DE102020205045A1 - Apparatus for melting and refining glass and a method for producing such a device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for melting and refining glass, comprising a tank at least for producing a glass melt with a predetermined height and a predetermined width, a refining wall which extends essentially in the transverse direction of the tank and whose height is less than the height of the tank, wherein the refining wall has two walls to form a gap, in which a weir is arranged to form an overflow edge of the glass melt, wherein a protective fluid supply device is arranged which is in fluidic connection with the gap and wherein the protective fluid device is formed, at least during the commissioning process of the device to provide a protective fluid for protecting the weir in the gap with an overpressure in relation to the surroundings of the trough.

Description

The invention relates to a device for melting and refining glass, comprising
a trough at least for producing a glass melt with a predetermined height and a predetermined width,
a refining wall which extends essentially in the transverse direction of the tank and whose height is smaller than the height of the tank, the refining wall having two walls to form a gap in which a weir is arranged to form an overflow edge of the glass melt.

• - Bereitstellen einer Wanne zumindest zum Herstellen einer Glasschmelze mit einer vorgegebenen Höhe und einer vorgegebenen Breite, und
• - Bereitstellen eines Läuterwalls, der sich im Wesentlichen in Querrichtung der Wanne erstreckt und dessen Höhe kleiner ist als die Höhe der Wanne, wobei der Läuterwall zwei Wände zur Bildung eines Spalts aufweist, in dem ein Wehr zur Bildung einer Überlaufkante der Glasschmelze angeordnet ist.

The invention further relates to a method for producing a device for melting and refining glass, comprising the steps

• - Providing a trough at least for the production of a glass melt with a predetermined height and a predetermined width, and
• - Providing a refining wall which extends essentially in the transverse direction of the tank and the height of which is smaller than the height of the tank, the refining wall having two walls to form a gap in which a weir is arranged to form an overflow edge of the molten glass.

Although the present invention is generally applicable to any materials for the refining wall, the present invention will be explained with reference to a refining wall comprising molybdenum.

Although the present invention is generally applicable to any glasses, the present invention will be explained with reference to soda-lime glass.

In a known manner - for example from the DE 102 36 521 B4 - When producing glasses, a refining wall with a weir made of molybdenum is used, which stands in a gap formed on both sides by supporting palisades. The weir, more precisely the molybdenum of the weir, must be protected against oxidation during commissioning. For this purpose, the areas made of molybdenum are brushed with water glass and lime-soda glass panes are glued to the corresponding areas of the weir using the water glass. The entire gap between the weir and the supporting palisade is filled in an extremely complex manner with a ramming compound - essentially comprising zirconium silicate and borosilicate glass powder.

During the tempering process in the manufacture of glass, the water glass and soda-lime glass soften at temperatures below approx. 550 ° C, i.e. below the incipient oxidation of molybdenum due to residual oxygen in the device. The softening glass also protects the molybdenum of the weir against oxidation as the temperature continues to rise. During this period, the ramming mass prevents the glass plates from sinking / slipping off the weir due to its still plastic behavior. The sintering of the rammed earth begins at temperatures of approx. 1100 ° C. The sintering process continues as the temperature rises and leads to both solidification of the tamped mass and compression. The compression also leads to a reduction in the porosity within the rammed earth and thus to a gas-tight enclosure of the weir's molybdenum.

If the device is now started for the production of soda-lime glass or other glasses such as borosilicate glass, in other words the device is operated with soda-lime glass or other glasses such as borosilicate glass as the first glass or starter glass, undesirable reactions occur the anti-oxidation ramming mass with the production glass, in this case the soda-lime glass. These reactions lead to inclusions and bubbles in the production glass, here in the form of soda-lime glass over a period of several months.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device for melting and refining glass in order to be able to ensure a variable and free choice of the starting glass of the device. Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple and inexpensive device for melting and refining glass and a simple and inexpensive production of the same.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an alternative device for melting and refining glass and an alternative method for producing a device for melting and refining glass.

In one embodiment, the present invention achieves at least one of the objects mentioned above in a device for melting and refining glass, comprising
a trough at least for producing a glass melt with a predetermined height and a predetermined width,
a refining wall which extends essentially in the transverse direction of the tank and the height of which is less than the height of the tank, the refining wall having two walls to form a gap in which a weir is arranged to form an overflow edge of the molten glass,
as a result of that
a protective fluid supply device is arranged, which is in fluidic connection with the gap and wherein the protective fluid device is designed to provide a protective fluid for protecting the weir in the gap at an overpressure with respect to the surroundings of the tub, at least during the start-up process of the device.

• - Bereitstellen einer Wanne zumindest zum Herstellen einer Glasschmelze mit einer vorgegebenen Höhe und einer vorgegebenen Breite,
• - Bereitstellen eines Läuterwalls, der sich im Wesentlichen in Querrichtung der Wanne erstreckt und dessen Höhe kleiner ist als die Höhe der Wanne, wobei der Läuterwall zwei Wände zur Bildung eines Spalts aufweist, in dem ein Wehr zur Bildung einer Überlaufkante der Glasschmelze angeordnet ist,

dadurch, dass
eine Schutzfluidzuführungseinrichtung bereitgestellt wird, die mit dem Spalt fluidisch verbunden wird und wobei die Schutzfluideinrichtung ausgebildet wird, zumindest während des Inbetriebnahmevorganges der Vorrichtung ein Schutzfluid zum Schutz des Wehrs in dem Spalt mit einem Überdruck gegenüber der Umgebung der Wanne bereitzustellen.In a further embodiment, the present invention achieves at least one of the above-mentioned objects in a method for producing a device for melting and refining glass, comprising the steps

• - Provision of a trough at least for the production of a glass melt with a predetermined height and a predetermined width,
• - Providing a refining wall which extends essentially in the transverse direction of the tank and the height of which is smaller than the height of the tank, the refining wall having two walls to form a gap in which a weir is arranged to form an overflow edge of the molten glass,

as a result of that
a protective fluid supply device is provided, which is fluidically connected to the gap and wherein the protective fluid device is designed to provide a protective fluid to protect the weir in the gap with an overpressure against the surroundings of the tub, at least during the commissioning process of the device.

One of the advantages achieved in this way is that it is possible to dispense with any brushing, gluing or ramming, which enables a simple, inexpensive production of different glasses. In addition, there is no significant waiting time of several months until another type of glass can be produced with the device after the initial starting glass without inclusions and bubbles.

The term “commissioning”, “commissioning process” or “commissioning process” is to be understood in the broadest sense and relates in particular in the description, preferably in the claims, to the process of the initial commissioning of the device for manufacturing a glass. The glass that is to be produced when it is first put into operation is referred to as the starting glass or first glass and relates in particular to the respective type of glass, for example soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass or the like.

Further features, advantages and further embodiments of the invention are described below or become apparent as a result.

According to an advantageous development, one or more covers are arranged on the lauter wall, which covers have a predeterminable number of gaps and / or a gap is formed between at least two adjacent covers. The advantage of this is that the weir is enclosed as tightly as possible in relation to the rest of the space in the device, for example the furnace space, which further improves the protection of the weir against oxidation.

According to a further advantageous development, the protective fluid is provided in the form of a gas. This enables an inexpensive protective fluid and simple and inexpensive handling of the same.

According to a further advantageous development, the gas is in the form of an inert gas, preferably nitrogen and / or a noble gas, and / or in the form of a forming gas, preferably with a proportion of hydrogen between 0 and 20% by volume, in particular between 0.5 and 10% by volume, provided. The advantage of this is that sufficient protection of the weir against oxidation is provided without impairing the manufacturing process of the respective glass.

According to a further advantageous development, at least one pressure measuring device is arranged which comprises at least one pressure sensor and which is designed to measure the pressure of the protective fluid within the gap and / or a temperature measuring device is arranged which comprises at least one temperature sensor and which is designed to Measure the temperature of the weir inside the gap. One of the advantages achieved with this is an effective control of the protective fluid and thus the prevention of oxidation of the weir. In other words, the reliability of manufacturing glasses is improved.

According to a further advantageous development, a regulating device is arranged which is designed to regulate the inflow of protective fluid to a predeterminable value on the basis of the pressure measured by the pressure measuring device and / or the temperature measured by the temperature measuring device. The advantage is not only continuous monitoring, but also continuous adaptation to changing parameters of the commissioning process, which overall further improves the reliability of the manufacturing process for glasses.

According to a further advantageous development, the protective fluid supply device comprises a plurality of application devices for applying protective fluid to the gap, which are arranged laterally vertically on the Läuterwall and / or below the Läuterwall and are fluidically connected to the gap. This will be effective Way enables a comprehensive exposure of the weir with protective fluid.

According to a further advantageous development, the loading devices are designed in such a way that they apply protective fluid to the weir on both sides. The advantage of this is an even more efficient application of protective fluid to the weir and thus the prevention of its oxidation.

According to a further advantageous development, the loading devices are arranged symmetrically in the extension of the weir. The advantage is an effective application of protective fluid to the weir and easy accessibility of the application devices, for example for maintenance purposes.

According to a further advantageous development, the loading devices are arranged as an extension of the weir on different sides of the weir, and protective fluid can be applied to the weir on both sides by means of at least one distribution device. One of the advantages achieved in this way is that it enables a more compact design or a more flexible arrangement of the loading devices.

According to a further advantageous development, the loading devices are arranged alternately on different sides along the weir. This achieves an extremely compact design or the distance between two loading devices on the same side of the weir can be used more flexibly, since it is then larger than if all the loading devices are arranged on the same side.

According to a further advantageous development, the weir has a substantially T-shaped cross-section with a horizontal and a vertical section at its upper edge and at least one bevel is arranged in the transition between the two sections, which has an angle of greater than 90 degrees between the two Provides sections. The advantage of this is that bubbles that arise and rise up on the vertical sections of the weir are directed away upwards, which increases the reliability of the manufacturing process and improves the prevention of oxidation of the weir.

According to a further advantageous development, the weir is made at least partially from a refractory metal, in particular molybdenum, tungsten or the like. The advantage of this is that due to the properties of refractory metals such as high melting point and the like, a reliable production of glass is made possible.

Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the drawings and from the associated description of the figures on the basis of the drawings.

It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Preferred designs and embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, with the same reference symbols referring to the same or similar or functionally identical components or elements.

Figure list

• 1 a three-dimensional representation of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 2 a Läuterwall in cross section looking parallel to the width of the tub;
• 3 a front view of a plastering wall with impingement devices according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 4th a three-dimensional representation of a distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 5 a three-dimensional representation of a refining wall in the area of the bottom of the tub according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
• 6th Steps of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 shows a three-dimensional representation of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Shows in detail 1 a device 1 for melting and refining glass with an essentially rectangular tank here 3 with height 300 and width 301 . Along the width 301 , that is, along the transverse direction 100 the tub 3 extends within the tub 3 a wall of purification 2 , its height 200 is less than the height 300 the tub 3 . The wall of purification 2 has two walls 4a , 4b on, between which a gap 5 is formed. In the gap 5 is a weir 6th (please refer 2 ) arranged to form an overflow edge of the glass melt to be received in the tank. On the top of the wall of purification 2 are multiple covers 8th arranged that the purification wall 2 cover up. Overall are between the covers 8th three column 9 educated. The gap 9 or joints are used to glaze the weir when it melts completely, the covers 8th for setting the overpressure of the inert or forming gas at the weir 6th . The overpressure can be, for example, 100 microbar compared to the ambient pressure, the width of the gap can be, for example, between 1 mm and 20 mm, for example 10 mm.

2 shows in schematic form a refining wall in cross section with a viewing direction parallel to the width of the tub.

Shows in detail 2 the upper area of the purification wall 2 . Laterally - as already stated above - the lauter wall is made up of side walls 4a , 4b limited to the left and right. Between the two walls 4a , 4b and the top covers 8th becomes a crack 5 formed in which a substantially T-shaped weir made of molybdenum 6th is arranged. The weir 6th has a horizontal section in its upper area 6a , a horizontal section 6b and a vertical section 6c due to the T-shape. The transition area between the two sections 6b , 6c is not executed at right angles, but has a bevel 6d on showing a collection of any bubbles that may form on the horizontal section 6b should prevent. Due to the bevel 6d ascending bubbles are diverted upwards.

3 shows in schematic form a front view of a plastering wall with loading devices according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Shows in detail 3 now a longitudinal section of the Läuterwall 2 . Left and right of the lauter wall 2 are each several loading facilities 11 arranged one above the other, on both sides of the weir 6th can apply inert or forming gas to this. Likewise are below the wall of purification 2 several loading facilities 11 arranged side by side, the the weir 6th Can act on both sides with inert or forming gas. There is also a pressure sensor 12 ' a pressure measuring device 12th and a temperature sensor 13 'of a temperature measuring device 13th arranged so that pressure and temperature within the gap 5 can be measured for control and, if necessary, displayed to an operator. Pressure measuring device 12th and temperature measuring device 13th are with a control device 10 connected, the loading of the weir depending on the measured values 6th regulates with protective fluid.

4th shows in schematic form and in three-dimensional representation a distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Shows in detail 4th a distribution facility 14th . The distribution facility 14th includes a channel or conduit 20th which is connected to a protective fluid supply device and which the channel or the line 20th can apply protective fluid. Furthermore, the distribution device 14th two outlets 21 , 22nd on, whose distance from each other are dimensioned so that these the weir 6th can act on opposite sides with protective fluid, in particular evenly with protective fluid. The outlets 21 , 22nd are in the upper area as depressions in the surface of an otherwise flat, along the respective edge of the weir 6th extending surface formed.

5 shows, in schematic form and in three-dimensional representation, a refining wall in the area of the bottom of the tub according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Shows in detail 5 the structure of the device 1 in the area of the Lauter Wall 2 in the area of the bottom of the tub 3 . Via loading facilities 11 in the form of nozzles is a distribution device 14th applied with protective fluid. The distribution facility 14th Now again distributes the protective fluid as evenly as possible on both sides of the weir 6th to protect it, i.e. to prevent its oxidation. For example, between 2-5, in particular between 3-4 nozzles can be arranged per running meter in the horizontal direction, in the vertical direction between 3-7, in particular between 4-5 nozzles. The cross section of the nozzles is preferably round, but can also be angular, for example square or rectangular, depending on the circumstances. Gas can be used as protective fluid, which enters the gap between 5 l / min and 50 l / min 5 is provided by means of the protective fluid supply device. This rate is determined according to the predetermined measured values of the pressure and / or temperature measuring device 12th , 13th adjusted accordingly in order to generate a desired overpressure in the gap.

6th shows steps of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Shows in detail 6th Steps of a method for manufacturing a device for melting and refining glass.

The process comprises the following steps.

In a first step S1 a trough is provided at least for producing one Molten glass with a given height and a given width.

In a further step S2 a refining wall is provided which extends essentially in the transverse direction of the tank and whose height is smaller than the height of the tank, the refining wall having two walls to form a gap in which a weir is arranged to form an overflow edge of the glass melt, wherein a protective fluid supply device is provided, which is fluidically connected to the gap, and wherein the protective fluid device is designed to provide a protective fluid for protecting the weir in the gap with an overpressure relative to the surroundings of the trough.

• - Einfache und kostengünstige Durchführung
• - Einfache und kostengünstige Herstellung
• - Zuverlässiger Schutz des Wehrs gegenüber Oxidation
• - Einfache und zuverlässige Produktion von Gläsern
• - Flexible Herstellung verschiedenster Gläser mit einer einzigen Vorrichtung
• - Schnelle und kostengünstige Produktion von verschiedenen Gläsern

In summary, at least one of the embodiments of the invention enables at least one of the following advantages:

• - Simple and inexpensive implementation
• - Simple and inexpensive manufacture
• - Reliable protection of the weir against oxidation
• - Simple and reliable production of glasses
• - Flexible production of a wide variety of glasses with a single device
• - Fast and inexpensive production of various glasses

Although the present invention has been described on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments, it is not restricted thereto, but rather can be modified in many ways.

List of reference symbols

1

contraption

2

Lauterwall

3

Tub

4a, 4b

walls

5

gap

6th

Weir

6a

Upper edge of the weir

6b

Horizontal section of the weir

6c

Vertical section of the weir

6d

Bevel

7th

Protective fluid supply device

8th

Covers

9

columns

10

Control device

11

Loading device

12th

Pressure measuring device

12 '

Pressure sensor

13th

Temperature measuring device

13`

Temperature sensor

14th

Distribution facility

20th

Channel / line

21, 22

Outlet

100

Transverse direction

101

renewal

200

Height of the Lauter Wall

300

Height of the tub

301

Width of the tub

400

Lateral vertical areas on the Lauterwall

401

Horizontal area below the lauter wall

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 10236521 B4 [0005]

Claims (14)

Device (1) for melting and refining glass, comprising a tank (3) at least for producing a glass melt with a predetermined height (300) and a predetermined width (301), a refining wall (2) which extends essentially in the transverse direction ( 100) of the tub (3) and the height (200) of which is smaller than the height (300) of the tub (3), the refining wall (2) having two walls (4a, 4b) to form a gap (5), in which a weir (6) is arranged to form an overflow edge of the glass melt, characterized in that a protective fluid supply device (7) is arranged which is in fluidic connection with the gap (5) and wherein the protective fluid device (7) is formed, at least to provide a protective fluid for protecting the weir (6) in the gap with an overpressure in relation to the surroundings of the tub (3) during the commissioning process of the device (1). Device according to Claim 1 , characterized in that one or more covers (8) are arranged on the Läuterwall (2), which has a predeterminable number of gaps (9) and / or wherein a gap (9) is formed between at least two adjacent covers (8) . Device according to one of the Claims 1 - 2 , characterized in that the protective fluid is provided in the form of a gas. Device according to Claim 3 , characterized in that the gas is in the form of an inert gas, preferably nitrogen and / or a noble gas, and / or in the form of a forming gas, preferably with a proportion of hydrogen between 0 and 20% by volume, in particular between 0.5 and 10 % By volume, is provided. Device according to one of the Claims 1 - 4th , characterized in that at least one pressure measuring device (12) is arranged which comprises at least one pressure sensor (12 ') and which is designed to measure the pressure of the protective fluid within the gap, and / or a temperature measuring device (13) is arranged which comprises at least one temperature sensor (13 ') and which is designed to measure the temperature of the weir (6) within the gap (5). Device according to one of the Claims 1 - 5 , characterized in that a regulating device (10) is arranged which is designed to regulate the inflow of protective fluid to a predeterminable value based on the pressure measured by the pressure measuring device (12) and / or the temperature measured by the temperature measuring device (13). Device according to one of the Claims 1 - 6th , characterized in that the protective fluid supply device (7) comprises a plurality of loading devices (11) for loading the gap (5) with protective fluid, which are laterally vertical (400) on the Läuterwall (2) and / or below (401) the Läuterwall (2 ) are arranged and are fluidically connected to the gap (5). Device according to one of the Claims 1 - 6th , characterized in that the loading devices (11) are designed in such a way that they apply protective fluid to the weir (6) on both sides. Device according to Claim 8 , characterized in that the loading devices (11) are arranged symmetrically in the extension (100, 101) of the weir (6). Device according to Claim 8 , characterized in that the loading devices (11) are arranged in an extension (100, 101) of the weir (6) in one direction (100, 101) on different sides of the weir (6) and the weir by means of at least one distribution device (14) (6) protective fluid can be acted upon on both sides. Device according to one of the Claims 8 and 10 , characterized in that the loading devices (11) are arranged along the weir (6) alternately on different sides. Device according to one of the Claims 1 - 11 , characterized in that the weir (6) at its upper edge (6a) essentially has a T-shaped cross section with a horizontal and a vertical section (6b, 6c) and wherein in the transition between the two sections (6b, 6c) at least one bevel (6d) is arranged, which provides an angle of greater than 90 degrees between the two sections (6b, 6c). Device according to one of the Claims 1 - 12th , characterized in that the weir (6) is made at least partially from a refractory metal, in particular molybdenum, tungsten or the like. A method for producing a device (1) for melting and refining glass, comprising the steps of - providing (S1) a tank (3) at least for producing a glass melt with a predetermined height (300) and a predetermined width (301), - Providing (S2) a refining wall (2) which extends essentially in the transverse direction (100) of the tub (3) and the height (200) of which is smaller than the height (300) of the tub (3), the refining wall (2 ) has two walls (4a; 4b) to form a gap (5) in which a weir (6) is arranged to form an overflow edge of the glass melt, characterized in that a protective fluid supply device (7) is provided which is connected to the gap ( 5) is fluidically connected and the protective fluid device (7) is designed to provide a protective fluid to protect the weir (6) in the gap with excess pressure compared to the surroundings of the tub (3) at least during the commissioning process of the device (1).

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