Numerical simulation and optimization of bubbling on float glass furnaces. Part 2: Bubbling optimization and verification

The influences of bubbling tube length, gas volume and position on glass flow are analyzed and optimized by numerical simulation. The results show that the effect of bubbling on the relatively stationary layer in circulation I is related to the tube length and gas volume of bubbling. Larger bubbling gas volume indicates that the range of action below the bubbling nozzle is deeper. Thus, the relationship between gas volume and its action area is established on the basis of the aforementioned observation. In addition, the bubbling position significantly affects the “thermal barrier” on the spring zone. Moreover, bubbling can only play a beneficial role on the glass furnace when appropriate distance is maintained between the bubbling and spring zone. Combined with the simulation optimization results and the bubbling viewpoint proposed in Part 1, the bubbling parameters of a production line in China were optimized, and the stripe images of the glass products with bubbling before and after optimization were compared and verified. The obtained results were consistent with the simulation results. This work provides a valuable reference for the early design and construction of a furnace and its optimization adjustment after production. It also reflects the importance of rational distribution of glass flow with bubbling in the furnace on the quality of the glass product.