Arglass’ recent decision to partner with Zippe for their upcoming plant in Valdosta, Georgia, USA, marks a significant milestone in the glass manufacturing sector. The project, slated for installation starting December 2024 and commissioning in Q2 of 2025, signifies a strategic move towards enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability through cutting-edge technology.
At the core of this collaboration is the Zippe Batch Plant, meticulously engineered to meet the demands of modern glass production. With a capacity of 495 tonnes per day for the second furnace, this system is tailored to optimize raw material handling, pre-mixing and batch transport processes. Its modular design allows for seamless integration into Arglass’s existing infrastructure, ensuring minimal downtime during installation and commissioning phases.
Key components of the batch plant include mechanical raw material feeding mechanisms, such as truck and train unloading systems equipped with vibratory tray feeders. These feed into a silo system capable of storing up to 10 raw materials, with the largest silo boasting a volume of 500 cubic metres. An automatic pre-mix plant, coupled with a 3,000-litre mixer and precise weighing line, ensures consistent formulation and quality control throughout the production process.
In parallel, Arglass has prioritized sustainability with the implementation of a comprehensive cullet return system. Designed to service four IS machines, this system incorporates crushers, falling tubes, and conveyor belts to facilitate the efficient recycling of glass cullet. Notably, the integration of Zippe’s ZMART® intelligent scraping conveyor control system optimizes conveyor speed based on gob weight and quantity, minimizing wear and energy consumption.