The development, construction and operation of the direct-fired glass-melting furnaces known as unit melters

JSGT 1957 V41 T220-T228

The author describes the development of the unit melter since its introduction in 1951, and summarises its operating characteristics, advantages, and limitations and mentions several features of the unit melter which are in contrast with anticipated results. Development of the design is being continued and there are several improvements contemplated to increase the length of campaigns and to improve the operation of automatic controls. The author claims that the cost of construction of a unit melter is relatively low, possibly only half as much as a regenerative or recuperative furnace, and that the cost of repairs and maintenance of a unit melter is estimated at less than 15% per year of the original cost.

A. K. Lyle