Hazardous Gas Monitoring in Glass Manufacturing

Gas Emissions in Glass Manufacturing

Atmospheric pollution from melting activities are responsible for the major environmental effects of glass processing. The burning of natural gas/fuel oil during the melting and the decomposition of raw materials contribute to CO₂ emissions. This is the only greenhouse gas which has been released during processing.

Acidification may be aided by sulfur dioxide (SO₂) from the fuel and/or sulphate decomposition in the batch materials.

Nitrogen oxides (NO_x) also contribute to the acidification and smog production due to the high melting temperatures and in some cases due to the decomposition of nitrogen compounds in the batch materials. Evaporation of the molten glass and raw materials may cause particles to be released into the atmosphere. Certain environmental problems include water pollution, the use of natural non-renewable raw materials such as sand and minerals, solid waste processing and the release of volatile organic compounds.

Help of Gas Monitoring Equipment

Although much has already been done, further reductions in SO₂, dust particulate matter, NO_x, and CO₂ emissions are still the main environmental goals for our flat glass activities. It is a very complex matter to reduce and monitor these emissions in an integrated way. Environmental strategies are still under development.

Nonetheless, most of these strategies do have both drawbacks and benefits. For instance:

• Shifting from heavy fuel to natural gas decreases CO₂ and SO₂, but NO_x
• Some technologies that decrease NO_x will cause an increase in CO₂ when additional energy is needed.
• SO₂-minimizing technologies can generate non-recyclable waste.
• Many SO₂-reduction technologies do not fit with the de-NO_x end-of-pipe technologies.
• Several technologies can impact the furnace’s lifespan, or the product quality.

During its lifespan (15-18 years), a glass furnace works 24/7 and cannot be stopped and cooled down. Therefore, most innovations can only be mounted during a reconstruction of the furnace. We’ve got to “look beyond” at that moment and make long-term decisions.

To remain within the rules, glass manufacturing facilities need the appropriate pollution monitoring systems. Along with keeping within the regulatory emission guidelines, it is important to have the right gas analyzer to safeguard employees and the environment.

We recommend VARIO luxx from MRU Instruments for this matter; And will also help explore ways to reduce specific environmental pollution. A continuous pollution control system is a great choice for the glass industry, as the gasses produced from processing cannot be completely eliminated.