Cleaner fuels: A cost benefit analysis

Ajeto Glassworks of the Czech Republic, a leading producer of select handmade glass products, which it exports worldwide, has found that how converting from air-fuel to oxy-fuel burners can have a significant effect on reducing energy consumption. Based on the advice of technology experts at Air Products, the company agreed to trial oxy-fuel technology. The facility is now equipped with two Air Products Cleanfire HRiTM oxy-fuel burners, replacing the previous air-fuel system. These advanced oxy-fuel burners have been developed specifically for the glass industry and provide better luminosity, improve heat transfer, low-flame velocity and require virtually no maintenance. The benefits include better quality molten glass, greater furnace stability and increasingly consistent colors. Other benefits include an emissions performance that is well below current limits, a quieter furnace and an automatic control system, which makes it easier to set and maintain the required temperature without the need for process operator intervention.