Abstract:
Method and apparatus are provided for refining glassy material (51) or the like by vacuum. The material (51) is first melted and then introduced into a vacuum chamber (12), preferably into space above liquid (51) held in the chamber (12). Other aspects involve a two-step melting process preparatory to the vacuum refining, in which the material is initially liquefied in one stage (10) and dissolution of particles is substantially completed in a second stage (11). The molten material (51) is preferably foamed (50) immediately upon entry into the vacuum chamber (12).
Abstract:
Procede et dispositif de production de materiau tel que du verre a partir d'une substance minerale pouvant etre ramollie a la chaleur. Le procede et le dispositif permettent l'execution du traitement de la substance minerale a partir d'une etape de charge au moyen d'etapes consistant a fondre ces materiaux dans un four (10), a produire des courants de materiaux et a les etirer en filaments et a emballer ces filaments. En dirigeant contre la surface du verre en fusion une flamme a haute energie thermique produite par un bruleur (11), la production est sensiblement augmentee et la quantite d'energie par tonne de verre fondu utilisee est reduite.
Abstract:
Discrete bodies of glass-forming raw materials are formed by agglomerating techniques such as briquetting. These bodies are preheated or prereacted using waste heat from the fusion furnace. The hot glass bodies are charged to a refractory hearth heated to a temperature substantially above the temperature at which the glass product becomes fluid. The discrete bodies absorb heat, form a liquid phase and lose their morphology. The hearth is structured so that the liquid phase flows through it in a thin layer entraining any unreacted/unmelted material. As the molten material flows it is further heated and the reaction is completed. Molten glass product can be drawn from the hearth in a surprisingly short time after charging the heated discrete bodies to the hearth.
Abstract:
A forehearth for the conveyance of molten glass has at least one cooling zone which includes a trough (2) and a roof (17) over the trough. A pair of spaced projections (28, 30) extend downwardly from the roof to define in the space below the roof a central channel (36) over the central portion of the stream of molten glass and side channels (38, 40) over respective side portions of the stream of glass. The roof has at least one area (44) of reduced thickness in the portion over the central channel. An enclosed upper cooling channel (54) extends longitudinally of the forehearth over the area of reduced thickness and has an inlet (56) and an outlet (58) spaced longitudinally from the inlet. Heating means (20) are provided for applying heat to each side portion of the stream of glass.