Conference on Glass Problems at its 78th edition

This year’s conference programme is doubled in size, and also includes the 11th Advances in Fusion and Processing of Glass symposium (AFPG), organized in collaboration with the American Ceramic Society’s Glass and Optical Materials Division.

Registration is now open for the 78th Conference on Glass Problems with Advances in Fusion and Processing of Glass symposium.



The Conference on Glass Problems (GPC), the largest and longest running operations-oriented glass manufacturing conference in America, will hold its 78th event 6-9 November 2017 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. This year, the conference programme doubles in size with the addition of the 11th Advances in Fusion and Processing of Glass symposium (AFPG), organized in collaboration with the American Ceramic Society’s Glass and Optical Materials Division. This content-rich, technically-oriented combined conference attracts glass manufacturers, suppliers, and researchers worldwide to exchange innovations and solutions.



Invited experts will present the latest technologies, problem solutions and innovations in glass melting, refractories, energy efficiency, process control, modeling, safety, emissions, raw materials & batching, forming, and more.



GMIC Symposium — Reducing Construction, Rebuild, & Hot Repair Times for Glass Manufacturing Furnaces will focus on the latest technologies to significantly support reducing the time to construct and rebuild furnaces. It provides a forum for the audience to gain technical knowledge and exchange experiences with each other in support of streamlined project execution.



The event will also include a series of Short Courses for Glass Manufacturers: Fundamentals of Batch and Furnace Operation, Instructor: C. Philip Ross, Glass Industry Consulting International. The course is an introduction to the principles of commercial glass production employed in Batch & Furnace operations by US Glass producers. Raw Materials, Glass Technology & Properties, Melting Furnaces, and Environmental Issues will all be touched upon. Suggested attendees could be vendors or newer individuals to glass manufacturing seeking an introduction to the issues faced in glass production.



Exploring the Changing Safety Landscape of Silica, Hexavalent Chromium, and Confined Space in the Glass Industry, Instructor: Dragan Savic, Vice President of Glass Technology and Safety Staff Augmentation, SCT. Savic, a leader in the safety industry, will delve into the changes in OSHA standards and guidelines for crystalline silica, hexavalent chromium, and confined space, all of which are/can be critical hazards for those working in the glass industry. 



Fundamentals of Glass Melting Control Systems, Instructors: Dale Gaerke, Senior Member, The International Society of Automation (ISA), Retired Director of R&D; Controls and Electrical Engineering for Owens-Illinois, Inc. The course is an introduction and general overview of the control system features and adjustments typically employed in regenerative glass melters by US glass producers. Focus will be on control system settings for regenerative gas fired melters with time for in depth open discussion and questions. This can also include discussion of oil fired and oxy/gas fired melter issues. Suggested attendees are newer individuals to glass melting control systems and their operational adjustments.



Companies also have the opportunity to showcase their activities and products during 78th GPC, meeting with customers and networking.