Abstract: A process for optimizing flame polishing of a glass product includes subjecting a glass product to heating parameters related to the glass product, first sensing a first thermal image of the glass product, polishing the glass product with a flame, second sensing a second thermal image of the glass product after the polishing of the glass product, and adjusting parameters of the flame polishing as necessary based upon the second sensing of the second thermal image of the glass product.

Abstract: A method of providing oxygen enriched fuel into a combustion atmosphere of a furnace includes injecting a fuel stream into the combustion atmosphere, and providing oxygen into the fuel stream during the injecting of the fuel stream into the combustion atmosphere. A fluid injection apparatus for a combustion atmosphere of a furnace is also provided and includes a housing having a space therein and a discharge orifice in communication with the space, a lance for oxygen disposed in the space and in communication with the discharge orifice, and an inlet duct for a fuel stream in communication with the space external to the lance.

Abstract: A furnace includes a housing having a charging end, a discharge end downstream of the charging end, and a combustion chamber within the housing between the charging and discharge ends; a first pair of lances disposed at a first side of the housing proximate the charging end and in communication with the combustion chamber, one lance of said first pair to provide a first fuel to said combustion chamber, and another lance of said first pair to provide a first oxidant to said combustion chamber; and a second pair of lances disposed at a second side of the housing opposite to the first side proximate the charging end and in communication with the combustion chamber, one lance of said second pair to provide a second fuel to said combustion chamber, and another lance of said second pair to provide a second oxidant to said combustion chamber. A method is provided.

Abstract: A process for optimizing flame polishing of a glass product includes subjecting a glass product to heating parameters related to the glass product, first sensing a first thermal image of the glass product, polishing the glass product with a flame, second sensing a second thermal image of the glass product after the polishing of the glass product, and adjusting parameters of the flame polishing as necessary based upon the second sensing of the second thermal image of the glass product.