Page 26 - Glass-Technology International no. 2/2017

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NSG glass lines in Europe in the coming PHV (plug-in hybrid), which was
years, as well as to drive the Group’s launched on 15 February 2017.
RESTART OF FLOAT GLASS shift to a higher VA sales ratio. An Made possible by NSG Group’s
LINE IN VENICE
exceptional credit of approximately mould design utilizing the simulation
The NSG Group has announced it JPY 2billion is to be recognized in the technology and proprietary rear glass
will restart a float glass furnace in Eu- fourth quarter of FY2017, mainly due press equipment, the “double bubble”
rope in FY2018. to the reversal of exceptional costs rear window, with two curves and
The Group plans to restart a sus- such as impairment of non-current a groove in between, helps reduce
pended architectural glass float line at assets recorded in the past. The drag by drawing cabin side airstream
the site of its wholly-owned subsidi- impact on the year-end forecast of toward the rear glass.
ary in Venice, Italy, in the third quar- FY2017 is under review, and if neces- The unique design concept of the
ter of FY2018. With process modi- sary, we will make a disclosure in a new PRIUS PHV is aimed at gener-
fications associated with the restart, timely manner. ating an intuitive understanding of
the Venice Line will become capable ‘DOUBLE BUBBLE’ REAR its advanced functionalities and the
of producing VA (value-added) prod- WINDOW GLASS SELECTED double bubble window creates an
ucts. By restarting the Venice Line, FOR TOYOTA’S instantly recognizable rear view.
the NSG Group intends to ensure the NEW PRIUS PHV NSG Group is striving to become a
stable supply of architectural glass in “VA (value-added) Glass Company”
response to a robust market demand NSG announced that its rear window through its sophisticated shaping
in Europe, in view of the planned cold glass has been selected by Toyota Mo- technology, high value-added prod-
repairs of the Group’s operating float tor Corporation for the new PRIUS ucts and services.

CARDINAL FLOAT GLASS furnace bottom through SmartMelter
mapping,” said Kelly Busch, Vice
SMARTMELTER President of Technology at Cardinal
Glass.”
SUCCESSFULLY MANAGES RISK This lowered risk meant that Car-
dinal Glass could maximize furnace
SmartMelter, a comprehensive nology was then used to take accurate production right up to the furnace
solution that is revolutionizing risk measurements of the residual furnace drain date.
management and optimizing fur- bottom thickness. SmartMelter combines two patented
nace life for glass manufacturers, After this initial set-up and training, sensors with digital mapping to col-
has helped Cardinal Glass reach a the sensor was shipped to Durant lect precise data about furnace health.
scheduled furnace rebuild for its float for regular monitoring. Beginning in The technology measures the actual
line furnace. PaneraTech, who devel- June 2016, the Cardinal team took residual thickness of walls and helps
oped SmartMelter, has been working monthly measurements with guidance manufacturers determine the timing
with the company throughout 2016 from PaneraTech to monitor the pro- of overcoat, identify early stage glass
to monitor the progression of glass gress of glass infiltration at the bot- infiltration and optimize rebuild dates
infiltration at the furnace bottom. As tom. The plant was able to continue for longer furnace life.
a result, Cardinal Glass has been able operations through Janu-
to maximize production while ensur- ary 2017, the scheduled
ing safety date for rebuilding.
The first SmartMelter measurements “It was imperative that we
were taken in April 2016 by the keep operations on sched-
PaneraTech team onsite in Cardinal’s ule to fulfil our orders.
Durant (Oklahoma) plant. Smart- However, we had to do
Melter requires a one-time mapping this safely. We were able
of specific areas of the furnace to to operate with confidence
enable proper tracking of each refrac- because we were sure
tory inspection. Advanced radar tech- of the condition of the

24 Glass-Technology International 2/2017