Glass tempering furnace theoretical & practical working conditions

Gilbert Rancoule, Ren Bartoe

Fused silica rollers are widely used to convey glass in high temperature environments. The Glass Tempering furnace is one of the demanding operations, where the final glass properties are also linked to the perfect control of the furnace-working environment.

The development of SO2 injection practice is creating singular working conditions that influence the roll operation and require understanding of the chemical reactions. Premature fatigue of the furnace environment is investigated through chemical and mechanical microanalysis.

Thermodynamic evaluation of the operation is given to relate glass surface quality with atmosphere and thermal furnace conditions. Corrective actions are proposed to limit unstable working conditions and reduce furnace environment particle and dust originated defects.

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