Abstract: A burner port block assembly having a refractory block with a central passageway therethrough and a ceramic extension piece disposed at least partially in the central passageway of the refractory block. The extension piece has a distal end, a proximal end, and a sidewall that defines a central passageway extending between the distal end and the proximal end. The central passageway of the refractory block is provided with a first engagement structure and the sidewall of the extension piece is provided with a second engagement structure. Engagement of the first engagement structure with the second engagement structure connects the extension piece to the refractory block. The burner port block assembly may further include at least one ceramic fiber board having a hole therethrough disposed at the distal end of the refractory block and/or a gasket positioned between the refractory block and the extension piece.

Abstract: A burner port block assembly having a refractory block with a central passageway therethrough and a ceramic extension piece disposed at least partially in the central passageway of the refractory block. The extension piece has a distal end, a proximal end, and a sidewall that defines a central passageway extending between the distal end and the proximal end. The central passageway of the refractory block is provided with a first engagement structure and the sidewall of the extension piece is provided with a second engagement structure. Engagement of the first engagement structure with the second engagement structure connects the extension piece to the refractory block. The burner port block assembly may further include at least one ceramic fiber board having a hole therethrough disposed at the distal end of the refractory block and/or a gasket positioned between the refractory block and the extension piece.

Abstract: A method of firing a melting furnace to which flux or fining additions are made, comprising supplying the burner systems with a fuel mixture containing at least 10% glycerin wherein the glycerin contains sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride (KCl), or a combination thereof. The glycerin can advantageously be raw glycerin, a by-product of biodiesel production. It can be co-fired with natural gas or fuel oil or fired alone in traditional combustion burner systems. Alternatively, the glycerin may be supplied with NaCl and KCl in the same proportion as the flux used in the melting furnace. Significant fuel cost savings and potential flux cost savings may be realized using this method. The method is applicable to furnaces used in the production of aluminum or glass having similar burner systems and utilizing NaCl and/or KCl additions as part of the melting process.