Text version of the page

Melting Technology reduces emissions and improves economy An excellent environmental profile that also boosts customer value

Advantex™ glass Manufacturing Platform

DustFluoridesNOxVOC'sRaw Mat. EfficiencyEnergyC.O.D.Water usage Melting continuous filaments of glass is an energy intensive process where minerals have to be melted at high temperatures of around 1650°C. This melting process generates significant quantities of nitrogen oxides (NOx). Advantex™ needs a higher melting temperature because the boron and added fluorides that impact on the environment have been eliminated from its composition. Normally this would mean higher energy usage and higher NOx emissions. But through a policy of integrated pollution prevention and control, we have deployed new combustion techniques that include oxygen-gas firing and furnace design optimization. The result of Advantex™ glass formulation combined with melt process optimization is a dramatic reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions of around 80%, as well as a reduction in the overall gas usage and associated carbon dioxide (CO The following diagrams compare the envi- ronmental impact of typical E-glass produc-tion compared to an Advantex™ manufac-turing platform. For each environmental consideration asso-ciated with the manufacture of fibreglass, we have established a benchmark level against which each operation can be rated. The area of the footprint represents the overall envi-ronmental impact of an operation per unit of fibreglass produced. It combines:
HighMediumLowEnvironmental Footprint

Traditional E-glass Manufacturing Platform

DustFluoridesNOxVOC'sRaw Mat. EfficiencyEnergyC.O.D.Water usage s¬ Air emissions (dust, fluorides, nitrogen oxides (NOx) s¬ Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) s¬ Water usage s¬ Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) (a waste water pollutant load indicator) s¬ Solid waste and energy (as an indirect measure of CO
2 emissions)Comparing the environmental footprints of E-glass with Advantex™ glass clearly shows the substantial benefits that 3B has achieved by implementing Advantex™ glass composi-tion and technology in our manufacturing processes. To put it simply, switching from traditional E-glass to Advantex™ boron-free glass means more value for you the custom-er and less impact on the environment.
HighMedium LowEnvironmental Footprint 2 ) emissions per ton produced. Summary of environmental benefits: s¬ Removing boron from the glass composition stops dust particulates being created. These are associated with the partial volatilization when exposed to high temperatures. s¬ The removal of added fluorides from the composition also reduces dust particulates. s¬ The implementation of modern melting technology means a substantial- reduction in greenhouse gas emissions reductions such as NOx. s¬ Increased energy efficiency reduces CO
2 emissions.

Advantex Brochure - 12664 www.3B-fibreglass.com