KNOWLEDGE

The Refractories Engineer | Enhancing Glass Furnace Heat‑up with Thermal Imaging

Monday, April 27, 2026

In a recent edition of Refractories Engineer Magazine, we highlighted how thermal imaging supports controlled glass furnace heat‑up, helping operators achieve optimum temperatures while protecting long‑term furnace performance.

$Refractories Engineer – Enhancing Glass Furnace Heat‑up with Thermal Imaging$ "Efficient and controlled heat-up in glass furnaces is critical to ensuring the longevity of the furnace and maintaining structural integrity while enhancing operational safety.

This application note highlights the complete process of achieving full spectrum furnace monitoring through the use of thermal imaging cameras such as LAND’s NIR-b-2K-Glass and the MWIR-b-640, which work together to provide full spectrum thermal coverage, from early ramp up to steady state operation.

There are numerous benefits to using thermal imaging cameras, including detecting wear or damage to refractories during charging, such as hot spots or cracks, which allows for planned maintenance and reduces the risk of unplanned shutdowns, which can be costly. Improved energy efficiency through optimal heat management, along with the prevention of crown overheating and structural damage, can also be achieved.

Designed for lower temperatures, the MWIR-b-640 is ideal for monitoring the efficiency of the furnace heat-up phase. At the same time, the NIR-b-2K-Glass measures the temperature of both the melting glass and the furnace structure at 1000+°C temperatures and optimises charging to avoid piles that are difficult to melt."

Click here to read the full article in the Refractories Engineer Magazine