Abstract:
A glass fusion draw apparatus for molten glass stream thermal profile control, including: a first enclosure; and a first isopipe situated within the first enclosure, the first enclosure can include at least one first heating element assembly integral with the wall of the first enclosure, and the at least one first heating element is in proximity to a portion of molten glass stream over-flowing the first isopipe within the enclosure. The apparatus can also include a proximity or temperature sensing system associated with the first enclosure that senses and controls the thermal gradient properties of the molten glass stream or streams in the first enclosure. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the fusion apparatus.
Abstract:
A glass fusion draw apparatus for molten glass stream thermal profile control, including: a first enclosure; and a first isopipe situated within the first enclosure, the first enclosure can include at least one first heating element assembly integral with the wall of the first enclosure, and the at least one first heating element is in proximity to a portion of molten glass stream over-flowing the first isopipe within the enclosure. The apparatus can also include a proximity or temperature sensing system associated with the first enclosure that senses and controls the thermal gradient properties of the molten glass stream or streams in the first enclosure. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the fusion apparatus.