GLASS MELTING PROCESS AND FURNACE THEREFOR WITH OXY-FUEL COMBUSTION OVER MELTING ZONE AND AIR-FUEL COMBUSTION OVER FINING ZONE

摘要

A process and furnace for melting glass is set forth wherein the majority of the combustion energy over the melting zone of the furnace is provided by oxy-fu el combustion while a majority of the combustion energy over the fining zone of the furnace is provided by air-fuel combustion. In many cases, it will be preferable to provide greater than 70% and up to and including 100% of the combustion energy over the melting zone by oxy-fuel combustion and greater than 70% and up to and including 100% of the combustion energy over the fining zone by air-fuel combustion. By proper tailoring of the combustion space atmosphere through oxy-fuel and air-fuel firing, the present invention can result in an improvement in glass productivity and quality. Th e present invention can be applied in the construction of a new furnace or can be applied to existing air-fuel furnaces.