Abstract: A furnace for melting batch materials, including, upstream in the direction of flow of the molten materials, a zone for introducing solid batch materials, and including a submerged burner and an overhead surface burner providing a flame that touches the surface of the glass at the point where the bubble from the submerged burner emerges. This association of an overhead, especially roof-mounted, burner and a submerged burner reduces the quantity of batch stones that may be sent toward the downstream end of the furnace.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a continuous process for preparing glass comprising the successive steps of charging of pulverulent batch materials, and of obtaining a glass bath by melting, of refining then of cooling. The process is characterized in that an oxidizing gas is bubbled within said glass bath after the refining step.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a glass by melting, at more than 1300° C., batch materials comprising silica and an alkali or alkaline-earth metal sulfate, characterized in that a sulfide is added to the batch materials in order to reduce the height of foam at the surface of the bath of liquid glass at more than 1300° C. The invention reduces the formation of foam at the surface of the glass and improves the heat exchanges between the overhead burners and the glass bath. The invention is particularly suitable for glass intended to be fiberized.

Abstract: A furnace for melting batch materials, including, upstream in the direction of flow of the molten materials, a zone for introducing solid batch materials, and including a submerged burner and an overhead surface burner providing a flame that touches the surface of the glass at the point where the bubble from the submerged burner emerges. This association of an overhead, especially roof-mounted, burner and a submerged burner reduces the quantity of batch stones that may be sent toward the downstream end of the furnace.