Reduction Of Emissions From A Glass Furnace Through Partial Use Of Oxygen

Oxygen has been used in glass furnaces for more than 30 years. Typical applications would involve the use of oxygen to improve combustion efficiency in glass furnaces at the end of a campaign. In each case, oxygen/fuel combustion is used to solve a temporary problem in the furnace. Many glassmakers are interested in this technology but are hesitating to make such a change in their process. Recognizing a need for an intermediate solution between conventional, temporary oxygen boosting and 100% oxy/fuel firing, Air Liquide has developed the low NOx partial oxygen process. This paper describes the process.