The existing furnace for manufacturing patterned glass in Barevka, Czech Republic, has been halted for the scheduled cold repair. The line will undergo major revamping to accommodate brand-new furnace design, aiming to reduce direct CO2 emissions by 75 percent.
As announced in 2023, in the frame of this joint development project, Saint-Gobain Glass and AGC have combined their best available complementary technologies to design the best possible hybrid furnace of the future for flat glass manufacturing. This innovative technology will be tested in Barevka, Czech Republic, and aims to create a high-performing, state-of-the-art production line that is 50 percent electrified and 50 percent powered by a combination of oxygen and gas.
The plant designated for the project is currently undergoing a significant revamping to host the new technologies. Most of the studies and procurement processes have already been completed, and the team is actively coordinating the various professionals working on-site to construct the new furnace.
While the revamp continues, preparations for production start-up are in progress. This includes a comprehensive and detailed commissioning and testing plan for all equipment and process components to ensure the proper start-up of the new furnace. Additionally, it involves thorough training for the production team, who will be operating an entirely new industrial tool.
The new furnace is expected to be operational by early 2025.
This R&D project called “Volta” project is funded by the Innovation Fund of the European Union.