A Glass Float Line Simulation: Modeling Methodology and Applications

A glass float line begins as a continuous process, liquid glass in a furnace, being pulled down a cooling conveyor in a continuous ribbon of glass. The process then becomes discrete as the ribbon is scored and broken into individual streams. Using some insight, a simulation model is developed that is strictly discrete. Four applications of the model are presented. The first demonstrates how the model assists with the day to day operation of the float line. A second application looks at modifying the control rules which sequence and schedule the glass production. The final two applications show how the model is used to study design alternatives for a future float line