Germany’s SORG was responsible for designing the major furnace conversion recently commissioned at Heinz Glas Dzialdowo in Poland. An existing recuperative installation, with a melting capacity of 70 tonnes/day for cosmetics glass, has been replaced by a state-of-the-art end-fired furnace, with a melting capacity of 150 tonnes/day. This capacity is expandable up to 180 tonnes/day via the use of electric boosting.

The SORG end-fired furnace with STW working end is connected to six STF production lines, two of which are equipped as colouring forehearths. The equipment for melting end and forehearths with SCADA system, including integrated cooling systems, corresponds to the latest technical standards. Regarding safety technology, the highest level according to DIN/EN 746-2 was implemented with redundant SORG gas supply and safety control for melting end and forehearths. The latest WSH burner holders and modular stirrers are featured, as well as the SORG Conti-Drain.

Conversion of the furnace from a recuperative to a regenerative design required a technology change. The completely different concept necessitated extensive construction measures, as well as an intervention in the existing structure. It represented a challenging exercise for everyone involved but since the start of production, the glass quality has met the high demands of Heinz Glas and the total energy consumption is lower than specified.