In a groundbreaking initiative to revolutionize glass manufacturing and drive significant emission reductions, an experimental glass-making facility in St Helens, Merseyside is poised to lead the industry into a more sustainable future with the support of Siemens technology.
The £54 million research and development project, funded through a combination of government support and contributions from membership businesses, aims to pioneer advanced glass-melting methods that will not only propel innovation within the sector but also set a new standard for environmental responsibility on a global scale.
At the core of this ambitious endeavor is Siemens’ cutting-edge software platform, PCS Neo, which will power and oversee all operations at the facility. With its cloud-based, zero-install user interface, PCS Neo is set to play a pivotal role in driving down carbon emissions associated with glass manufacturing processes. By leveraging this state-of-the-art technology, the facility will explore and refine optimized approaches for enhancing glass furnaces through electrical heating, a strategy projected to slash UK emissions from glass production by an impressive 56 percent, according to estimates by industry body British Glass.
Scheduled to reach full operational capacity by late 2024, the facility will have the capability to produce up to 30 tonnes of glass per day, making it a significant player in the quest for more sustainable manufacturing practices. By being the first site to adopt Siemens’ latest digital control system, PCS Neo, the facility will benefit from seamless integration and comprehensive oversight of all plant operations, setting a new standard for efficiency and control in the industry.
George Myers, control systems engineer at Glass Futures, emphasized the critical importance of decarbonizing the manufacturing process amidst rising global demand for glass. By utilizing electric boosting and hydrogen for glass melting, the facility aims to develop a scalable solution that can be adopted by large-scale manufacturers worldwide, paving the way for more environmentally friendly furnaces across the globe. The partnership with Siemens is instrumental in making this vision a reality, enabling remote monitoring and unified communication pathways that facilitate real-time insights and knowledge sharing on a global scale.
Stephen Haigh, head of glass industry UK & Ireland at Siemens, underscored the transformative impact of the project, highlighting the power of collaboration and digital innovation in driving substantial emission reductions across the glass manufacturing sector. With PCS Neo serving as a cornerstone of operational efficiency and data analytics, the project is poised to streamline operations and catalyze progress towards a more sustainable future for glass production.
Glass Futures, a global not-for-profit research and technology organization, is spearheading this initiative in collaboration with leading industry partners, including Siemens, to harness cutting-edge technologies that will enhance the sustainability of glass manufacturing practices. Through cross-industry collaboration and technological innovation, the project aims to set a new standard for environmental stewardship and operational excellence in the glass industry.
As Siemens prepares to showcase more on the digitalization of industry at its upcoming Transform event on 17 and 18 July, the spotlight shines on the transformative potential of technology to drive sustainable practices and foster global engagement and learning within the manufacturing sector. By championing innovation and collaboration, Siemens and Glass Futures are paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future for glass manufacturing, setting a new standard for environmental responsibility and operational excellence in the industry.
Source:siemens with additional information added by GlassBalkan
