GMIC announced that it has received a refractory composition patent from Corning. This patented composition, no: 6,313,057, will enable an increase in the life cycle of refractory bricks used in oxygen fuelled glass melting furnaces. Because of the more corrosive atmosphere in oxy-fuel fired furnaces, there are extra costs associated with changing from the traditional crowns to bonded & fused cast crowns. The new material will provide a low cost alternative for container & float furnaces. Corning moved away from furnaces requiring traditional crowns, but realises the value the technology still holds for other uses in the industry. GMIC anticipates that the patented composition will be used to produce a new brick that will allow the container segment to comply with clean air requirements & have a crown material that will keep costs competitive.
