Economic Advantages

Reduced Specific Energy Consumption

The glassy nature of Calumite Slag , combined with its chemical composition, leads to faster melting. As a result, the energy required to melt the glass, while maintaining existing furnace temperatures, is actually lower. Depending on the specific furnace design and control parameters, this can be used to reduce the total energy consumption/ton of glass, or specifically to reduce the use of electric boost.

The following graphs illustrate examples where the use of Calumite Slag has reduced the specific energy consumption. In all examples, the data are separated according to the three stages; without Calumite Slag , while Calumite Slag is being introduced, and with Calumite Slag in the batch. The savings quoted are based on the average values before and after the introduction of Calumite Slag .

Introducing Calumite Slag to the amber container glass, figure 3.1, led to a 4.2% reduction in the overall energy consumption/ton of glass, which was maintained with the continued use of Calumite Slag in the batch.

The introduction of Calumite Slag for a trial period in a green container furnace, figure 3.2, showed an average reduction of 3% of the total energy consumption over the trial period. The maximum energy reduction was 5%, which was achieved in conjunction with furnace temperature reductions and glass quality improvements.

Reduced Furnace Electrical Consumption

The faster melting with Calumite Slag often leads to a direct increase in furnace bottom temperatures. This can be used specifically to reduce the power to the electric boost system and hence reduce the electrical energy consumption. This is illustrated with the following example from a green container furnace with 13% Calumite Slag , when the electrical energy consumption was reduced by over 30%. Despite this significant reduction in energy consumption, the bottom temperatures were on average 10°C hotter during the trial period than when Calumite slag was not in use, indicating potential for further energy reduction.

Increasing Calumite Slag Usage

For existing users of Calumite Slag , it is worth noting that increasing the level of Calumite Slag used in the batch would be expected to offer similar energy savings, whether in terms of total energy consumption or specific electrical energy reduction. For example, increasing from 6% to 12% in a green container furnace would be expected to reduce specific energy consumption by 1.5% - 2%.

Energy Savings

In the current climate of increasing energy prices, the value of Calumite Slag as a means of reducing energy consumption is increasingly being recognized. Use of Calumite Slag has been proven to reduce energy consumption in all types of soda-lime-silica glass production, including cosmetic flint, float, and fiber glass.

The level of energy savings achieved will be dependent on the specific furnace, along with factors such as glass color and cullet level. However the regular use of Calumite Slag will reduce overall energy consumption by 4-5%.

The average energy saving through the use of cullet is typically 2.5% energy reduction per 10% cullet increase. Therefore, the use of Calumite Slag can lead to savings equivalent to increasing the cullet level by up to 12-16%.

Increased Glass Yield

The use of Calumite Slag results in more glass produced per ton of batch melted, as there are no products of decomposition produced as Calumite Slag reacts in the batch. The increased yield varies from 1.3% in flint glass to 3.2% when Calumite Slag is used in amber glass.

Increased Furnace Pull

The faster melting with Calumite Slag can lead to increased furnace pull, without the need to increase furnace temperatures or specific energy consumption. In a number of cases, with the introduction of Calumite Slag , furnace pull has been increased beyond the design output of the furnace and beyond the previous maximum pull that had been achieved. Increased production beyond this previous maximum results in extra financial contribution on all additional tonnage.

Improved Glass Quality

Calumite Slag reduces seeds in the glass by over 50% on average. It also reduces the tendency for blister and batch stones that are often rejected by inspection equipment. A modest 0.25% reduction in scanner rejects for a plant manufacturing 600 tons per day of glass would allow an additional 150m²/day of float glass at 4 mm or 7,500 containers per day at an average of 200g to be packed.

Increased Furnace Life

A typical furnace rebuild costs approximately $14,000,000. Therefore, an extension of campaign life of just four months through the lowering of furnace temperatures using Calumite Slag would offer significant cost advantages.

Batch Simplification

Use of Calumite Slag can potentially result in simplification of a batch recipe due to the range of oxides that it contains. In many cases, Calumite Slag is used as the sole alumina source. If this advantage can be considered during the design stage of a glass plant, then huge capital sums can be saved if the batch plant design can be simplified to accommodate fewer raw materials.

Reduced SO_x Emissions

Utilizing Calumite slag allows for reduction in the saltcake required to refine the glass.

Lower SO_x emissions can avoid the use of SO_x removal from furnace exhaust gasses or reduce the operating cost of any that is installed.

Assists in the production of stable Amber glasses, with less seed and blister defects and more production within the target color range

Reduced CO₂ Emissions

Calumite Slag reduces both the process CO₂ emissions through the partial replacement of limestone and dolomite, and CO₂ emissions from fuel due to reduced energy consumption.

Reduced Pr?cess CO₂

For an amber furnace at 250tpd, 50% cullet, the 18% reduction in process CO₂ offers an annual reduction of over 1500 tons.

For a flint container operating at 250tpd, 40% cullet, the annual reduction in process CO₂ is over 800 tons.

Reduced CO₂ from Combustion

A 3% reduction in energy would equate to 3332MWh/annum. Given that 180 kg CO₂ is emitted on combustion of 1MWh, this results in total annual CO₂ reduction of 600 tons.

Reduced NO_x

The implementation of Calumite Slag can reduce furnace crown temperatures by 30°C, reducing thermal NO_x by 10%. When used in conjunction with other primary NO_x reduction techniques, this could negate the need for expensive NO_x abatement technology.