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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

In-Situ Real Time Measurements of Molten Glass Properties, Final Report

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/922663· OSTI ID:922663
Energy Research Company (ERCo) of Staten Island, NY has developed a sensor capable of measuring in situ and in real time, both the elemental composition and the temperature of molten glass. A prototype sensor has been designed, constructed and tested in ERCo's laboratory. The sensor was used to collect atomic emission spectra from molten fiberglass via Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). From these spectra, we were able to readily identify all elements of interest (B, Si, Ca, Fe, Mg, Na, Sr, Al). The high signal-to-background signals achieved suggest that data from the sensor can be used to determine elemental concentrations, either through calibration curves or using ERCo's calibrationless method. ERCo's technology fits in well with DOE's Glass Industry Technology Roadmap which emphasizes the need for accurate process and feedstock sensors. Listed first under technological barriers to increased production efficiency is the 'Inability to accurately measure and control the production process'. A large-scale glass melting furnace, developed by SenCer Inc. of Penn Yan, NY was installed in ERCo's laboratory to ensure that a large enough quantity of glass could be melted and held at temperature in the presence of the water-cooled laser sensor without solidifying the glass.
Research Organization:
Energy Research Company, Staten Island, NY
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE - Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EE)
DOE Contract Number:
FG36-05GO15159
OSTI ID:
922663
Report Number(s):
DOE/GO15159
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English