DE102009021181A1 - Apparatus for melting and refining glass melts, comprises melting section, and refining section separated from melting section for refining glass melts, where melting section consists of two melting tubs that are separated from each other - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus comprises a melting section (2), and a refining section (6) separated from the melting section for refining the glass melts. The melting section consists of two melting tubs, which are separated from each other, are operated independent of each other, are connected with the refining section and are parallelly switched over a common connecting unit (20). The common connecting unit has a pipe and a T-branch piece, which is connected the respective melting tub over separate tubes, where a respective outlet (21) of the two melting tubs is independently closed. The apparatus comprises a melting section (2), and a refining section (6) separated from the melting section for refining the glass melts. The melting section consists of two melting tubs, which are separated from each other, are operated independent of each other, are connected with the refining section and are parallelly switched over a common connecting unit (20). The common connecting unit has a pipe and a T-branch piece, which is connected the respective melting tub over separate tubes, where a respective outlet (21) of the two melting tubs is independently closed. The inner surfaces of the tubes consist of noble metal and the tubes are electrically heatable. The tubes are designed, so that a back flow of the glass melt is prevented back in the upstream melting tubs. An inner diameter of the tubes is = 150 mm. The process parameter of the both melting tubs is adjustable and/or variable independent of each other. The both melting tubs have different dimensions. The both melting tubs consist of different materials and/or are lined with different materials. The refining section is designed for the coarse refining of the glass melt and comprises a coarse refining tub (60). The coarse refining tub is provided with a stirring device and/or blowing nozzles for injecting fine gas blisters at the bottom of the coarse refining tub. The apparatus further includes a further fine refining section, where each of the melting tubs is connectable independent of each other or both melting tubs are together connectable with the further fine refining section. The refining section is bridgeable using the connecting unit. An independent claim is included for a method for producing a glass.

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention generally relates to the production of glass, in particular the production of special glasses of consistently high quality, for example of borosilicate glasses with B ₂ O ₃ contents to 20% or of high melting aluminosilicate glasses with melting temperatures up to 1700 ° Celsius.

Background of the invention

The Demands on the quality of glasses are increasing increasingly. This applies to both float glass and for Special glasses, for example, for the respective Applications a precisely predetermined composition and / or have very low impurity concentrations. Consequently The requirements for glass production are also increasing. Parameters that determine the quality of glass must can be set reliably. simultaneously modern glass manufacturing plants for economic reasons should also can be used increasingly flexibly. These plants, in particular plant for float glass or tube glass production, be mostly operated in continuous operation. Often requires one higher quality of glass higher temperatures during glassmaking. Often lead these boundary conditions to mutually exclusive process parameters.

To increase the quality of glass, the segmentation of the individual process sections during glass production has recently been increasingly proposed in the prior art, as disclosed, for example, in US Pat R. Beerkens, Proc. Int. Congr. Glass, Vol. 1, Invited Papers, Edinburgh, Scotland, 6 July 2001, 180-192 "Future Industrial Glass Melting Concepts" or in R. Beerkens, "Modular Melting Part 2, Industrial Glass Melting Process Requirements", American Society Ceramic Society Bulletin, Vol. 7, 35 to 37 ,

For the production of refractory glasses disclosed US 2007/0022780 A1 a multi-component melting unit before, with a Einschmelzabschnitt, a separate downstream cooling pan, a downstream separate Läuterbecken and a downstream, separate stirring chamber.

higher Temperatures in glass production, however, lead to a increased attack of the material of the melting furnace, what their service life is reduced and the concentration of impurities raised in the glass.

Summary of the invention

task It is the object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method to provide for glass making, which provides an even more flexible Production of high quality glass is possible, in particular of high melting glasses, special glasses or Special glasses.

These Task is solved by a device for melting and refining a glass melt according to claim 1 and a process for producing glass according to claim 14. Further advantageous Embodiments are the subject of the referenced Dependent claims.

Consequently The present invention is based on a device for melting and refining a glass melt containing a melting section and a downstream and separate from the smelting section Has refining section for refining the glass melt. According to the invention, the fusing section from two melting tanks, which are separated and independent can be operated from each other and those with the downstream Läuterabschnitt are connected.

This surprising simple measure allows a more flexible production of glass. Because if, for example, to another type of glass another Composition is to be changed, this may according to the invention in ongoing operation of the plant by placing a first of the melting tanks is completely drained, then blocked their expiry and the aforementioned first melting tank with a glass batch the other composition is charged and the other glass batch is melted while operating with the previously used glass type by means of the other melting tank continues can be done. For repeated draining the glass melt, for example to switch to another type of glass in the aforementioned first Melting tank, each of the two melting tanks can over have an outlet that is not with the downstream one Cleansing section communicates.

The glass production can also be made more flexible according to the invention. If, for example, the throughput of a glassmaking plant is to be increased, then both melting-in furnaces can be operated in parallel in order to feed the downstream lautering section. Since the process parameters in each of the two melting tanks can be adjusted and varied independently, the operation can be adapted more flexibly to the respective requirements, in particular with regard to the throughput, even if the same type of glass is used. In addition, according to the invention, a slower and more gentle melting of a glass batch at a comparatively high throughput of the system can be realized.

The inventive system also offers advantages the manufacture of high-melting glasses, often require very high process temperatures. If this makes one of the melting tanks It should have been attacked too much, this can happen during while the system is in operation, be re-lined, for example, with a metal sheet. Because to continue the operation can continue the other melting tank used to melt a glass batch.

According to the invention the two melting tanks separated, leaving a molten glass from the first melting tank not directly into the second melting tank can flow. Preferably, both melting tanks are spatially completely separated from each other. Preferably, each of the assigned to two fuselage a separate control unit, around the respective process parameters independently of each other adjust and / or vary, especially temperatures, temperature profiles, Control of the heating electrodes and / or radiant burner, controlling a Mixture loading device, control of blowing nozzles for blowing of gas, such as oxygen, in the respective melting tank Etc.

The Both fuselage can each with a connecting means be connected to the downstream refining section, to make the operation even more independent. It is preferred However, a parallel connection of the two Einschmelzwannen so that this via a common connecting means with the downstream refining section are connected. The connecting means may be a conventional one Trough or any other means of connection act. Prefers is used as a connecting agent according to the invention of pipes, for example of a refractory ceramic material, that also with a metal sheet, in particular from a noble metal sheet, can be lined inside, or one completely off a metal, in particular precious metal, manufactured tube. To merge the two outlet pipes of the two melting tanks can be a T-branch piece used, which merges into a tube with the downstream refining section is connected.

Of the Operation of the two melting tanks can be even more independent each other, if the respective outlet of a melting tank independent from the other is closable.

Prefers The inner surfaces of the two tubes consist of one electrically conductive material, in particular of a precious metal, for example, a noble metal sheet, so that the tubes electrically can be heated by resistance.

According to one another embodiment, the tubes and their insertion and outlets designed so that a backflow the molten glass in the upstream section, so for example from the downstream refining section to the upstream melting section, completely prevented is. This can be done by suitable design of the inlets and outlets respectively. Surprisingly, it has been shown that for the range of usual viscosities, in the context of glass production and processing of glass melts occur, such a backflow simply by suitable choice of the inner diameter of the connecting pipes sufficient can be suppressed. Have costly test series here show that according to the invention an inner diameter of less than or equal to 150 mm is sufficient for this purpose.

The Both melting tanks can according to a further embodiment have different dimensions, so different heights, widths and / or lengths, also different profiles. It is true that the melting tanks expedient to the profile rectangular trays. According to further embodiments but also beveled floor areas, for example V-shaped troughs, find application.

According to one Another embodiment, the two Einmelmelzwannen consist of different materials, such as the one Melting tank made of one zircon stone and the other made of Quarzal, the latter preferred for achieving particularly good optical properties the glasses. According to another embodiment The two melting tanks can also with different Be lined materials, preferably with metal sheets, such as noble metal sheets.

According to a further embodiment, the device according to the invention further comprises at least one further process section, for example a fine clarifying section, wherein each of the melting trays can be connected to the further process section independently of one another or, according to an alternative embodiment, both fusing trays can be connected to the further process section. For this purpose, the two melting tanks can each be directly connected via a connecting pipe or both melting tanks via a common connecting pipe with the further process section, so that the intermediate refining section can also be temporarily bridged. On In this way, the process parameters and the processing of the molten glass can be further varied, depending on the requirements of the type of glass to be produced.

One Another aspect of the present invention further relates a process for the production of glass in which a mixture in a Melting introduced and melted into a molten glass is, the molten glass in a downstream and of the smelting section a separate refining section is refurbished and the Glass melt finally processed and to the Glass is cooled. It is inventively a Device as described above, application, wherein the two Melting tanks can be operated independently.

One Another aspect of the present invention further relates the use of a device as described above, for Production of glass.

LIST OF FIGURES

following the invention will be described by way of example and with reference are described on the accompanying drawings, from which provide further features, advantages and tasks to be solved become. Show it:

1 a schematic side view of a glass manufacturing plant according to the present invention;

2 in a plan view of the melting section and the downstream refining section of the system according to the 1 ;

3 in a schematic representation of the refining section according to the 1 or 2 with further, downstream process sections, in particular a fine explanation section; and

4 in a schematic flow diagram, an approach according to the present invention for changing a type of glass during a running operation.

In the figures denote identical reference numerals identical or essentially equivalent elements or groups of elements.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

The plant according to the 1 consists of at least three sequentially to be traversed sections, namely from left to right of a Einschmelzabschnitt, a Rääuterabschnitt and a Feinläuterabschnitt. As explained below, the fine clarification section can be followed by further process sections. The melting section 2 is used to melt a deposit mixture to a glass melt with a desired composition. The melting section 2 includes a melting tank 10a into which a suitable insertion device 15 For example, a bucket or screw feeder, a glass batch, in a storage container 14 is stored. The melting tank 10a is up to the level shown with a glass melt 14 filled. The melting tank 10a is up through a lid or a vault 11 covered. In the interior above the molten glass 12 are several gas or radiant burners 18 provided for heating the surface of the molten glass and the floating thereon batch in suitable geometry. The glass melt 14 is by means of suitably arranged electrodes 16 electrically heated. On the ground 23 the melting tank 10a are several tuyeres 17 arranged distributed for injecting a gas, for example of oxygen. The electrodes may consist of different materials, for example precious metal alloys of the noble metals platinum, platinum-rhodium, platinum-iridium, iridium and / or molybdenum. Preference is given to using electrodes of the platinum / rhodium alloy. The burners 18 may be gas / air burners, oxy-fuel burners or radiant burners. Oxi-fuel burners and radiant burners are preferred. Radiant burners have the advantage of being able to manage with a much lower energy (energy savings potential up to 25%).

In the smelting section 2 the meltdown is facilitated by a so-called batch bubbling, as by the in the soil 23 located blowing nozzles 17 Gas, for example oxygen, with suitable clock rates, for example 5 bubbles per minute to 30 bubbles per minute, preferably 15 bubbles per minute, is blown. As a result, the melting of the batch for all conceivable types of glass is significantly accelerated.

The melting section 2 is with the subsequent refining section 6 over a connecting pipe 20 connected. Also the lautering section 6 is as a refining sink 60 formed upwards with a lid or vault 62 is completed. Im over the glass melt 64 located interior 63 are several burners 18 as above in connection with the fusing section 2 described, arranged in a suitable geometry. In the glass melt 64 protrude several electrodes 67 in a suitable geometry. In the refining section 6 , optionally also in one or each of the downstream process sections, is an agitator 69a built in, which has several stirring wings 69b having, in the glass melt 64 protrude. Preference is given to using stirrers made of noble metal alloys, for example of noble metals, as described above. The speeds of the stirrer 69a can range from just above 0 umin to a maximum of about 100 umin. Preferred speeds are in the range between about 5 to 10 umin. The floor area 61 can with the help of tuyeres 600 fine gas bubbles are fed to saturate the melt by so-called fine bubbling with O ₂ to ensure the greatest possible bubble growth. Further, in the fine explanation section 6 about a device 601 a refining agent are supplied.

The lautering section 6 is by means of a connecting pipe 20 with the subordinate detailed explanation section 7 connected, which also serves as a lauter tub 70 is trained. In the glass melt 74 protrude several electrodes 77 , preferably of noble metal alloys, as described above, in suitable geometry. The fine soaker pan 70 is upwards by means of a lid or vault 72 covered. Im over the glass melt 74 located interior are a plurality of burners 78 , For example, burners of the aforementioned type, arranged in a suitable geometry. In the fine note section 7 is a refining bank or a wall 79 arranged, which preferably over the entire width of the refining trough 70 extends to force the molten glass to rise to the surface, making gas bubbles more efficient in the interior 73 can escape. At the end of the fine explanation section 7 there is a pipe or gutter system 90 , which must be variably dimensioned depending on the type of glass, which will be readily apparent to those skilled in studying the present description.

In the plan view according to the 2 one recognizes that the meltdown section 2 from two mutually parallel Einschmelzwannen 10a . 10b exists, which are preferably designed with identical dimensions, but optionally also with different dimensions. It can be seen that the electrodes 16 along the long sides of the respective melting tank 10a . 10b are arranged evenly distributed. From the melting tanks 10a . 10b the molten glass flows through outlet pipes 19 and a T-branch piece in a common connection pipe 20 , that with the downstream refining section 6 communicates. According to the invention, the tubes 19 . 20 and preferably also all connecting tubes to further downstream process sections designed so that a backflow of molten glass back into the upstream process section is prevented or at least significantly suppressed. For this purpose, an inner diameter of the tubes 19 . 20 and all other connecting tubes of less than or equal to 150 mm at the usually prevailing viscosities of the molten glass proved to be suitable. Other measures to prevent backflow are not provided according to a particularly preferred embodiment.

At the pipes 19 . 20 these are preferably noble metal tubes or tubes which are lined on the inside with at least one noble metal alloy, for example platinum, platinum-rhodium, platinum-iridium, iridium and / or molybdenum. Preference is given here to an alloy of platinum and rhodium.

The pipes 19 . 20 each is an electric heater 30 assigned via electrical connection lines 31 with the electrically conductive inner surface of the tubes 19 . 20 in conjunction to resistively electrically heat the glass melt therein. In this simple way can affect the in the pipes 19 . 20 prevailing viscosity and the respective flow conditions are taken.

The outlets of the melting tanks 10a . 10b can be closed independently, allowing the molten glass from the melting tanks 10a . 10b depending on the selected operating mode simultaneously through the pipes 19 . 20 in the refining section 6 can flow or only through one of the pipes 19 and the downstream pipe section 20 can flow. Each of the melting tanks 10a . 10b may have a separate outlet (not shown) to the contents of the respective melting tank 10a . 10b completely drained without being used in a downstream process step. This has proved to be particularly advantageous for the complete draining of a melting tank in the case of the change of a glass type, as explained below. According to the 2 are the melting tanks 10a . 10b each also via a pipe 26 with a lautering section 6 connected downstream process section, the pipes 26 optionally and independently can be switched on. In this way, the refining section 6 be temporarily bridged, which allows even more flexible process conditions. These pipes 26 For example, to the in the 3 detailed explanation section 7 or any other of the possibly downstream process sections 8th to lead.

According to the invention, a feedback between the individual process sections is completely prevented, so that the process parameters in the individual sections can be set independently of the process parameters selected in the preceding or following section. Parameter changes in a process step thus cause no or only insignificant changes in the upstream or downstream process step which offers considerable advantages, in particular in the production of glasses with very high boron oxide contents, for example glasses with up to 20% B ₂ O ₃ contents, since the evaporation rates can be significantly reduced and thus effectively prevent quality losses in the form of knots and stones can be.

According to a preferred further embodiment, each process section can be drained off on its own and independently of the respectively upstream or downstream process sections, for example for electrode replacement. In accordance with a further preferred embodiment, each of the process sections may be connected by means of a connecting pipe of the type described above with reference to FIGS 2 described, temporarily bridged and completely drained, for example, for maintenance or repair purposes.

By this quasi-variable interconnection of the individual process sections According to the invention, the process conditions Overall, very variable.

The in the 2 and 3 shown lengths L1, L2, L3, ..., Lx) and widths (W1, W2, ....) of the respective process tubs can also be chosen basically different. The profiles of the individual process tubs can also be chosen differently.

Especially can in each process section to each processed glass type adjusted temperature regime can be specified, regardless from the respective upstream or downstream process section. Also is the use of different types of burners and electrodes and / or Burner and / or electrode configurations possible.

One Another advantage is that the invention respective process tub independent of the self-adjusting Currents can be operated. In particular, you can higher specific melting rates and throughputs be driven.

According to one Another embodiment, the process troughs also made of different materials, depending on the requirements the type of glass to be processed and economic considerations. Examples of such materials are Quarzal, AZS, ZBX, Sillimannit and the like

Another advantage is that in the plant according to the 1 No refining agent has yet to be used in the melting-down section, so that a substantially relict-free coarse melt can be produced, which is further reacted only in downstream refining sections. An inventive optimized smelting process in the smelting section 2 also allows a higher degree of freedom in the choice of raw materials for the glass to be produced.

The following is based on the 4 the conversion to another type of glass during operation of a glass manufacturing plant explained. In step S1, both fusing tundishes are used 10a . 10b (see. 2 ) operated simultaneously and charged with the same raw materials, so that the same glass variety results. It is now assumed that during operation one of the melting tanks (hereinafter referred to as the first melting tank) to be converted to a different type of glass. For this purpose, in step S2, the first melting tank is first separated from the subsequent process sections and completely drained. The first melting tank can also be completely drained before disconnecting from the subsequent process sections. While the second melting tank continues to operate and continues to be charged with the same raw materials, the first melting tank is fed with other raw materials, for the other desired type of glass. Since, according to experience, residues of the previously used glass melt with the other composition can remain in a melting tank for a relatively long time, for example in joint areas of an interior lining or in edge or edge portions, the first melting tank can also be rinsed several times with the new glass melt in step S2. Such a cycle of filling and complete draining may be repeated several times until the desired purity of the new glass melt is achieved (steps S3 and S4).

Finally becomes the second fusing tank in the step S5 of the following Separated process sections and the operation with the first melting tank continued what the desired second type of glass results. Subsequently, in a comparable process cycle The second melting tank has been converted to the new (second) type of glass become.

The lengths and widths of the in the 2 and 3 Process sections shown in plan view can be designed differently. The lengths, L1, ... Lx) can vary from 0.5 m to 5 m, preferably from 1 m to 2 m. The widths (W1, W2, ...) can vary from 0.5 to 2 m, preferably from 0.8 to 1.5 m. By varying the process sections in length, width, profile and / or number can be melted according to the invention any throughputs in tons per day for special glasses. How to get in the 1 can recognize, have the connecting pipes 19 . 20 the individual process sections starting from the melting section 2 each at a different distance to the respective tub bottom. This distance can be in the meltdown section 2 be about 50-80% of the glass level. A distance of about 70% is preferred. In the downstream Räääuterabschnitt 6 and in the subsequent further process sections, this distance to the respective tank bottom can be 10-30% of the respective glass level. A distance of about 20% is preferred.

The throughput of a glassmaking plant according to the present invention typically ranges from, for example, 0.2 to 10 tons per day, depending on the type of glass. High throughputs up to 10 tons per day and beyond can be realized by using the two melting troughs 10a . 10b (see. 2 ) can be connected in parallel, as described above.

Although the invention above based on preferred embodiments has been described, it should be noted that these only the To explain the general concept of the invention serve However, these are not the interpretation of the present invention to restrict. The person skilled in the art will be in studying the present description, modifications and others Embodiments will be apparent that with the present The invention is intended to be encompassed in the general Solution idea and the scope of protection of the attached Claims should fall. Express pointed out that the aspects of the invention described above also in another way, as described above, combined can be.

1

investment for melting and refining

2

sealing portion

6

Rohläuterabschnitt

7

Feinläuterabschnitt

8th

downstream process section

10a, 10b

melting end

11

cover

12

inner space

13

molten glass

14

Melee reservoir

15

Melee loading device

16

electrode

17

blow nozzle

18

radiant burner

19

outlet pipe

20

connecting pipe

21

outlet

22

inlet

23

ground

25

riser

26

connecting pipe

30

electrical heater

31

electrical connecting line

60

Rohläuterwanne

61

ground

62

cover

63

inner space

64

molten glass

65

inlet

66

outlet

67

electrode

68

radiant burner

69a

stirrer

69b

impellers

600

nozzles (Feinbubbling)

601

Läutermitteleinspeisung

70

Feinläuterwanne

71

ground

72

cover

73

inner space

74

molten glass

75

inlet

76

outlet

77

electrode

78

radiant burner

79

rampart

80

Further process tub

87

electrode

90

outlet (Channel unit)

L1

length the melting tank

W1

width the melting tank

L2

length the rawhide tub

W2

width the rawhide tub

L3

length the fine soaker pan

LX

length the further process tub

H1

Distance between the connecting pipe and the tank bottom 23

H1

Distance between the connecting pipe and the tank bottom 61

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 2007/0022780 A1 [0004]

Cited non-patent literature

• R. Beerkens, Proc. Int. Congr. Glass, Vol. 1, Invited Papers, Edinburgh, Scotland, 6 July 2001, 180-192 "Future Industrial Glass Melting Concepts" [0003]
• R. Beerkens, "Modular Melting Part 2, Industrial Glass Melting Process Requirements", American Society Ceramic Society Bulletin, Vol. 7, 35 to 37 [0003]

Claims (24)

Apparatus for melting and refining a molten glass, comprising a melting section ( 2 ) and a downstream and separated from the Einschmelzabschnitt refining section ( 6 ) for refining the molten glass, characterized in that the melting section ( 2 ) from two melting tanks ( 10a . 10b ), which are separated from each other and independently operable and with the refining section ( 6 ) are connected. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the two melting-in tanks ( 10a . 10b ) via a common connection means ( 20 ) connected in parallel and with the refining section ( 6 ) are connected. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the common connection means is a pipe ( 20 ) and a T-branch piece which is connected via separate tubes ( 19 ) with a respective melting tank ( 10a . 10b ) connected is. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a respective outlet ( 21 ) of the two melting tanks ( 10a . 10b ) is independently lockable. Apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the inner surfaces of the tubes ( 19 . 20 ) consist of an electrically conductive material, in particular of a precious metal, and the tubes are electrically heated. Device according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the tubes ( 19 . 20 ), so that a return flow of the molten glass back into a respective upstream process section, in particular back into the upstream Einschmelzwannen ( 10a . 10b ), is prevented. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein an inner diameter of the tubes ( 19 . 20 ) is less than or equal to 150 mm. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein process parameters of the two melting tanks independent can be adjusted and / or varied from each other. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two Einmelmelzwannen have different dimensions. Device according to one of the preceding claims, the two fuselage made of different materials exist and / or lined with different materials are. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the refining section ( 6 ) is designed for a Rohläuterung the glass melt and a Rääuterwanne ( 60 ). Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the rawhide tub ( 60 ) continue with a stirring device ( 69 ) and / or blowing nozzles ( 600 ) for the injection of fine gas bubbles at the bottom of the Rääuterwanne ( 60 ) is provided. Device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one further process section ( 7 . 8th ), preferably a fine explanation section ( 7 ), each of the melting-in tanks ( 10a . 10b ) independently of one another or both melting-in tanks can be connected together with a further process section and / or the refining section ( 6 ) by means of a bonding agent ( 26 ) is bridgeable. Process for the production of glass in which a mixture is melted into a melting section ( 2 ) is introduced and melted into a molten glass, the molten glass in a downstream and separated from the Einschmelzabschnitt refining section ( 6 ) and the molten glass is further processed and cooled to the glass, characterized in that the melting section ( 2 ) from two melting tanks ( 10a . 10b ), which are separated from each other and with the refining section ( 6 ) are connected, wherein the two Einschmelzwannen can be operated independently. The method of claim 14, wherein in the two Melting furnace produced melt together or successively in time is treated. A method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the two fusing troughs ( 10a . 10b ) via a common connection means ( 20 ) connected in parallel and with the refining section ( 6 ) and wherein the molten glass optionally flows from one of the two melting troughs or simultaneously from both melting troughs into the lautering section. The method of claim 16, wherein a respective outlet ( 21 ) of the two melting tanks ( 10a . 10b ) is closed independently and the glass melt produced in the two melting troughs is treated consecutively in time. Method according to one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the molten glass flows through a pipe between the individual sections, wherein the inner surfaces of the pipes ( 19 . 20 ) are electrically heated resistively. A method according to claim 18, wherein the glass melt is the tubes ( 19 . 20 ) flows through in such a way that a return flow of the molten glass back into a respective upstream process section, in particular back into the melting-in baths ( 10a . 10b ), is prevented. A method according to claim 19, wherein an inner diameter of the tubes ( 19 . 20 ) is less than or equal to 150 mm. Method according to one of claims 14 to 20, wherein process parameters of the two melting tanks independent set and / or varied from each other. Method according to one of claims 14 to 21, wherein in the refining section ( 6 ) a Rohläuterung of the molten glass, wherein the refining section a Rääuterwanne ( 60 ), which is equipped with a stirring device ( 69 ) and / or blowing nozzles ( 600 ) for the injection of fine gas bubbles at the bottom of the Rääuterwanne ( 60 ), so that the molten glass is further homogenized during the roasting and / or the escape of gas bubbles from the molten glass is supported. Method according to one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the glass melt before cooling to the glass in at least one further process section ( 7 . 8th ), preferably a fine-clarification section ( 7 ), the refining section ( 6 ) by means of a bonding agent ( 26 ) can be bridged and the molten glass from at least one of the melting troughs ( 10a . 10b ) flows directly into another process section. Use of the device according to one of the claims 1 to 13 for the production of glass.