Level Measurement of Molten Glass

This use case is from a customer plant that is fully automated and the production flow is therefore computer generated on a daily basis out of the incoming orders made up of the potential 700 article numbers. The product mix varies all the time and therefore demands a constant change of mass flow.

Glass Wool is one of the most versatile Insulation materials and therefore in widespread use. Glass Wool consists of approximately 70% recycled window glass melted down. The Oven melts the glass morsels and additional material at app. 1250 °C and feeds a tank continuously year round.

The only problem that needs to be taken care of in this non-contact measuring application is control of the path of the mirror-like reflections created by waves in the hot surface of molten glass created by the mass flow. The remedy is a slight tilt of the laser ray away from the vertical in such a fashion, that the returning laser ray is reflected past the sensor and not directly into the camera objective.

The level measurement of the 1000 °C hot molten Glass is performed by an ODS 1950 HT laser triangulation meter mounted high above the view port down into the Fore-hearth in order to minimize the cooling problem of the measuring instrument and have it out of way for other tasks. This non-contact method allows for accurate and reliable readings without risking damage to the sensor from the extreme heat. The ODS 1950 HT is specifically designed to withstand high temperatures and provide precise measurements, ensuring that the glass production process operates smoothly and efficiently. Regular calibration and maintenance of the sensor are essential to maintain its performance and accuracy over time.