Evolution of simulation techniques to model electric glass furnaces

The authors outline the development of modeling tools used in the analysis of the operation and design of electric glass furnaces. They emphasize the improvement over the last few decades of techniques that encompass scaled physical models and computer models. Those milestones which, in the authors´ opinion, have had important influences in the course of model development and process analysis are noted. Each type of model is critiqued with examples from literature and from the authors´ experience. The efforts to relate physical or computer models to actual electric melting operations are examined as well as attempts to bridge the gap from modeling results to glass quality and furnace efficiency. Future directions in glass electric furnace modeling are discussed.<>