Numerical study of glass fining in a pot melting space with different melt-flow patterns

► Behaviour of bubbles in glass-melting pot with two types of heating is modelled. ► Rising distance and removal time of bubbles are generally prolonged by melt circulations. ► Top heating provides considerably lower fining times than wall heating. ► Several types of critical bubble trajectories arise when bubble growth rate changes. ► Fining process of glasses without fining agents can be enhanced by lift effect of melt at top heating.