Steklarna Hrastnik appointed the SORG Group to complete the reconstruction of their furnace B, which was also built by SORG in 2014 as a melting furnace for the production of high-quality flint glass.

The new furnace B represents the expansion and modernization of the plant, particularly in terms of environmental and energy aspects.

The regenerative end-port furnace was expanded to increase performance, the furnace design was brought up to the latest state-of-the-art standards, and the boosting system, in the form of barrier and melting boosters, was designed in such a way that the electricity share in the melting energy can be increased to 40% at a later point in time.

The furnace is charged with batch via an IRD^®-Doghouse and an EME-NEND^®2 batch charger. The refining bank ensures the required high glass quality.

During the extensive modifications to the furnace, great attention was paid to the minimal need for adjustments to the steel structure.

To further reduce the CO₂ footprint, the system is intended to be converted to operation with hydrogen in the future.

Nikolaus SORG provided a comprehensive engineering package for the refractory material and steel construction necessary for repairing the melting tank, distribution channel, and four forehearths. Additionally, they delivered heating and cooling systems, SCADA, and other necessary components for the furnace and glass conditioning system. Nikolaus SORG also conducted assembly and commissioning services as part of their scope of delivery.

EME conducted an audit and conceptual engineering. They then proceeded to upgrade the dosing units in the batch plants and modernise the cullet return system, installing a new single fork linked scraper. EME also delivered and installed a system for charging external PCR (post-consumer recycled) cullet. This system includes a charging hopper, sieving, and crushing system, storage silo, and belt scale, all of which were included in the contract.

SKS was responsible for the draining and demolition of the old furnace as well as the installation of the new refractory material and modification of the existing steel structure. The most challenging part was the lifting of the furnace and forehearth steel

structure by 400mm. This allowed the customer to reuse most of the existing steel structure and provided a significant cost saving for them. The heating up and filling took place according to the time schedule. During the complete project period, SKS was present on-site with a team of up to 80 technicians, including site manager and health and safety officer.

The project was a testament to the Power of Three.

Discover more about the SORG Group here: https://www.sorggroup.com