Producing glass cost effectively is a complex equation that weighs energy use against production rate and quality.
Linde’s Convective Glass Melting (CGM®) solution addresses these challenges. It is a unique oxyfuel technology that transfers extra heat to the glass melt by positioning CGM burners vertically instead of horizontally. This triggers convection, which combines with regular radiant transfer to boost heat transfer rates.
Linde offers this proven technology to the glass industry worldwide under the registered trademark CGM®. This process is already patent protected and additional patents have been filed.
CGM® technology optimises both air-fuel and oxyfuel operations and has been successfully implemented in furnaces across all market segments (float, fibre, container and specialty glass).
By positioning burners in a vertical position, CGM® technology transfers more heat by combining radiant and convective processes. The gas velocity for horizontal burners close to the batch/glass surface is very low. By comparison, the gas velocity for CGM® burners is high, resulting in a significantly greater heat transfer coefficient.
CGM® burners are designed to create an intense flame over the surface of the glass bath or batch. This generates extremely high temperatures near the surface and further intensifies convective and radiant processes. Tests have shown that combining radiant heat transfer and enhanced convective transfer almost doubles the heat transfer rates of conventional burners.
Illustration: Increased heat transfer with vertical CGM® burners
PICTURE!!!
Benefits
Energy savings (fossil fuel, electricity)
Improved glass quality
Extended furnace life
Flexibility to select desired number of burners (not limited by breast wall space)
Proven technology successfully deployed by companies such as Owens-Corning, a world leader in advanced glass systems
Can be adapted to air-fuel or 100% oxyfuel furnaces
Vertical burners in the crown of the glass melting furnace
Approximately double the heat transfer capabilities of conventional burners thanks to combination of radiant heat transfer and enhanced convective transfer.