As the global demand for sustainability intensifies, the glass industry faces a pressing imperative to transition towards a resource-efficient and low-carbon economy.
In response to this challenge, HORN is taking significant strides forward, positioning itself at the forefront of the industry’s decarbonisation efforts. With a strong commitment to climate-neutral packaging, HORN has developed and evaluated hybrid furnace technology as a promising solution to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in glass production.
Understanding Hybrid Furnaces
Hybrid furnaces represent a groundbreaking innovation in glass manufacturing, aiming to replace a substantial portion of the natural gas traditionally used in the melting process with electricity. HORN defines a hybrid furnace as any system that combines electric power with fossil fuel, thus requiring both energy sources for optimal operation. Depending on the specific design of the furnace, the electric contribution can vary widely, ranging from 20% to as much as 80%.
This flexibility allows manufacturers to adapt their energy inputs to meet varying production needs while significantly curbing emissions. In particular, the combustion architecture of HORN’s hybrid furnaces, which features strategically placed oxygen burners along the side walls, enables precise control of temperature distribution. By dynamically adjusting gas distribution, operators can optimize the energy usage in different sections of the furnace. For example, when a higher electric share is utilized, the gas distribution can be redirected predominantly towards the refining area, with melting primarily powered by electrodes. This innovative configuration enhances energy flexibility well beyond that of traditional Hybrid End Fired Furnaces.
Environmental Impact and Efficiency
One of the most compelling advantages of HORN’s hybrid furnaces is their potential to drastically reduce CO2 emissions in the glass melting process. With configurations allowing for operation with up to 80% electric power, manufacturers can achieve a reduction of CO2 emissions by up to 50% compared to conventional fossil-based oxyfuel furnaces during the melting phase.
This technology not only addresses the environmental impact but also enhances operational efficiency. The hybrid furnaces are characterized by several key features:
– Low Carbon Footprint: Substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional methods.
– Electric Energy Input Up to 80%: Significant flexibility in energy sourcing allows for optimized operational efficiency and sustainability.
– Flexibility of Electric Boosting: Operators can adapt energy inputs to enhance performance based on production needs.
– High Glass Quality: Maintaining product integrity while utilizing diverse energy sources.
– Low Specific Energy Consumption (< 3 GJ): More efficient energy use translates to cost savings and reduced environmental impact.
Join HORN at Glasstec 2024
As the glass industry leans towards sustainable practices, HORN is proud to showcase the future of glass melting technology. At Glasstec 2024, HORN will present its latest innovations in the form of Hybrid Furnaces, Super Hybrid Furnaces, and All Electric Furnaces. We invite you to discover the transformative possibilities of using electrical energy in glass production by visiting our booth C32 in hall 13.
By embracing such innovative technologies, HORN is not only advancing its own capabilities but also contributing significantly to the glass industry’s collective goal of achieving climate neutrality. Together, we can pave the way towards a more sustainable and responsible future in glass manufacturing.
Source:Horn Glass Industries with additional information added by GlassBalkan
