Direct Digital Control of a Glass Melter Refiner and Forehearths Using Small Computers

Highly reliable small digital computers can now be economically justified for use in control of melters, refiners, and forehearths. The advent of high fuel costs, high production rates, and air pollution requirements has now dictated the need for both a more precise and a higher level of control in the glass melting process. The digital system, utilizing the distributed logic concept, verifies sensor integrity, and is programmed to compensate for long process thermal lags, along with the incorporation of more sophisticated control techniques. The control system as described is for the manufacture of fiber glass. Alternate control system configurations are outlined, along with their features and benefits.