Q: What is the main principle of glass melting by microwaves? A: The principle of glass melting by microwaves is based on the concentration of MW energy into a minimum single space to start the local melting of glass that expands into the whole batch volume.
	Q: Is it also possible to melt by MW energy glass with very low alkali content, for example E- glass? A: Yes, it is. This method is applicable for melting glass with low alkali content including E- glass, borosilicate glass etc.
	Q: Is it also possible to melt normal batches (as well as cullet)? If so, what is the main difference? A: The melting of any batch is even easier than the cullet melting because the batch contain materials which absorb microwaves (alkali, metal oxides etc.).
	Q: What is the explanation for "microwave stirring"? A: The cause of the microwave stirring effect is a matter of further research. It relates to the ability of a MW field to create temperature gradients in molten glass and the gradients create streaming in the glass which improves homogenisation.
	Q: What is the explanation for the significantly higher brilliance of glass melted by microwaves compared to the brilliance achieved using a conventional melting method? A: The full reason for the better brilliance of the MW melted glasses is subject of ongoing research.
	Q: What is the maximum temperature reached in the MW melting process? A: The maximum temperature reached was 1650 oC. An increase of the MW input makes it possible to reach even higher temperatures but the maximum heat is obviously limited by the materials used in the furnace.
	Q: What is the future of MW melting for small-scale glass production? A: New possibilities for its use in both glass blowing and casting of unique art products are available to glassworks, art studios, schools etc.
	Q: What is the future of the application of MW technology in the glass industry generally? A: A range of possible applications of MW technology in the glass industry will be defined in the near future. At present we see the main application possibilities being in glass conditioning systems (MWGT is collaborating with its licensee BH-F Engineering Ltd. in MW application for glass conditioning) and in the manufacturing of special kinds of glass.
	Q: How do you refine glass by microwaves? A: For glass refining we use the same method as in conventional melting methods. The most suitable way seems to be a short (approx. 1 hour) warm up followed by keeping of the glass at a higher temperature (1450 oC - 1500 oC). Generally, refining of glass melted from batch is easier than glass made from cullet.
	Q: What are the economical benefits of MW melting? A: There are significant economic benefits arising from energy savings, faster throughput and increase productivity. Energy savings alone will be 30% compare to a conventional method. These savings plus the increase productivity will yield a payback of 2 years or less.