Imaging Systems 

IST-Quadtek Spyrometer System in the Glass Industry

Is there an instrument that can help extend the life of glass furnaces while aiding in the improvement of glass quality, reducing energy costs and increasing the safety of the operator? The answer is yes -- with the IST-Quadtek Spyrometer® Imaging Pyrometer.

Temperature Measurements and Refractory Life

Glass melting operations are very demanding on the refractory bricks of the walls and crown. To develop a good model to calculate the life expectancy of the refractory bricks, a consistent and repeatable source of data is necessary. The Spyrometer is the perfect tool to obtain this data.

The ability of the Spyrometer's scanning pyrometry allows precise positioning of the Temperature Measurement Zones and once the desired positions are determined, the zones can be locked in place. This gives a consistent and reliable way to measure and monitor the bricks. Sixteen 4-20 mA outputs can be used to access the data on a permanent basis.

Process Monitoring and Glass Surface Temperature Measurement

Having a Spyrometer monitoring the process allows the operator to modify the firing conditions, minimizing the amount of unmelted material and avoiding potential furnace freeze-up. The contrast resolution provided by the video portion of the Spyrometer allows the operator to easily see all of the unmelted surface material. It also permits monitoring of the crown for dripping.

The flexibility of the scanning pyrometer allows the glass surface temperature to be measured. This can be a good guide to the uniformity of heating in the furnace. Using the 32 definable Temperature Measurement Zones, it is possible to look for hot and cold spots. This can be useful in tuning the thermal output of the burners to make sure that no areas of the furnace are being overheated.

Operator Safety

Within the glass industry, especially at the hot end, ensuring personnel safety is always a high priority. Not only does the Spyrometer provide consistency in the timing and location of measurements, it replaces the need for an operator to be in a hazardous location next to the furnace while taking measurements with a hand held pyrometer. More precise than other methods, the Spyrometer provides objective, consistent information on refractory brick wear. Providing the operators an "eye" inside the furnace allows for better control of the glass melting process.

Specific Camera/Pyrometer Benefits for the Glass Industry

• The ability to monitor the refractories for cracks and wear can assist in extending the life of the furnace.
• More accurate monitoring of the refractory temperatures by ensuring measurement of the exact same target areas each time.
• The ability to monitor the size and shape of the flame can reduce the flame-to-wall impingement.
• Increased process quality by giving the operator a view inside of the tank to control the furnace, ensuring even melting distribution by monitoring the molten glass surface.
• Increased operator safety.

The Spyrometer Is Specifically Designed To:

• Collect reliable, repetitive and consistent data on the status of the refractory.
• Automatically measure refractory brick temperature between reversals in regenerative tanks.
• Survive the difficult environment of the glass manufacturing process.