Significant quality and throughput improvement to the glass float and fiber manufacturing process has been demonstrated by a new control method. The new temperature control method utilises ACSI's predictive-adaptive Model based Control system which continuously adjusts the upstream process to ensure that the flow temperature is at the setpoint regardless of environmental conditions. The system has been field tested in a multitude of installations and has demonstrated the ability to improve temperature stability substantially as compared to conventional PID control. Results of implementing the new control method include improved manufacturing efficiency, product quality, and reduced mass flow temperature recovery time following a temperature setpoint change.
