Technologies to help you achieve CO₂ reduction targets

Decarbonization in Glass

CO₂ emission reductions of up to 30%

Glass melting is an energy‑intensive process that produces significant carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from two main sources: the combustion of natural gas and the release of CO₂ during the thermal decomposition of soda ash and limestone or dolomite in the batch. For more than 80 years, Linde has helped glass manufacturers address these challenges by developing and applying innovative technologies and processes. We partner with you to cost‑effectively achieve both near‑term and long‑term CO₂ reduction targets.

OPTIMELT™
ThermoChemical Regenerator

Technology for waste heat recovery.

Learn more
Oxy-fuel with Waste Heat Recovery

The majority of glass melting furnaces operate using air fuel combustion. Converting air fuel furnaces to oxy fuel operation can reduce fuel consumption by approximately 10% compared to state-of-the-art regenerative air fuel furnaces. Oxy fuel technology is commercially proven, with more than 300 glass melting furnaces currently operating worldwide. Notably, Linde pioneered the successful conversion of the first large container glass furnace from air fuel to oxy fuel melting. In oxy fuel glass furnaces, flue gas typically exits at temperatures of 1400–
1500 °C. Recovering heat from this high temperature flue gas can further reduce fuel consumption and, consequently, fuel related CO₂ emissions.

Linde’s OPTIMELT™ Thermochemical Regenerator (TCR) technology is designed to significantly reduce fuel consumption by recovering waste heat from the flue gas to preheat and partially reform the incoming natural gas. This thermochemical heat recovery enables a net reduction in overall fuel consumption of up to 30% in the glass melting process compared to state‑of‑the‑art regenerative air‑fuel furnaces.

Low-Carbon Fuels

Fuel‑based CO₂ emissions from the glass melting process can be further reduced by partially or fully replacing fossil fuels, such as natural gas, with renewable or green alternatives. OPTIMELT™ TCR technology is green‑fuel ready and fully compatible with fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, and bio‑ethanol, as well as blends of these fuels with natural gas. By investing in an OPTIMELT system today, companies can cost‑effectively achieve near‑term CO₂ emission reductions of up to 30%, while ensuring future readiness for carbon neutrality as green fuels become economically viable.

More details about VITRON™ On-site Plants for Oxygen Supply with VPSA Technology

Learn more about gases and applications for the glass industry

Discover equipment and technologies to enhance your glass production and finishing process

Need more information?

Call us at 1.844.44LINDE (1.844.445.4633) or send a message using the link below.
Ask a question, Request a quote