GENERAL
Oxy-fuel furnaces are designed as cross fired unit-melter furnaces whereby the oxidant for the fuel combustion is the oxygen. The biggest advantage is the low energy consumption due to the absence of the nitrogen at the combustion process.
A complete oxy-fuel furnace is approximately 35% cheaper in comparison to a cross-heated regenerative furnace, approximately 15-20% cheaper in comparison to an end fired furnace, and approximately 25-30% cheaper in comparison to a recuperativ furnace.
DESCRIPTION
HORN oxy-fuel furnaces are designed to allow for the specific conditions when firing with oxygen and fuel. The reduced waste gas volume in particular requires a modified superstructure design. The aim is to reduce the thermal load of the superstructure to less than 40 000 kcal / (m ³* h). This increases the residence time of the flame gases inside the tank and increases efficiency.
Moreover, special refractory material in the superstructure is applied with improved insulation in order to avoid any cold spots at the crown. This is required due to the high water content of the waste gases. Any cold spot on the crown would allow condensation of alcaline hydroxides which cause rat holes and consequently reduce lifetime.
HORN oxy-fuel furnaces are insulated and sealed in a manner to avoid this problem. The oxy-fuel furnaces are normally used for glass melting between 50 - 400 t/d, in some special cases also up to 500 t/d. Typical for this type of furnace is the low energy consumption, higher melting surface load and low investment.
HORN oxy-fuel furnaces are typically used in the production of container glass, table ware, fibre glass, tubes and bulbs.
