Abstract:
The glass melting tank for supplying a flat glass forming process has a melting zone (12) for melting solid batch material (20) and a refining zone (13) with reduced return flow of glass. The base of the refining zone (13) comprises a fusion cast refractory material (30) comprising alumina, silica and between 31 % and 43% by weight of zirconia. The refractory is conditioned by oxidation at at least 1450° C for 24 hours.
Abstract:
57 A method is disclosed of melting thermoplastic material, such as glass, in a refractory vessel (24), while protecting the refractory walls (26, 28) against corrosion and protecting the material from contamination by such corrosion. This is achieved by providing at least the sidewalls (26) of the refractory vessel (24) with an oxidizable metal liner (30, 30B), for example of molybdenum, the liner (30, 30B) being spaced away from but in close proximity to the sidewalls (26) to form an annular space (32).