Radiotracer investigation in a glass production unit.

A radiotracer investigation was carried out in a glass production unit in a glass industry. Lanthanum-140 as lanthanium oxide mixed with silica was used as a radiotracer to trace the molten glass in various sections of the unit. Residence time distributions of molten glass were measured and analyzed to identify the flow abnormities. The flow parameters such as breakthrough time, mean residence time, homogenization time, dead volume and flow patterns in different sections of the unit were obtained from the measured RTD data. The results of the investigation were used to improve and optimize the operation of the glass production unit.