Steklarna Hrastnik appointed the SORG Group to complete the reconstruction of their furnace B, also built by SORG in 2014, as a melting furnace for the production of high-quality flint glass.
Nikolaus SORG provided a comprehensive engineering package for the refractory material and steel construction necessary for repairing the melting tank, distribution channel and four forehearths. Additionally, they delivered heating and cooling systems, SCADA and other necessary components for the furnace and glass conditioning system.
EME conducted an audit and conceptual engineering. Based on this they then proceeded to upgrade the dosing units in the batch plants and modernize the cullet return system, installing a new single fork linked scraper. EME also delivered and installed a system for charging external PCR (post-consumer recycled) cullet.
SKS was responsible for the draining and demolition of the old furnace as well as the installation of the new refractory material and modification of the existing steel structure. The most challenging part was the lifting of the furnace and forehearth steel structure by 400 millimetres.
The new furnace B represents the expansion and modernization of the Slovenian plant, particularly in terms of environmental and energy aspects. To further reduce the CO2 footprint, the system is intended to be converted to operation with hydrogen in the future.
The project is a testament to the Power of Three.