HORN Glass Industries has introduced VARI-DRAIN®, a drainage system designed to improve glass quality by continuously removing contaminated glass from the bottom of the forehearth. The technology targets impurities associated with defects such as cat scratches and alumina cords, helping manufacturers maintain more consistent glass quality.
The system removes glass enriched with contaminants, including zirconia and alumina, through a controlled drainage process. Its PID-controlled temperature regulation maintains a precise, constant glass flow, with a drainage capacity ranging from 0.4 to 2.0 tonnes per day, depending on glass viscosity.
VARI-DRAIN® is available in directly and indirectly electrically heated versions, allowing adaptation to different production requirements. An additional cooling-air distribution system enables operators to stop the glass flow when necessary, providing further control over the drainage process.
The system is designed for the production of container, tableware, cosmetic and lighting glass in standard colours. By removing contaminant-rich glass before it contributes to product defects, VARI-DRAIN® aims to reduce quality risks and support more efficient production. 
HORN will present VARI-DRAIN® at glasstec 2026, taking place from 20–23 October at Messe Düsseldorf, Germany. Visitors can discover the system at Hall 13, Booth C32, and learn how controlled forehearth drainage can contribute to improved glass quality and production reliability.
Source: HORN with additional information added by Glass Balkan
