FMC is the only natural soda ash producer to provide two types of dense ash
that is available to the various glass industries. Our processes make a "needle
like" or a "blocky" crystal shape with similar chemical properties. Particle
sizing and the density of all raw materials used in the glass industry are
critical to the final glass product desired properties. Each chemical used in a
given formulation has a specific function to perform so that the desired end
product specifications are met. A typical glass formulation, or batch, can
contain from 5 or 6, up to as much as 15 to 20 chemicals. Batch homogeneity, the
careful blending of the raw materials, is the most important aspect of the glass
making process. FMC’s soda ash has been shown to blend well with the other batch
constituents.
Soda ash reduces the melting temperature of the sand used in a glass
formulation and the alkali helps aid in the "workability" or forming of the
glass article. The glass industry has many diverse product processes.
Each of these product processes have both critical chemical requirements and
particle sizing concerns, specific to their finished product. Batch ingredient
use can range from 5 or 6 chemicals to a high of 15 to 20 ingredients for the
decorative glass industry. Glass recycling (cullet) is also a raw material that
is used in batch formulations, and its content in a given batch varies from
industry to industry based on its chemical properties and availability.
The flat glass industry produces glasses used in the auto (tempered glass),
new home window insulated glasses, with various energy saving properties, and
the after market segment (replacement windows and doors) are a few of the major
glass end uses.
The glass container industry is as diverse an any in the products they make.
Containers for beer are the most prevalent however; the wine, food container,
juice and the specialty drink markets fill out the product mix. Colored glasses
are prominent in this industry, with amber (dark browns) for beer, to the many
shades of green containers used for wine. Clear, flint glasses make up the
remainder of the product mix for food and drink products.