FURNACE DESIGN AND OPERATION FOR THE LONG TERM.

Glass manufacturing companies are pushing the limits on gross tons of high quality glass they are demanding from their glass furnaces, via pushing the furnaces longer and harder. The expectations for more robust refractories, timely and economical hot repairs and stable quality are now a "given"! The return on investment is expected to surpass the espoused life of the furnace. In order to accomplish this demand for longer campaign life, numerous proactive models must be placed in motion, beginning before the start of the latest campaign. Selection of robust refractories, design and operating parameter computer control systems must be implemented well before the first glass bottle or lite of glass ever comes off the line. In situ monitoring of the key furnace parameters throughout the campaign is vital and the consequence selection of "on-the-fly" hot repairs and the capable contractor who is selected to perform these repairs are all extremely important variables that affect both furnace glass quality and campaign life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]