Some Considerations for the Better Operation of Tank Furnace Based on the Heat Balance in its Melter Basin

Abstract

The temperature changes in the melting basin of a tank furnace having 43.5 sq. meter of melter area were measured continously and recorded during operation at various points and depths, and some dynamic relations between temperature variations of molten glass and operational variables of furnace were found. The author proposed a equation govering the thermal balance in basin and showed every change of components of this equation with furnace load. With regard to the change of average temperature level of glass in the basin, there is a tendency to shift to the lower side with increasing pull. He also pointed out that the continuous detection of glass temperature in basin can be the most useful mean in keeping the safty operation of furnace under high load. Concerning the mode of main convection current cycle in basin, there are several evidences which prove the single cycle, that is, charging cycle is dominating in stead of double in case the melter is covered over 60% with batch, and also it was found the homogenization of glass takes place chiefly in the area between batch line and bridge wall. Relations between temperature distribution of combustion chamber, melter basin and mode of convection current were discussed and some considerations for the more efficient operation of furnace was made along this line. The performance figure obtained by this furnace is as follows: melting rate: 2.9 ton of glass per sq. meter of melting area, fuel rate: 164 litre of heavy oil per ton of glass produced per day. (ton: metric)