Greener glass manufacturing technologies
International engineering group Fives has launched a subfolder ‘Glass’ site, www.fivesgroup.com/glass, devoted to the group’s strategy to focus on greener glass manufacturing technologies.
The website is structured around four main axes that aim to increase energy efficiency, reduce emissions and enhance operating life, as well as minimise downtime and maintenance costs:
* Melting: Electric melting and boosting systems, oxy-fuel and hybrid furnaces.
* Conditioning: Glass conditioning systems, including working ends and forehearths.
* Float process: Expertise, hot ends, annealing lehrs and standalone equipment.
* Pre-engineering contracts, revamp projects and operational support.
The key message is focused on greener glass manufacturing technologies. The majority of emissions from the glass manufacturing process arise from burning fossil fuels.
According to Fives, replacing fossil fuels with green electricity can eliminate these pollutants, creating a sustainable manufacturing process.
Special focus is placed on a flexible hybrid furnace, the Prium Eco-Flex with Heat Recovery Area technology that allows users to achieve up to 80% electric boosting, reducing emissions by up to 60%.
The furnace can use up to 80% recycled glass for much greener glass manufacturing.