CN105658587A - Method and apparatus for glass sheet manufacturing including an induction heated enclosure - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and apparatus for glass manufacturing that includes heating an enclosure for housing a molten glass forming apparatus according to a predetermined thermal profile. The enclosure has at least first and second sidewalls that are heated with at least one induction heating system that is configured to thermally couple energy to at least a portion of the sidewalls.

Description

For the manufacture of the method comprising induction heating shell and the equipment of sheet glass

The cross reference of related application

This application claims the right of priority of No. 61/867,707th, the U.S. Provisional Application sequence that on August 20th, 2013 submits to, it is incorporated by reference herein in full, is described in detail as follows.

Background technology

Technical field

The manufacture of this specification sheets relate generally to sheet glass, more specifically, it relates to for the manufacture of equipment and the method for sheet glass, it has the shell having covered melten glass former.

Technical background

In the manufacture of sheet glass, it is important to maintain the firm temperature control of forming of glass environment. Such as, in the manufacture of sheet glass adopting fusion drawing process, important is the firm temperature control maintaining the environment around forming of glass equipment (or overflow groove), its reason is as follows, comprise: life-span and the integrity maintaining forming of glass equipment, and control quality and the size homogeneity (such as thickness) of glass.

Manufacturing in the steady-state process run, it usually needs under the environment around forming of glass equipment is maintained the temperature that radiation is main heat transfer pattern. In order to maintain this temperature, it is possible to build shell around forming of glass equipment and assembly, it is processed into and contributes to carrying out radiant heat transmission by the wall of shell. Such as, it is possible to be placed on resistive material rod closely near the wall of shell, and make it stand electric current, this electric current is enough to bar resistive heating that heat is radiated shell wall from bar and is radiated melten glass and the temperature of forming of glass equipment from shell wall to making.

The increase of manufacture operating rate and manufacture temperature has started to have tightened up use resistance heating material and has maintained for the restriction that the firm and continuous temperature needed for the long-term steady-state operation of these techniques controls. Such as, owing to adding the size of resistive heating rod thus compensating more firm manufacturing environment, their expense increases, and reliability and useful service life-span tend to decline simultaneously. Therefore, it may be desirable to the firm temperature of the environment that invention substitutes or compensation process maintains forming of glass equipment controls.

Summary of the invention

Implementing mode according to one, the present invention relates to one method, the method heats for covering the shell of melten glass sheet former according to predetermined thermal curve. Shell has the first sidewall and the 2nd sidewall, and the step heated by shell comprises with at least one heating system heating at least partially at least one in the first and second sidewalls.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to the equipment for sheet glass manufacturing process. Equipment comprises the shell for covering melten glass sheet former.Shell comprises the first sidewall and the 2nd sidewall, and melten glass former is arranged in shell. Equipment also comprises at least one heating system, and its at least one being configured to be connected in the first and second sidewalls by the energy is at least partially.

It is understood that foregoing general description and the following detailed description describe various enforcement mode, it is used to provide and understands the claimed character of theme and the overview of characteristic or framework. What comprise accompanying drawings provides the further understanding to various enforcement mode, and accompanying drawing is incorporated in the present specification and forms the part of specification sheets. To illustrate, form describes various enforcement mode as herein described to accompanying drawing, and is used for explaining principle and the operation of claimed theme together with specification sheets.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Fig. 1 is the skeleton view of the shell for covering melten glass former, and it has the hot linked resistive heating rod of a part and the heating system of each sidewall with shell;

Fig. 2 is the cross section perspective end view of the enforcement mode of Fig. 1, the melten glass former in display housing;

Fig. 3 is the skeleton view of the shell for covering melten glass former, and it has the hot linked heating system of each sidewall with shell;

Fig. 4 is the cross section perspective end view of the enforcement mode of Fig. 4, the melten glass former in display housing;

Fig. 5 is the cross section perspective end view of alternate embodiments, display in the middle of susceptor (its position is near each sidewall of shell) and with each hot linked heating system of middle susceptor;

Fig. 6 is the schematic diagram of heating system array;

Fig. 7 A and 7B is the cross section perspective end view of the replacement coil configuration of heating system;

Fig. 8 is the schematic diagram of heating system, and wherein, stitch density and coil are different to the distance of susceptor in the different zones of heating system; And

Fig. 9 is the schematic diagram of each element of heating system.

Embodiment

It is used for sheet glass manufacture by illustrating in detail and comprises the various enforcement modes of its technology for making glass below. Whenever possible, use identical Reference numeral to represent same or similar part in all of the figs. Usually, form melten glass by molten glass batch material, then melten glass is configured as sheet glass to form sheet glass material. Illustrative methods comprises float glass method, slot draw and fusion glass tube down-drawing.

Fig. 1 shows according to enforcement mode herein, for the skeleton view of the equipment of sheet glass manufacturing process. Equipment comprises the shell 100 for covering melten glass former. Shell comprises the first sidewall 102 and the 2nd sidewall 104. First, second, and third resistive heating rod 202,204 and 206 respectively with the first sidewall 102 hot tie-in, and the 4th, the 5th and the 6th resistive heating rod 208,210 and 212 respectively with the directly hot tie-in of the 2nd sidewall 104. In addition, the first heating system 302 and the first sidewall 102 hot tie-in, and the 2nd heating system 310 and the 2nd sidewall 104 hot tie-in.

Fig. 2 shows the cross section perspective end view of the enforcement mode of Fig. 1, shows the melten glass former (overflow groove) 400 being housed within shell 100.

Shell 100 is manufactured by refractory materials (such as refractory ceramic material) usually. The example that can be used for manufacturing the refractory ceramic material of shell 100 comprises any densification, thermally conductive material, and it maintains its structural integrity at operating temperatures and unfavorable reaction, such as silicon carbide does not occur simultaneously with glass.Can be used for the exemplary silicon carbide material of shell 100 to comprise and being selected fromThe material of series carbofrax material (it is purchased from company of Saint-Gobain (Saint-Gobain)) and reaction bonded silicon carbide (it is purchased from M-cubes scientific & technical corporation (M-CubedTechnologies)).

In the exemplary embodiment, the refractory materials of shell can be included in following temperature and substantially keep its intensive property and chemistry and those of physical stability: higher than the temperature of 1000 DEG C, such as higher than 1200 DEG C, again such as higher than 1400 DEG C, again such as higher than 1600 DEG C, such as 1200-1900 DEG C, such as 1400-1800 DEG C again, such as 1600-1700 DEG C again.

Such as, although the thickness of sidewall 102 and 104 is restriction not, but can be such as 0.25-6 inch, 1-2.5 inch.

Resistive heating rod 202,204,206,208,210 and 212 can be manufactured by following any materials, and it has enough resistive heating abilities and mechanical robustness, thus the sidewall offer steady state of radiation heating efficiency for shell. Can be used for the example of material of resistive heating rod and comprise silicon carbide, molybdenum disilicide, nichrome, platinum alloy and various business heat source composition well known by persons skilled in the art. Commercially available resistive heating rod comprises the silicon carbide purchased from I square of R element company (ISquaredRElementCo)And the Globars purchased from Sandvik AB (Sandvik)^TM��

Although the size of resistive heating rod is restriction not, but can being such as following bar, its diameter is 0.5-3 inch (such as 1-2.5 inch) and axial length (longitudinal length) is 15-300 inch (such as 30-250 inch). The diameter of resistive heating rod can be constant, or can change along their axial length (longitudinal length).

Resistive heating rod can be placed on suitably near sidewall, thus is effectively connected with sidewall by the energy, meanwhile, does not cause sidewall to be short-circuited with the electric current flowing through electrically heated rod. Without wishing to be bound by theory, but resistive heating rod and sidewall between shortest distance can be such as 0.125-8 inch, such as 1-4 inch.

In the exemplary embodiment, in order to realize sufficient radiant heat transmission between resistive heating rod and sidewall, resistive heating rod should maintain steady-state operating temperature, and described steady-state operating temperature achieves between bar and sidewall and the Heat transmission of proper level occurs between sidewall and melten glass and melten glass former. For this reason, resistive heating rod can maintain approximately uniform temperature or maintain differing temps, and this depends on processing conditions, glass composition and required glass performance and geometrical morphology. Such as, in some illustrative embodiments, be in relatively higher position resistive heating rod maintain temperature can higher than the temperature of the resistive heating rod being in relatively lower position so that the temperature of resistive heating rod along with they position reduce and decline. In other illustrative embodiments, be in relatively higher position resistive heating rod maintain temperature can lower than the temperature of the resistive heating rod being in relatively lower position so that the temperature of resistive heating rod along with they position reduce and increase. In other illustrative embodiments, be in relative medium level height resistive heating rod maintain temperature can higher than the temperature being in resistive heating rod that is higher and relatively lower position so that the temperature of resistive heating rod is increased to medium level position from higher position then drops to relatively lower position from medium level attitude.In other illustrative embodiments, be in relative medium level height resistive heating rod maintain temperature can lower than the temperature being in resistive heating rod that is higher and relatively lower position so that the temperature of resistive heating rod drops to medium level position from higher position is then increased to relatively lower position from medium level attitude. Resistive heating rod also can be configured to and/or be configured to provide thermal gradient along their longitudinal length, as required by technique.

When the steady-state operation of any above-mentioned enforcement mode, the temperature of resistive heating rod can be 100-1650 DEG C, such as 900-1450 DEG C. Such as, the resistive heating rod maintaining comparatively high temps can be such as, at least 900 DEG C, it is possible to be 900-1650 DEG C, and the resistive heating rod maintaining lesser temps can be such as, is less than 900 DEG C, it is possible to be 100-900 DEG C.

In the exemplary embodiment, heating system 302 and 310 can comprise direct at least one ruhmkorff coil embedded in barrier material. It is overheated that barrier material can protect the conduction material in ruhmkorff coil not occur, and can help to realize maintaining induction coil configuration and mechanical integrity. In the exemplary embodiment, ruhmkorff coil is configured in barrier material, and its mode can realize being heated by shell 100 according to predetermined thermal curve.

In order to heat shell 100 according to predetermined thermal curve, ruhmkorff coil and barrier material must be configured to suitably near the material being easy to occur induction heating, such as, at least be easy to occur the material of induction heating at the temperature corresponding to shell heating curve required during steady-state operation.

" being easy to respond to " used herein represents when material is positioned at exchange current 1-50 millimeter, this material can be heated at least 500 DEG C by induction heating, when supplying the power supply that power is 5-250kW, described exchange current has the frequency of 10-250kHz.

In the enforcement mode shown in Fig. 1 and 2, heating system 302 and 310 and the first and second direct hot tie-ins of sidewall 102 and 104, and then, described first and second sidewalls 102 and 104 at least are easy to induction heating in the temperature corresponding to shell heating curve required during steady-state operation.

In some illustrative embodiments, the first and second sidewalls 102 and 104 are easy to induction on wide temperature range, and such as temperature is at least 20 DEG C, comprise at least 50 DEG C, also comprise at least 100 DEG C, such as 20-1900 DEG C, also such as 50-1800 DEG C, also such as 100-1700 DEG C. In this type of enforcement mode, the first and second sidewalls 102 and 104 can be easy to induction in the temperature (comprise and be less than 50 DEG C, also comprise and be less than 20 DEG C) being less than 100 DEG C.

In this type of enforcement mode, it is possible to from cold start (such as, room temperature) heating installation (comprising shell 100), wherein, the first and second at least part of sensed heating system 302 and 310 heating of sidewall 102 and 104. Can continuing at the steady-state operating temperature heating installation (comprising shell 100) corresponding to required heating curve, wherein, the first and second sidewalls 102 and 104 proceed to the sensed heating system 302 and 310 of small part and heat.

In other illustrative embodiments, the first and second sidewalls 102 and 104 are easy to induction in following temperature range, described temperature range closer to corresponding to shell heating curve required during steady-state operation around temperature. This temperature range can comprise following temperature: at least 500 DEG C, comprise at least 600 DEG C, also comprise at least 700 DEG C, also comprise at least 800 DEG C, also comprise at least 900 DEG C, such as 500-1900 DEG C, such as 600-1800 DEG C again, such as 700-1700 DEG C again, such as 800-1600 DEG C again, such as 900-1500 DEG C even again.

In this type of enforcement mode, can from cold start (such as, room temperature) heating installation (comprising shell 100), wherein, in relatively early step, with at least one resistive heating rod (being at least such as resistive heating rod 202,204,206,208,210 and 212), the first and second sidewalls 102 and 104 are heated, once the temperature of sidewall 102 and 104 reaches the sufficient temp being easy to induction, it is the later step activating heating system 302 and 310 afterwards. From that time, the first and second sidewalls 102 and 104, according to required heating curve, proceed to the sensed heating system 302 and 310 of small part and heat.

Or, can from cold start (such as, room temperature) heating installation (comprising shell 100), wherein, in relatively early step, with at least one resistive heating rod (being at least such as resistive heating rod 202,204,206,208,210 and 212), the first and second sidewalls 102 and 104 are heated, once the temperature of sidewall 102 and 104 reaches the sufficient temp being easy to induction, it is the later step replacing at least one in resistive heating rod by least one in heating system 302 and 310 afterwards. From that time, the first and second sidewalls 102 and 104, according to required heating curve, proceed to the sensed heating system 302 and 310 of small part and heat.

In some illustrative embodiments, once the temperature of sidewall 102 and 104 reaches the sufficient temp being easy to induction, it is possible to replace all resistive heating rods with heating system. From that time, the first and second sidewalls 102 and 104, according to required heating curve, continue to heat via heating system.

In an alternative embodiment, such as the first and second sidewalls are easy to occur those situations of induction in room temperature, heating system can initially exist along the first and second sidewalls 102 and 104, so that shell 100 can be heated from cold start-up (such as room temperature) state, wherein, according to required heating curve, the first and second sidewalls 102 and 104 are heated to steady-state operating condition from cold start with heating system. From that time, the first and second sidewalls 102 and 104, according to required heating curve, continue to heat via heating system.

As described above, the shell 100 comprising the first and second sidewalls 102 and 104 can be manufactured by stupalith, and such as silicon carbide comprises dense sintering silicon carbide and reaction bonded silicon carbide. Carbofrax material provides resistance to meltbility good in hot environment, higher thermal conductivity, and the defect of sheet glass is transferred in very low-level meeting from shell 100.

When the shell 100 comprising the first and second sidewalls 102 and 104 comprises silicon carbide, this shell and wall can be made up of silicon carbide substantially. In some embodiments, the shell 100 comprising the first and second sidewalls 102 and 104 also can comprise the stupalith that at least one is selected from lower group: molybdenum disilicide, stannic oxide and chromic acid lanthanum.

Can be used for wherein the first and second sidewalls is easy at room temperature to occur the example of side-wall material of illustrative embodiments of induction to comprise: purchased from the reaction bonded silicon carbide of M-cubes scientific & technical corporation and containing the carbofrax material of silicon metal and/or the conductive component of other intentional introducing.

Can be used for wherein that the first and second sidewalls are only in the temperature more promoted (such as, comprise the temperature corresponding to shell heating curve required during steady-state operation more closely) under occur the example of side-wall material of illustrative embodiments of induction to comprise: dense sintering silicon carbide, such as, purchased from the carbofrax material of company of Saint-GobainSeries.

Only it is easy to occur the stupalith (such as silicon carbide) of induction at high temperature (such as following temperature: at least 1600 DEG C, not only such as at least 1700 DEG C, not only such as at least 1800 DEG C and even but also such as 1900 DEG C, comprise 1600-2200 DEG C) can have excellent resistance to meltbility at elevated temperatures. This type of material can be processed to have at a lower temperature the ability being easy to induction, but this may cause the decline slightly of the resistance to meltbility under high temperature.

Such as, in some embodiments, such as, can at least one method by being selected from lower group: reaction bonded, altogether sintering and temperature stacking/reaction, be attached to conduction the 2nd phase material in the matrix based on pottery (based on the matrix of silicon carbide). The example of the 2nd phase material of conducting electricity is silicon. Conduct electricity the 2nd phase material can with at least one firebrick element melts combine, thus give higher fusing point for conduction the 2nd phase material. The example of firebrick element metal comprises these that be selected from lower group: titanium, vanadium, chromium, zirconium, niobium, molybdenum, ruthenium, rhodium, hafnium, tantalum, tungsten, rhenium, osmium and iridium.

Fig. 3 shows such enforcement mode, and wherein, multiple heating system 302,304,306,308,310,312,314 is directly connected with 104 with the first and second sidewalls 102 with 316. In the enforcement mode shown in Fig. 3, the first and second sidewalls 102 with 104 almost whole surface be directly connected with heating system. Extend on the top of shell 100 although the enforcement mode of Fig. 3 shows barrier material, but it is understood that enforcement mode herein comprise that wherein barrier material do not extend on the top of shell 100 those or only extend in the top upper part of shell 100 those. Further, it is understood that, the top that enforcement mode herein comprises shell be easy to induction and the top of at least one heating system and shell directly hot linked those.

Fig. 4 shows the cross section perspective end view of the enforcement mode of Fig. 3, shows the melten glass former (overflow groove) 400 being housed within shell 100.

In the exemplary embodiment, in order to heat shell 100 according to predetermined thermal curve, it should configure heating system in the way of can realizing being carried out by the first and second sidewalls 102 and 104 induction heating of proper level. For this reason, heating system can be configured to the energy of identical amount or different amount is connected to the first and second sidewalls 102 and 104, so that the temperature curve of the first and second sidewalls 102 and 104 can be approximately constant in their length and/or height, or can change according to predetermined thermal curve in their length and/or height. Such as, in some illustrative embodiments, the energy that the heating system being in higher position is connected to the first and second sidewalls can be greater than the energy that the heating system being in relatively lower position is connected to the first and second sidewalls, so that the temperature of sidewall reduces from the top to the bottom. In other illustrative embodiments, the energy that the heating system being in higher position is connected to the first and second sidewalls can be less than the energy that the heating system being in relatively lower position is connected to the first and second sidewalls, so that the temperature of sidewall increases from the top to the bottom. In other illustrative embodiments, the energy that the heating system being in relative medium level height is connected to the first and second sidewalls can be greater than and is in heating system that is higher and relatively lower position, so that the temperature of sidewall is increased to medium level position from higher position then drops to relatively lower position from medium level attitude. In other illustrative embodiments, the energy that the heating system being in relative medium level height is connected to the first and second sidewalls can be less than and is in heating system that is higher and relatively lower position, so that the temperature of sidewall drops to medium level position from higher position is then increased to relatively lower position from medium level attitude.

Fig. 5 shows the cross section perspective end view of alternate embodiments disclosed herein.In the enforcement mode of Fig. 5, the first middle susceptor 152 position near the first middle susceptor 154 position of sidewall the 102, two near the 2nd sidewall 104. Heating system 302,304,306 and 308 susceptor 152 middle with first is directly connected, and heating system 310,312,314 and 316 susceptor 154 middle with the 2nd is directly connected. First middle susceptor 152 is between heating system 302,304,306,308 and first sidewall 102, and the 2nd middle susceptor 154 is between heating system the 310,312,314,316 and the 2nd sidewall 104. Melten glass former (overflow groove) 400 is housed within shell 100.

Preferably, the first and second middle susceptors 152 and 154 are easy to such as, respond in room temperature (comprise the temperature of at least 20 DEG C, be less than the temperature of 50 DEG C, the temperature of 20-1900 DEG C). In this type of enforcement mode, the first and second middle susceptors 152 and 154 can be heated from cold start-up (such as room temperature) state, wherein, according to required heating curve, the first and second middle susceptors 152 and 154 are heated to steady-state operating condition from cold start with heating system, this so that can realize, according to required heating curve, from cold start, the first and second sidewalls 102 and 104 are heated to steady-state operating condition. From that time, the first and second sidewalls 102 and 104, according to required heating curve, continue to heat via the first and second middle susceptors and heating system.

In the enforcement mode shown in Fig. 5, the first and second sidewalls 102 and 104 can be easy to generation induction or can not be easy to induction. Such as, in the enforcement mode shown in Fig. 5, first and second middle susceptors 152 and 154 can be at room temperature be easy to induction, and the first and second sidewalls 102 and 104 are at room temperature not easy to occur induction, such as, such as when the first and second sidewalls only are easy to induction occurs or usually completely not easily responds at the temperature (being more than or equal to 500 DEG C) promoted.

Fig. 6 is the schematic diagram of heating system array, the array of such as heating system directly can be connected with the sidewall of the shell for accommodating melten glass former, or can be connected with middle susceptor, described middle susceptor heating system array and for the sidewall of the shell accommodating melten glass former between. Although the 4x3 array that Fig. 6 shows 12 heating systems (has 4 heating systems in the vertical direction, in the horizontal direction or longitudinal direction there are 3 heating systems), but it is understood that the scope of enforcement mode disclosed herein considers the array of heating system in either direction with any amount. Although Fig. 6 shows spaced heating system array, contact or those of overlap but it is understood that enforcement mode disclosed herein comprises other heating systems of wherein one or more heating systems and at least one.

Heating system array can comprise the heating system being configured to according to the shell accommodating melten glass former is heated by the predetermined thermal curve of a kind of predetermined thermal curve or any amount, it is possible to is selected by described predetermined thermal curve based on various processing conditions, glass composition and/or required glass performance and geometrical morphology. Such as, depending on predetermined thermal curve, heating system array can be configured to and/or run make each heating system in array be identical or different amount from other heating systems one or more to the energy being easy to occur the material of induction to connect.In addition, heating system array can configure and run into the carrying out made along with the time, and each heating system in array is to the energy being easy to occur the material of induction to connect identical or different amount. Such as, during start-up course, one or more heating systems in array can configure and operate into being easy to occur the material of induction to connect energy, wherein, such as, the energy connected changed along with the time (time period) from cold start to steady-state operating condition. For this reason, along with the carrying out of time, each heating system in array can be identical or different amount from other heating systems one or more to the energy being easy to occur the material of induction to connect.

Such as, one group preferred embodiment in, heating system array can be arranged so that from average, heating system in the most external horizontal ends of array to the energy being easy to occur the material of induction to connect less than the heating system (that is, in the horizontal direction or longitudinal direction closer to the heating system at center) between the heating system in the most external horizontal ends of array. In this type of enforcement mode, different according to their vertical positions on array, heating system can to the energy being easy to occur the material of induction to connect identical or different amount. Such as, in some embodiments, along with the change of their height, heating system can to the energy being easy to occur the material of induction to connect reducing amount so that the heating system being configured in higher point on array to the energy being easy to occur the material of induction to connect less than being configured in the heating system being located immediately at below them. Or, in other embodiments, along with the change of their height, heating system can connect the energy of increasing amount to the material being easy to generation induction, so that the heating system being configured in higher point on array is greater than, to the energy of the material connection being easy to occur induction, the heating system being configured in and being located immediately at below them.

In an alternative embodiment, heating system array can be arranged so that from average, heating system in the most external horizontal ends of array to the energy being easy to occur the material of induction to connect more than the heating system (that is, in the horizontal direction or longitudinal direction closer to the heating system at center) between the heating system in the most external horizontal ends of array. In this type of enforcement mode, different according to their vertical positions on array, heating system can to the energy being easy to occur the material of induction to connect identical or different amount. Such as, in some embodiments, along with the change of their height, heating system can to the energy being easy to occur the material of induction to connect reducing amount so that the heating system being configured in higher point on array to the energy being easy to occur the material of induction to connect less than being configured in the heating system being located immediately at below them. Or, in other embodiments, along with the change of their height, heating system can connect the energy of increasing amount to the material being easy to generation induction, so that the heating system being configured in higher point on array is greater than, to the energy of the material connection being easy to occur induction, the heating system being configured in and being located immediately at below them.

In some embodiments, it is possible to the amount being connected to be easy to the energy of the material of generation induction from heating system can be relevant to the geometric construction of heating system. Fig. 7 A and 7B is the cross section perspective end view of the replacement coil configuration of heating system.Fig. 7 A and 7B each in, insulation 380 be easy to occur induction material (such as sidewall) 180 be directly connected, wherein, it is to construct also comprise extra insulation 384 and bracket 182. Such as, such as, the sense of current in the direction of the current flowing that ruhmkorff coil 382 is arranged so that in odd number transverse cross-sectional area (1,3,5,7) and even number transverse cross-sectional area (2,4,6) is contrary. In the enforcement mode shown in Fig. 7 A, the vertical spacing that ruhmkorff coil is arranged so that between cross-section line collar region is approximately constant. In the enforcement mode shown in Fig. 7 B, ruhmkorff coil is arranged so that, between the immediate cross-section line collar region that electric current flows in the opposite direction, there is vertical range d, the vertical range that wherein d is greater than between any two cross-section line collar regions that electric current flows with identical direction. Such as, at least 1.5 times of the vertical range between d any two cross-section line collar regions that can be electric current flow with identical direction, such as at least 3 times again, comprise 1.5-3 doubly by such as at least 2 times.

Fig. 8 is the schematic diagram of heating system, and wherein, stitch density and coil are different to being easy to occur the distance of the material of induction in the different zones of heating system. As shown in Figure 8, heating system 320 comprises barrier material 322 and has the first section 324 and the ruhmkorff coil in the 2nd district disconnected 326. The amount of the stitch density of the first section 324 per unit area is higher than the 2nd section 326, and the 2nd section 326 is configured to the material (not shown) that be easy to occur induction more more close than the first section 324. Or in other words, the first section 324 has the stitch density of more a large amount in X-Y direction, and the 2nd section 326 is at the more close material being easy to occur induction of Z-direction.

Although in the enforcement mode of Fig. 8 display, the amount of the stitch density of the first section 324 per unit area is higher and the 2nd section 326 is configured to the more close material being easy to occur induction, it should be understood that, enforcement mode disclosed herein comprises other configurations, include but not limited to, as follows: wherein, whole ruhmkorff coil distance is easy to occur the material (susceptor) of induction to be approximately uniform distance, but the stitch density of per unit area changes in the different zones of heating system. Enforcement mode herein also can comprise as follows: wherein, whole ruhmkorff coil has the stitch density of approximately uniform per unit area, but it is different to be configured to the distance at the different zones telereceptor of heating system. In addition, enforcement mode herein can comprise as follows: wherein, and whole ruhmkorff coil has the stitch density of approximately uniform per unit area and has approximately uniform distance at the whole region distance susceptor of heating system. Such as, the enforcement mode of this paper can comprise as follows: wherein, the amount of the stitch density of the first section per unit area, higher than the 2nd section, meanwhile, is configured to than the 2nd section more near susceptor. This type of enforcement mode can realize the different parts to susceptor and connect identical amount or the energy of different amount. Such as, this type of enforcement mode can be arranged to be heated to be different from by least one part of susceptor the temperature of at least one other part of susceptor.

At least one heating system can also comprise at least two ruhmkorff coils, and it is configured to such as the energy of identical amount or different amount is connected to susceptor. Such as, described at least two ruhmkorff coils can be configured to be heated to be different from by susceptor at least partially the temperature of at least one other part of susceptor.

The amount of the energy connected between heating system and susceptor can also change along with different heating system, and it is relevant to the stitch density of the per unit area in such as induction system and/or the close degree of heating system coil and susceptor.Such as, in the embodiment of fig. 6, at least one other heating system that the stitch density of the per unit area of at least one heating system that heating system array can be arranged so that in array and/or the distance of coil distance susceptor are greater than or less than in array. Such as, if wishing that one or more heating system connects more energy (such as than other heating systems to susceptor, predetermined heating curve is maintained during start-up course or during steady-state operation), it is intended to the heating system than being intended to connect to susceptor less energy can be configured to susceptor connection compared with one or more heating systems of multi-energy and there is the stitch density of bigger per unit area and/or the close degree of bigger coil distance susceptor.

Enforcement mode herein also can comprise as follows: wherein, multiple heating system is (such as, heating system array shown in Fig. 6) it is configured to close to degree, to there is approximately uniform coil structure relative to the stitch density of per unit area and coil-susceptor respectively, wherein, the amount of energy being connected to susceptor from each heating system is based on the quantity of power change being supplied to each heating system. In the enforcement mode discussed in preceding paragraph, the power being supplied to each heating system can also change, and wherein, the stitch density of per unit area and/or coil change between different heating system from the close degree of susceptor. This type of enforcement mode can realize the different parts to susceptor and connect identical amount or the energy of different amount. Such as, this type of enforcement mode can be arranged to be heated to be different from by least one part of susceptor the temperature of at least one other part of susceptor.

In the exemplary embodiment, ruhmkorff coil can comprise makes tubulose by following any materials, and it can realize enough electric conductivitys, has good erosion resistance for the cooling fluid flowing through pipe simultaneously. Such as, ruhmkorff coil can comprise the material that at least one is selected from lower group: copper, nickel, platinum, gold and silver and comprise the alloy of as above at least one. In particularly preferred embodiments, ruhmkorff coil comprises copper, and cooling fluid comprises water.

In the exemplary embodiment, barrier material can comprise following any materials, and it provides heat insulation fully between susceptor material (such as, sidewall 102 and 104) and ruhmkorff coil, achieves induction coil configuration and mechanical support simultaneously. Such as, barrier material can comprise any non-conducting refractory materials being applicable to long term high temperature industrial application, such as, comprises the fire-resistant barrier material of at least one compound of aluminum oxide, silicon oxide and zirconium white.

In enforcement mode disclosed herein, ruhmkorff coil can be configured on the surface of barrier material or embed wholly or in part in barrier material. When ruhmkorff coil embeds in barrier material, barrier material can have recessed surface areas, and its style receives ruhmkorff coil according to required ruhmkorff coil structure. When ruhmkorff coil is partially submerged in barrier material, barrier material can partly around ruhmkorff coil. When ruhmkorff coil embeds in barrier material completely, barrier material can completely around ruhmkorff coil.

Fig. 9 display can be used for the schematic diagram promoting susceptor (not shown) carries out direct-fired schematic heating system 1000 via induction.Heating system 1000 comprise AC power 500, heating station 550, for supplying water cooler 600 and the controller 700 of cooling fluid. Heating system 1000 also comprises cooling fluid input line 602, it is for leading cooling fluid flow AC power 500, heating station 550, ruhmkorff coil 330 from water cooler 600, and cooling fluid output line 652, it is for leading back to water cooler 600 by cooling fluid flow from ruhmkorff coil 330. In addition, heating system 1000 comprises the circuit 502,504,506,508 between AC power 500, heating station 550 and ruhmkorff coil 330. Heating system 1000 comprises control loop 702 extraly, and it is provided for controller 700 can provide the management of the induction heating for susceptor to control. Although Fig. 9 display provides cooling fluid to system component in a series arrangement, but it is understood that enforcement mode disclosed herein comprises provides those of cooling fluid to system component in a parallel fashion.

In addition, although Fig. 9 shows single cooling fluid source, cooling fluid carries out supplying from described single cooling fluid source simultaneously and returns wherein (such as, water cooler 600), thus cooling fluid circulates in heating system 1000 lastingly, it should be understood that, enforcement mode herein can comprise following those: wherein, from the source supply cooling fluid except water cooler 600, comprise a more than source (such as, the combination of water cooler 600 and water room (housewater)), and wherein the cooling fluid of part (if not all) does not return water cooler 600 after being circulated by input line 602 and output line 652.

In operation, alternating-current is provided from AC power 500 to heating station 550 and ruhmkorff coil 330 by circuit 502,504,506 and 508, meanwhile, by cooling fluid input and output line 602,652, cooling fluid is directed through AC power 500, heating station 550 and ruhmkorff coil 330 from water cooler 600. By controller 700 and control loop 702, the flow velocity of the amount of alternating-current and frequency and cooling fluid can be controlled simultaneously, thus the management providing the induction heating of susceptor controls. This type of control can be such as, comprises or is sent to computer processing unit, and this unit can such as, feed back or feed forward control according to process control method well known by persons skilled in the art process.

When the multiple heating system of employing, such as, during array shown in Fig. 6, it is possible in the manner described above each heating system is carried out independent control, thus provide the management control of the induction heating of susceptor according to such as predetermined thermal curve.

In addition, this control can realize, by induction, susceptor is carried out direct heating, so that the minimum temperature on the surface at least partially of susceptor maintains steady state, as much as possible close to steady temperature. Such as, the minimum temperature on the surface at least partially of susceptor can maintain steady state, with the time span that predetermined constant temperature is predetermined, described predetermined temperature variation is no more than �� 10 DEG C, such as it is no more than �� 5 DEG C, such as it is no more than again �� 2 DEG C, be such as no more than again �� 1 DEG C. This predetermined time span can be at least 1 hour, such as at least 10 hours, such as at least 25 hours again, comprises 1 little of 10 years, and such as 10 is little of 5 years, and such as 20 is little of 1 year again, but is not limited to this.

In preferred implementation, this minimum temperature should at least maintain the operating temperature corresponding to predetermined thermal curve, but is not limited to this. Such as, in some preferred implementation, the surface of susceptor maintains higher than 1000 DEG C, such as, higher than 1100 DEG C, again such as higher than 1200 DEG C, comprises 1000-1400 DEG C.

Susceptor, ruhmkorff coil 330 and heating system 1000 also can be configured to change fast the minimum temperature on the surface at least partially of susceptor, and such as response can require the predetermined factors of this type of temperature variation. Such as, if to be changed the composition of the glass flowing through melten glass former thus make its liquidus temperature also change, then can so that the minimum temperature of susceptor at least partially correspondingly changes. Or, if to be changed the flow velocity of the glass flowing through melten glass former, then can so that the minimum temperature of susceptor at least partially correspondingly changes. For this reason, controller 700 can be incorporated in control algorithm, it not only controls heating system, also play the effect controlling whole glass forming process, wherein, the temperature of susceptor can respond or expect the processing parameter of any amount or record or required glass performance (including but not limited to, glass composition, glass temperature, glass devitrification temperature, glass viscosity and glass flow) changes.

Such as, enforcement mode disclosed herein comprise following those: wherein, the minimum temperature of susceptor can be worked as temperature and is at least 1 at least partially, time 000 DEG C (comprising 1000-1400 DEG C of temperature), with at least 5 DEG C of rate variation of every minute, comprise at least 10 DEG C every minute, such as 5-30 DEG C every minute.

Enforcement mode disclosed herein comprises as follows: wherein, there is temperature curve in susceptor (such as sidewall), make the maximum temperature on the surface of susceptor higher than the minimum temperature on the surface of susceptor at least 25 DEG C, such as at least 50 DEG C, such as at least 100 DEG C again. Such as, enforcement mode as herein described can comprise following those: wherein, maximum temperature and the difference of minimum temperature on the surface of susceptor are 25-500 DEG C, such as 50-250 DEG C. For the position relation on the surface of temperature and susceptor, this temperature curve can be approximately linear or non-linear.

Preferably, the ruhmkorff coil in each heating system should be arranged so that itself and susceptor are basic isolated, simultaneously still enough near susceptor so that the temperature of susceptor can corresponding needed for temperature curve. Although this can depend on that type and the amount of application, suprastructure and the barrier material between ruhmkorff coil and susceptor change, but in a preferred embodiment, ruhmkorff coil can be arranged so that coil is 1-50 millimeter, such as 2-25 millimeter near the part of susceptor.

In some illustrative embodiments, it is possible to providing at least one material of such as Thermal protection, electric protection, mechanical protection and/or corrosion protection, one or more ruhmkorff coils of heating system are applied, isolate or fill cover. Such as, in some illustrative embodiments, it is possible to textile material dress cover ruhmkorff coil, described textile material comprises at least one material being selected from aluminum oxide and silicon oxide.

Enforcement mode as herein described comprise following those: wherein, ruhmkorff coil comprises copper pipe, and its outside diameter is 2-15 millimeter, such as 4-10 millimeter, again such as 4-7 millimeter. In this type of enforcement mode, copper pipe such as, can have the radial thickness of 0.5-1 millimeter. Although tubular structure is the most circular or oval cross section, but it is understood that it is those of square or rectangular cross section that enforcement mode herein comprises tubular structure.

Preferred embodiment comprise following those: wherein, the power supply being supplied to each heating system provides the power of at least 5kW, the power of such as at least 7.5kW, the again power of such as at least 10kW, the again power of such as at least 15kW, the power of such as 5-250kW, and provide the alternating-current of at least frequency of 10kHz, such as at least 20kHz, such as at least 50kHz again, such as 10-250kHz, but it is not limited to this.

Can providing following cooling fluid, its flow velocity and temperature prevent softening, the distortion not conforming with hope or the fusing of ruhmkorff coil, keep AC power fully to cool simultaneously. Such as, it is possible to provide water coolant from water cooler to ruhmkorff coil, its temperature is about 0-50 DEG C, comprises about 25 DEG C. Cooling fluid flow velocity can be such as, about 0.5-20 liter/min, such as about 1-10 liter/min.

Such as, enforcement mode herein has advantage relative to the heating means (rely on exclusiveness resistive heating rod provide that shell heats those) of the shell of other melten glass formers. These advantages can comprise following ability: runs under comparatively high temps and operating rate, lower running cost is (such as, the lower cost relevant with replacing resistive heating rod to maintenance), lower manufacture disturbance risk, utilize existing manufacture assets better, and can more accurately control and regulate the environment around forming of glass equipment, comprise the temperature that can control and regulate the sidewall of the shell accommodating melten glass former according to predetermined thermal curve more accurately, comprise and controlling more accurately from the whole technological process starting to cooling.

The technician of this area is it is apparent that when not deviateing the spirit and scope of the theme requiring patent right, various modifications and changes can be carried out to enforcement mode as herein described. Therefore, this specification sheets is intended to contain the modifications and variations form of various enforcement mode as herein described, as long as these modifications and variations forms drop within the scope of claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims (26)

1. manufacturing a method for sheet glass, described method comprises:

Heating for covering the shell of melten glass sheet former according to predetermined thermal curve, described shell comprises the first sidewall and the 2nd sidewall;

Wherein, the step heated by described shell comprises with at least one heating system heating at least partially at least one in the first and second sidewalls.

2. the method for claim 1, it is characterised in that, described first and second sidewalls at least partially be easy to occur induction heating and with the described direct hot tie-in of at least one heating system.

3. the method for claim 1, it is characterised in that, at least one heating system described and the middle direct hot tie-in of susceptor, between at least one at least one heating system described and the first and second sidewalls of described middle susceptor.

4. the method for claim 1, it is characterised in that, at least one heating system described comprises direct at least one ruhmkorff coil embedded in barrier material.

5. the method for claim 1, it is characterised in that, the step heated by described shell also comprises with at least one resistive heating rod heating at least partially at least one in the first and second sidewalls.

6. method as claimed in claim 5, it is characterized in that, described method comprises: in relatively early step, with at least one resistive heating rod heating at least partially at least one in the first and second sidewalls, afterwards in step after a while, replace at least one in described at least one resistive heating rod with at least one heating system.

7. method as claimed in claim 2, it is characterised in that, the first and second sidewalls be easy to respond to being less than at the temperature of 50 DEG C at least partially.

8. method as claimed in claim 7, it is characterized in that, described first and second sidewalls occur the part of induction to comprise silicon carbide and at least one is selected from the additional materials of lower group: silicon, titanium, vanadium, chromium, zirconium, niobium, molybdenum, ruthenium, rhodium, hafnium, tantalum, tungsten, rhenium, osmium and iridium being less than at the temperature of 50 DEG C to be easy to.

9. method as claimed in claim 3, it is characterised in that, described middle susceptor is easy to the temperature being less than 50 DEG C and responds to.

10. the method for claim 1, it is characterized in that, at least one heating system described comprises at least two ruhmkorff coils, and it is configured to the temperature of at least one other part of at least one being heated to be different from described first and second sidewalls at least partially of at least one in described first and second sidewalls.

11. the method for claim 1, it is characterized in that, at least one heating system described comprises at least two heating systems, and it is configured to the temperature of at least one other part of at least one being heated to be different from described first and second sidewalls at least partially of at least one in described first and second sidewalls.

12. the method for claim 1, it is characterised in that, with at least one heating system, the entirety of both the first and second sidewalls is heated respectively.

13. methods as claimed in claim 12, it is characterised in that, described method comprises all from cold start, the first and second sidewalls is heated to the predetermined thermal curve corresponding to steady-state operating condition.

14. methods as claimed in claim 12, it is characterised in that, at least one in described first and second sidewalls comprises silicon carbide.

15. 1 kinds of equipment for sheet glass manufacturing process, described equipment comprises:

For covering the shell of melten glass sheet former, described shell comprises the first sidewall and the 2nd sidewall; And

It is positioned at the melten glass former of described shell;

Wherein, described equipment also comprises at least one heating system, and its at least one being configured to be thermally connected in the first and second sidewalls by the energy is at least partially.

16. equipment as claimed in claim 15, it is characterised in that, the first and second sidewalls at least partially be easy to occur induction heating and with the described direct hot tie-in of at least one heating system.

17. equipment as claimed in claim 15, it is characterised in that, described shell also comprises top, and it is easy to induction heating, wherein, described top and the direct hot tie-in of at least one heating system.

18. equipment as claimed in claim 15, it is characterized in that, at least one heating system described and the middle direct hot tie-in of susceptor, between at least one at least one heating system described and the first and second sidewalls of described middle susceptor.

19. equipment as claimed in claim 15, it is characterised in that, at least one heating system described comprises direct at least one ruhmkorff coil embedded in barrier material.

20. equipment as claimed in claim 16, it is characterised in that, described first and second sidewalls be easy to respond to being less than at the temperature of 50 DEG C at least partially.

21. equipment as claimed in claim 20, it is characterized in that, described first and second sidewalls occur the part of induction to comprise silicon carbide and at least one is selected from the additional materials of lower group: silicon, titanium, vanadium, chromium, zirconium, niobium, molybdenum, ruthenium, rhodium, hafnium, tantalum, tungsten, rhenium, osmium and iridium being less than at the temperature of 50 DEG C to be easy to.

22. equipment as claimed in claim 18, it is characterised in that, described middle susceptor is easy to the temperature being less than 50 DEG C and responds to.

23. equipment as claimed in claim 15, it is characterized in that, at least one heating system described comprises at least two ruhmkorff coils, and it is configured to the temperature of at least one other part of at least one being heated to be different from described first and second sidewalls at least partially of at least one in described first and second sidewalls.

24. equipment as claimed in claim 15, it is characterized in that, at least one heating system described comprises at least two heating systems, and it is configured to the temperature of at least one other part of at least one being heated to be different from described first and second sidewalls at least partially of at least one in described first and second sidewalls.

25. equipment as claimed in claim 15, it is characterised in that, at least one in described first and second sidewalls comprises silicon carbide.

26. equipment as claimed in claim 15, it is characterized in that, at least one heating system described comprises at least one ruhmkorff coil, it is arranged so that, between the immediate cross-section line collar region that electric current flows in the opposite direction, there is vertical range d, wherein, the vertical range that d is greater than between any two cross-section line collar regions that electric current flows with identical direction.