REFRACTORY SELECTION, MAINTENANCE AND RELATED DEFECTS – INTRODUCTORY TRAINING
1 - 4 September 2026
14:00 - 18:00 CET
Online
Maximize furnace lifespan and minimize costs.
Refractory selection and maintenance provide cost-saving benefits: lower energy use, fewer glass defects, and optimized furnace performance. For every glass manufacturer, investing in the right refractory materials is pivotal. This course delivers essential insights into selecting refractories for different furnace parts, understanding their properties, and applying effective maintenance techniques to extend furnace life and minimize failures.
Attend if you are interested in:
- Key refractory types, properties, and requirements
- How refractories interact with glass and flue gases
- Testing methods and online monitoring techniques
- Preventive and corrective furnace maintenance, including hot repairs
- Identifying refractory-related defects and cords
- Hands-on exercises in:
– Selecting refractories for furnace parts
– Thermal insulation of walls
– Defect identification
– Maintenance techniques
What you take away:
- Have an overview of chemistry and properties of refractory types for the different parts of furnaces and their purpose
- Understand the corrosion mechanisms of refractories in contact with the glass melt, in the superstructure/crown and in the regenerators
- Have knowledge of techniques to test, monitor and control the thickness of refractory walls
- Understand the defect types that can originate from different refractories in the furnace
- Have some techniques for preventive and corrective maintenance of the furnace structure
Level of seniority
This training is meant for junior professionals to skilled professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge.
Trainers
Johan Lotter
Johan Lotter obtained a master’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand. He worked at PFG building glass as a furnace engineer, technical expert, and manager of the technical department of two plants. He developed a large experience in raw materials, melting and floating process and defect analysis. He is now working as a CFD Engineer and trainer at CelSian. 
Jeff Watts
Attended Ohio State University, majoring in ceramic engineering. Worked in PPG Industries as a production engineer. At Anchor Hocking, he researched raw materials to improve glass quality and reduce costs. Spent 18 years at O-I, starting as a senior global furnace operations engineer. He was promoted to global furnace operations leader. In this role, he led an international team and oversaw the development and implementation of a global standard for furnace operations. In 2024, he joined CelSian as operations project leader.
Price
Training costs € 2400,- per participant.
Price excludes tax and duties.
The 6th participant from the same company can join for free.
