Steklarna Hrastnik appointed the SORG Group to complete the reconstruction of their furnace B, which was also built by SORG in 2014 as a melting furnace for the production of high-quality flint glass. The new furnace B represents the expansion and modernization of the plant, particularly in terms of environmental and energy aspects.

The regenerative end-port furnace was expanded to increase performance, the furnace design was brought up to the latest state-of-the-art standards and the boosting system, in the form of barrier and melting boosters, was designed in such a way that the electricity share in the melting energy can be increased to 40%.

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. Nikolaus SORG also conducted assembly and commissioning services as part of their scope of delivery.

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.

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 400mm. This allowed the customer to reuse most of the existing steel structure and provided a significant cost saving.

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