolve a greater difference in fining behaviors between conventional and selective batching methods. Concentric granulation combines the two-granule system into a single-granule system with a core and crust of different chemistries and is the next step in developing selective batching technologies.