Five years of operational experience with the SORG LoNOx® Melter

Abstract

Following an operation of 5½ years, the prototype of the well-known LoNOx® Melter was shut down in the bottle glass plant at Steinbach am Wald, repaired and then put into operation again. This paper is about the operational experience gained during the time the melter was in operation as well as about the changes made during the repair and their initial consequences. During the last furnace campaign the tonnage was increased from 165 to a maximum of 220 t/d and the cullet ratio was raised to 95 % at the same time. The specific energy consumption decreased to below 3600 kJ/kg and it was possible to further reduce it to 3300 kJ/kg following the repair. The proportion of booster energy, too, was reduced. The NOₓ levels initially achieved were mostly below the target value set by TA Luft (air pollution regulations). At present, the target value can be maintained in a stable way. This type of furnace can be considered to be a good alternative to conventional furnaces with a Denox unit.