Study of the Float Glass Melting Process: Combining Fluid Dynamics Simulation and Glass Homogeneity Inspection

The simulations of fluid dynamics in a float glass furnace are performed by using the FLOTRAN module of ANSYS software. The velocity, turbulent kinetic energy, and density distribution of the fluids are determined. Three flowing cycle modes of the fluids are revealed, and this accounts for the heterogeneity in the glasses solidified from the fluids flowing out of the furnace. The simulation results are evaluated with the experimental measurements obtained via the side stripe image technique. The comparison of the simulation and experimental results reveals remarkable consistency.