The Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) Glass Furnace Model (GFM) was recently selected as one of the 100 most technologically significant products introduced into the marketplace over the past year.

The Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) Glass Furnace Model (GFM) was recently selected by the independent judging panel and editors of R&D Magazine as one of the 100 most technologically significant products introduced into the marketplace over the past year. The GFM software was developed to provide the glass industry with an advanced, state-of-the-art computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software package that could be used as a tool to seek ways to improve productivity and product quality, and reduce furnace energy use and emissions. It generates a computer simulation that allows engineers to "visualize" critical heat transfer, flow and reaction patterns within the interior of a glass furnace, thus helping users to identify sub-optimal performance, both locally and globally. The furnace simulation is used to conduct extensive experiments on the computer by varying key operating and design parameters to determine their impact on overall furnace performance parameters, such as energy use and glass quality indices. By using the GFM code, engineers can conduct extensive computer-based experimental investigations of furnace performance that could not be done on the operating furnace.

ANL is initially offering the GFM on a no-fee trial basis to introduce the code to, and promote its use by, the glass industry. At the conclusion of the no-cost trial-use period, users will be asked to pay a nominal one-time fee to continue using the code. A license can be obtained through the ANL software shop at http://www.softwareshop.anl.gov. For more information, call (630)-252-6518 or e-mail bgolchert@anl.gov.