Method and tank furnace for melting glass

摘要

A method of glass melting in a loop furnace (1) involves (a) introducing the charge at the furnace back wall (2) and passing it, in the furnace length direction (F), through a melting zone (10), a homogenisation zone (12A) and a refining zone (12B) to the furnace front wall (2) where the glass melt is discharged; (b) delivering an air-fuel flame (13) from a first back wall region (6), offset wrt. the furnace longitudinal axis (X-X), and discharging off-gases from a second back wall region (7) symmetrical to the first region wrt. this axis (X-X); and (c) periodically alternating the first and second regions. The novelty comprises additionally delivering one or more oxy-fuel flames (15) above the refining zone (12B) from a point (14) on the side wall (5) adjacent the second region (7) and facing the refining zone. Also claimed is a furnace for carrying out the above glass melting method.