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How Can I Improve Temperature Control in my Glass Manufacturing Processes?

05 December 2024

At LAND, we've been dedicated to providing precision measurement solutions since 1947.

Our expertise in non-contact temperature measurement and combustion monitoring has made us a trusted partner in industries like glass, steel, energy, and cement production.

We're thrilled to announce a significant milestone: over the past six years, we've sold more than 220 Near Infrared Borescopes (NIR-B) to the glass industry alone. This achievement is a testament to our innovative technology and reliability of our products.

The NIR-B-2K-Glass radiometric thermal camera offers calibrated, traceable temperature measurements that are directly comparable to the industry-standard Cyclops C100L portable single-point thermometer. This means operators worldwide can use the borescope to monitor and confirm furnace temperatures with confidence.

Our journey with the NIR-B began with a focus on furnace temperatures. By replacing traditional visual cameras, the NIR-B provided a more advanced solution for monitoring and optimising furnace operations.

In 2017, LAND and Encirc, a leading glass manufacturer, won the 'Innovative Solution' category at the Glass Focus Awards. Our real-time, in-furnace thermal imaging using the NIR-B-2K-Glass was instrumental in optimising furnace operations and combustion efficiency. This marked a significant step towards decarbonising oil or natural gas-fired glass furnaces.

With the expertise we've gained and the launch of a portable version of the NIR-B, we're now poised to make a substantial contribution to reducing CO2 emissions and enhancing energy efficiency in the glass industry.

Our success in this industry hinges on several factors: product quality, the value of our solutions, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction built on trust. By fostering collaboration, we have not only met these challenges but exceeded expectations.

The NIR-B-2K-Glass thermal imaging camera offers a range of benefits for furnace monitoring, including:

• Supporting thermocouple verification
• Identifying cold and hot spots
• Optimising combustion
• Determining the batch line
• A Culture of Innovation

Over the past 1,500 days, we've made tremendous progress. We've implemented strategic initiatives to improve product quality, optimise manufacturing processes, and strengthen our competitive market position. One of the most memorable achievements has been cultivating a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within our team.

Portable Furnace Thermal Imaging System
Our portable NIR-B has been instrumental in conducting thermal surveys and capturing thermal images of furnaces. The improvements in combustion efficiency and decarbonisation processes have surprised us, and many end users now view this instrument as the gateway to a decarbonisation process for fired, hybrid, or oxy-gas furnaces.

We recognise that promoting innovation on-site can be challenging due to factors like reluctance, lack of training, and expertise. To address this, we've established training programs on interpreting thermal images to assist production teams and provide foundational training using IMAGEPro software.

The glass industry is evolving rapidly, facing numerous challenges related to emissions reduction. Choosing between gas and electric furnaces depends on various factors, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution.

It's crucial to consider the specific needs of each application and carefully weigh costs, energy efficiency, and environmental impact. Long-term investment decisions must be pragmatic, focusing on renewable energy sources when available.

NIR-B-Glass IMAGEPro SoftwareData and digitalisation are also critical tools in decarbonising the glass industry. By enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, energy optimisation, supply chain efficiency, and carbon accounting, digitalisation with NIR-B-2K-Glass technology can help glass manufacturers reduce their carbon footprint and transition toward more sustainable operations, including the adoption of Hybrid furnaces.

In conclusion, improving temperature control in glass manufacturing processes is essential for enhancing efficiency, reducing emissions, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the industry.

With precision tools like the NIR-B-2K-Glass, glass manufacturers can gain accurate, real-time insights into furnace temperatures, enabling them to optimise combustion, reduce energy consumption, and identify inefficiencies.

As we've seen through our partnership with leading glass producers like Encirc, the integration of advanced temperature monitoring technologies not only boosts operational performance but also plays a crucial role in the industry's decarbonisation journey.

By embracing digitalisation, fostering innovation, and utilising solutions like the NIR-B-2K-Glass, manufacturers are well-positioned to meet the evolving challenges of the glass industry and achieve their sustainability goals.

At LAND, we're proud to be part of this transformation, providing the tools and expertise needed to drive meaningful change in temperature control and beyond.
 

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