A contactless cleaning system from Wandres is now ensuring greater efficiency and sustainability in the LSG production line at Saint-Gobain in Torgau. The Tornado Channel was installed as a pre-cleaning stage before the glass washing machine to remove release powder particles that are applied during the production of flat glass.
Previously, these particles ended up in the washing water, quickly clogging filters and releasing microplastics. This led to frequent maintenance and production interruptions. The goal was to reduce water consumption and increase process reliability.
Wandres GmbH
What does the Tornado Channel from Wandres do?
The Tornado Channel cleans glass surfaces without contact using precise air technology. Inside the channel, electrically driven tornado nozzles rotate, ejecting compressed air at multiple times the speed of sound. This loosens particles, which are then extracted and removed from the production environment. The system achieves consistently high cleaning results with low energy consumption.
In a 17-day test run, the Tornado Channel removed over 95% of the release powder from the glass surface. The water quality of the downstream washing machine remained constant, and water consumption was reduced by around 15%.
At the same time, maintenance intervals were significantly extended. After cleaning 135,000 m² of glass surface, around 9 kg of separating powder was collected in the extraction filter. Saint-Gobain is currently investigating possible reuse options in order to further conserve resources.
Who installed the system
The system was installed by TMB Torgauer Maschinenbau GmbH, which has extensive experience in plant engineering for the glass industry. Since commissioning, the Tornado Channel has been removing around 1 kg of release agent per day in three-shift operation. This keeps the washing machine cleaner and saves around 4000 liters of water per day.
Based on the positive results, Saint-Gobain ordered another Tornado Channel for an additional production line.
Wandres GmbH
