PSR’s colourant system in operation.

Antique Green bottle produce using PSR Colourant System.

Blue Sapphire bottles produced using PSR Colourant System.

Green bottles produced using PSR colourant system.

A successful project with Thai Glass Industries demonstrates PSR’s expertise in specialist glass conditioning, colourant systems and the delivery of tailored solutions for coloured glass production.

Parkinson-Spencer Refractories Ltd. (PSR) has successfully completed the commissioning of a specialist glass colourant system in collaboration with Thai Glass Industries PCL.

Initiated in 2025, the project involved the design, supply and commissioning of a complete colourant system, installed in a distributor section equipped with gas firing and submerged heating electrodes. The installation was designed to meet the demands of producing a wide variety of coloured glasses, operating across a pull range of 10–30 tonnes per day.

The project highlights PSR’s capability to deliver integrated glass colouring solutions, combining specialist equipment design with practical experience in forehearth technology and glass conditioning and colouring.

A Tailored Solution for Coloured Glass Production.

The system was specifically configured to meet Thai Glass Industries’ production requirements, providing the equipment necessary to introduce and mix colourants within the forehearth & distributor.

At the heart of the installation is a frit weighing and delivery system, integrated with three banks of colourant stirrer mechanisms, each bank including three helical stirrers, installed within a 13-foot-long PSR System MF-26 Distributor. Whilst the electric heating system was not designed or supplied by PSR, the colourant stirrers and submerged heating electrodes had to be configured to operate in conjunction.

The frit addition section of the Distributor was equipped with an atmosphere control air system to provide the correct atmosphere required for the particular frit being melted. Often this is achieved by adjusting the purge air through the frit addition tube, which blows directly down onto the melting frit, or by adjusting the combustion air/gas mixture, which increases flue losses and gas consumption, and can make it difficult to achieve adequate temperatures to melt the frit.

PSR’s solution ensures control of the frit addition section atmospheric conditions whilst maintaining gas firing efficiency and the temperatures required to melt the frit.

Successful Commissioning and Production Trials.

Commissioning and testing took place in summer 2026, with the system undergoing production trials across three distinct colours: Green, Antique Green and Blue Sapphire.

Over the course of three days, PSR worked through the three trials, fine-tuning the system to achieve the required results for each colour.

The trials concluded with excellent results in terms of both colour consistency and finished bottle quality, successfully demonstrating the performance of the installed system.

PSR’s experienced forehearth and glass conditioning engineers also delivered comprehensive training to the plant’s operational, electrical and maintenance teams. Combining practical, hands-on demonstrations of the equipment with classroom-based instruction, the training provided the teams with valuable knowledge of the system’s operation, control and maintenance.

The positive outcome reflects the importance of careful system configuration, effective commissioning and close collaboration between PSR and its customer in achieving the required production results.

Combining Expertise in Glass Manufacturing and Equipment Design.

The successful completion of the Thai Glass Industries project further demonstrates PSR’s ability to provide specialist solutions for glass conditioning and colouring.

From initial system design through to equipment supply and on-site commissioning, PSR worked in partnership with Thai Glass Industries to deliver a solution tailored to the specific requirements of its production operation.

With extensive experience in glass conditioning and forehearth technology, PSR continues to develop and deliver solutions that address the technical and operational demands of modern glass manufacturing.

Another successful project demonstrating PSR’s commitment to delivering specialist glass conditioning solutions and supporting customers across the global glass industry.

PSR’s experienced forehearth and glass conditioning engineers supported on site personnel with commissioning support and detailed training sessions (below).

To find out more about PSR’s Colourant Forehearths, click here.