The application of high intensity plasma's for
heating of batch and glass melt was investigated by
British Glass [19] and Plasmelt [24], showing very fast
melting rates and short residence times (down to 5-15
minutes). Even glass compositions or refractory materials
that require temperature of up to 1900°C can be
processed. In the Plasmelt technology, the plasma is
generated between a DC anode and cathode torch.
Argon gas is used for the plasma. The torch positions
are generally fixed and the plasma touches the raw
material batch and melt contained in a rotating skull.
The torches do not contact the melt. Especially, this
plasma technology seems to be suitable for glasses that
require high-temperature melting temperatures or for
special glass types with low production volumes. This
technology also offers a high level of flexibility by the
small hold-up volumes and presents therefore possibility
of glass type changes within a few hours. Energy
consumption (based on primary energy, taking into
account the energy efficiency of electric power generation),
however is much higher compared to fossil fuel
fired glass furnaces for large volume glass production.