Fives supplies low-energy furnace to Guardian Glass

Fives has put an energy-efficient furnace into operation at Guardian Glass’ plant in Bascharage, Luxembourg.

The low-energy furnace - Prium Float-Melt – has been combined with Lower Energy Melter (L.E.M.) technology from engineering group Fives.

It has a heat recovery system that enables the preheating of pure oxygen and natural gas.

The furnace, which produces lower carbon glass, has been in operation since the end of 2023.

Over time, the technology should reduce the furnace’s gas consumption by 25% and CO₂ emissions by 20% compared to a conventional air-fuel furnace.

Consequently, the furnace has one of the lowest energy consumption levels in the sector.

Guus Boekhoudt, Guardian Glass Executive Vice President, said: “This new float system heralds an exciting era for the plant in Luxembourg, as it is Guardian Glass' most energy-efficient furnace.

“We trusted Fives to implement a new technology as they have extensive experience with electric and hybrid melting for various glass applications.

“In addition, the furnace also provides the Bascharage plant with additional capacity to produce both Guardian ExtraClear float glass and Guardian UltraClear low-iron float glass at maximum pull.”

The L.E.M. technology drastically reduces heat losses and gas consumption without compromising on quality.

Moreover, the technology achieves record low values of polluting emissions, such as NOx, CO₂, SOx and dust.

Alexandre Brusset, Vice President of Glass at Fives, said: "This is the first float furnace of its kind in technology and capacity for both Fives and Guardian Glass, and represent a notable milestone in the carbon emission reduction strategy for the glass business worldwide.

“Our proven energy-efficient technology and tight collaboration with Guardian Glass during the project execution led to results that go beyond the industry standards.”

The new furnace is in line with the strategies of both companies, which aim to operate sustainably, use fewer resources, minimise waste and optimise manufacturing processes.