Industrial experience with oxygen-fired glass furnaces

Abstract

Among the leading industrial gases suppliers, Praxair has developed a leadership position in oxygen combustion technology and in on-site oxygen supply technology with its Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption process. A tailor-made solution with regard to oxygen burner technology and to oxygen supply method is provided to meet customer requirements. The latest developments show a reduction in particulate emission o f up to 30 % and in NOx emission of up to 90 % compared to air/fuel-fired operations. These results are confirmed in industrial use. Due to specific requirements in applicadon technology, different burner concepts have been developed. These concepts can be classified in two groups: Conventional burners with direct oxygen-fuel mixing create high flame temperatures and NOx formadon; recirculating burners create low flame temperatures and NOx formation due to controlled fluid dynamics to entrain furnace atmosphere into the main oxygen stream before the now diluted oxygen reacts with the fuel.