Concepts for insulating wool (C-glass) forehearths

Electric heated conditioning systems such as Sorg's STF/E forehearths have a number of technical advantages over gas systems. The company uses two types of forehearth electrodes, water cooled and dry electrodes without cooling. After the filling of the furnace the electrodes need to be sealed properly. This method requires much less attention and effort during heating up and filling. Advantages of burners with ignition are automatic operation and a high safety level achieved by the ignition and flame surveillance. Disadvantageous are higher control efforts and the higher price. The advantages of burners with separate air and gas supply are easy use and setup. The disadvantage is the need for experienced personnel and the necessity of continuous monitoring.