Melter characteristics for different glass tanks

Question 1

How much of glass produced is melted in gas fired regenerative furnaces?

Answer 1

~ 90%

Question 2

What kinds and percents of which glasses are produced in the US?

Answer 2

~ 33% soda lime containers, 8% soda lime flat glass, 22% fiberglass, 37% specialty glass

Question 3

What’s the composition of soda lime containers and flat glasses? How are they made?

Answer 3

~ Na2OCaO6SiO2

~ AZS refractories are used with max temp ~1600C, melter life of 8-10 years

Question 4

What glasses are cold top melters used for?

Answer 4

~ PbO-containing glasses to avoid PbO emissions

~ borosilicate glasses (pyrex) to reduce emissions (~1600C)

Question 5

What glasses are regenerative fuel fired melters used for?

Answer 5

~ aluminosilicate glasses, around 1700C