BDF Roadmap to decarbonization, electrical forehearth with radiative elements application

To abate CO2 emissions, optimizing the glass conditioning is a huge area of opportunity.

Forehearth firing systems, known for their low efficiency, typically rely on combustion, often hindered by the absence of preheated air. While oxy-gas combustion offers significant improvement, it's not the ultimate solution.

Electric heating, such as submerged electrodes (molybdenum or tin oxide), has proven effective but requires cooling systems, impacting overall efficiency.

BDF has developed a solution based on silica-carbide radiative elements. These elements replace the flame from pencil burners, directly radiating heat to the glass.

This eliminates contact between the heating elements and the glass, along with the associated heat losses from flue gases.

Since radiative elements require no cooling, additional efficiency can be achieved.

Each control zone utilizes thyristor controllers to power the elements, with a unique "side-by-side" configuration enabling independent power control on both the left and right sides of the forehearth.

This precise control is essential for achieving the high thermal homogeneity required in processes like NNPB.

Glass cooling is achieved through refractory dumpers/flaps driven by actuators, allowing for both axial and lateral cooling control.

The BDF control system and relevant SCADA integrate heating and cooling regulation.