Electric electrodes in glass electric furnaces (electric melting furnaces) are classified into three main categories based on their insertion position: bottom-inserted, side-inserted (horizontal), and top-inserted. They are primarily located at the bottom of the furnace, the lower middle part of the furnace wall, and the top of the furnace, and are often arranged in combination.
I. Bottom-inserted Electrodes (Most Commonly Used)
Location: Vertically inserted through the bottom of the furnace pool into the molten glass, typically 300–500 mm from the pool wall, arranged in rows or triangles.
Applications: All-electric melting furnaces, cold-top furnaces; facilitates the formation of stable hot spots and high heating efficiency.
II. Side-inserted/Horizontal Electrodes (Mainstream)
Location: Horizontally inserted through the pool wall (lower middle part of the breast wall/side wall), with the electrode end extending into the furnace; arranged in pairs or multiple layers symmetrically.
Applications: Melting section, refining section, feed duct/feeder; facilitates temperature control and maintenance.
III. Top-Inserted Electrode (Upper Insertion Type)
Location: Vertically inserted downwards from the furnace top (upper space) into the molten glass, typically arranged circumferentially or staggered in the melting/hot spot zone.
Applications: Large-tonnage furnaces, high-viscosity glass (such as borosilicate glass), allowing for flexible adjustment of insertion depth and optimization of the temperature field.
IV. Combined Arrangements (Common High-Efficiency Solutions)
Bottom Insertion + Side Insertion: Bottom insertion in the main melting zone, side insertion in the refining/feeding channel, balancing efficiency and homogeneity.
Top Insertion + Bottom Insertion: Large-tonnage all-electric melting, top insertion controls the upper part, bottom insertion stabilizes the hot spot.
Multi-Layer Side Insertion: Upper, middle, and lower layers on the furnace wall, precisely controlling temperature and flow field.
V. Typical Location Overview
Bottom of the Furnace: Vertical bottom insertion, main melting zone/hot spot, most commonly used.
Middle and Lower Part of the Furnace Wall: Horizontal side insertion, melting/refining/feeding channel.
Furnace Top: Vertical top insertion, high-power/high-viscosity glass.
Hot spot area: 2/3 of the way through the melting section, where the main melt is intensified.
Settling section/feed channel: Primarily side-insertion, with precise temperature control.
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