Why precision gas and pressure control matters in glass production
From melting furnaces and float glass tin baths to on‑line coating (APCVD) and annealing lehrs, glass manufacturing relies on accurate gas delivery and stable pressure control. Variations in oxygen/fuel ratio, shield gas purity or coating precursor flow can lead to defects, poor surface quality and reduced yield.
Premier Control Technologies provides UK‑based support and supply for Alicat Scientific, Equilibar, and Drastar - three leading brands that help overcome these challenges.
Common challenges in glass production
Maintaining oxygen/fuel ratio in regenerative or oxy fuel furnaces
Pressure swings and flow drift can cause combustion instability, energy waste and inconsistent melt quality.
Stable shield gas control in float glass tin baths
Hydrogen/nitrogen mixtures must remain pure and pressure stable to prevent oxidation and surface defects.
Uniform coating thickness in APCVD or pyrolytic lines
Pulsed precursor dosing and back pressure fluctuations can lead to non uniform coatings and scrap.
![Glass production]()
Handling high temperatures and corrosive gases
Furnace and coating environments demand robust materials and leak tight connections.
How our products solve these issues
Alicat Mass Flow & Pressure Controllers
- Combustion control: Alicat MFCs deliver precise oxygen and fuel flows with fast response, improving flame stability and energy efficiency.
- Coating processes: Sub sccm dosing and rapid pulsing for precursors ensure uniform layers on float or architectural glass.
- Pressure control: Alicat PCs stabilise furnace draft and chamber pressure during pump downs or valve transitions, reducing thermal shocks and defects.
- Multi gas flexibility: Switch between O₂, N₂, H₂ and specialty gases without lengthy recalibration—ideal for R&D and production lines.
Equilibar Back Pressure Regulators
- Stable reactor back pressure: Multi orifice diaphragm design maintains setpoint even at ultra low flows or mixed phases, critical for APCVD exhaust control.
- High temperature options: Graphite sealed and metal diaphragm variants handle elevated temperatures up to ~450°C.
- Pair with Alicat electronic pilot: Achieve closed loop precision for coating lines and quench loops.
Drastar High Purity Pressure Regulators
- Cylinder and line regulation: Two stage regulators smooth supply pressure for oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen feeds.
- UHP construction: 316L stainless steel, electropolished internals and metal diaphragms maintain gas purity for float bath shield gases.
- Low droop performance: Keeps MFC inlets stable, improving flow accuracy and reducing recipe drift.
Typical UK glass applications we support
- Melting furnaces: Alicat MFCs for oxygen/fuel ratio; Drastar regulators for stable supply pressure.
- Float glass tin baths: Alicat flow control for shield gases; Drastar UHP regulators for purity.
- On line coating (APCVD): Alicat MFCs for precursor pulsing; Equilibar BPRs for exhaust back pressure stability.
- Annealing lehrs & utilities: Alicat pressure controllers for draft control; Drastar regulators for plant gases.
Why choose Premier Control Technologies (UK)
- UK Partner for Alicat Scientific with local stock and technical support, in-house service capabilities.
- Equilibar and Drastar expertise for sizing, materials compatibility and cleanroom requirements.
- Hethel based team serving glass plants, coating lines and R&D centres nationwide.
Tell us your process (melting, float, coating) and target flow/pressure ranges. We'll size an Alicat, Equilibar and Drastar solution that improves stability, efficiency and product quality. Email the team on sales@pctflow.com or call us on 01953 609930.
Customers purchase these products
01953 609930
