The pressure on glassmakers to reduce NOx emissions is seemingly never-ending. A new Sorg furnace recently installed in the Rexam glass plant at Dongen, NL, has made contributions in this field. The furnace is a new design which replaces an old, smaller unit. It has a melting area of 87 m2 & is designed to produce 230t/24h flint & green container glass. The installation is completed by a STW working end & STF forehearths. During a period of 9 months following the commission, extensive measurements were made, some independently. A final report has now been produced which confirms the values achieved. Energy consumption is less than 1000kcan/kg glass at a load of 230/t/24h & with 50% cullet, whilst the NOx emissions are less than 800mg/Nm3 waste gas, corrected to 8% oxygen & measured over 24h. This means that the furnace is one of the top 10% in Europe.
