DE102020205045B4 - Device for melting and refining glass and method for producing such a device - Google Patents

Abstract

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 in the transverse direction (100) of the tank (3) and whose height (200) is smaller than the height (300) of the tank (3), wherein the refining wall (2) has two walls (4a, 4b) for forming a gap (5) in which a weir (6) is arranged for forming an overflow edge of the glass melt, characterized in that a protective fluid supply device (7) is arranged which is in fluid communication with the gap (5) and wherein the protective fluid device (7) is designed to provide a protective fluid for protecting the weir (6) in the gap with an overpressure compared to the surroundings of the tank (3), at least during the commissioning process of the device (1).

Description

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 substantially in the transverse direction of the tank and whose height is smaller than the height of the tank, the refining wall having two walls for forming a gap in which a weir is arranged for forming an overflow edge of the molten glass.

• - 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,
comprehensive the steps

• - providing a tank at least for producing a glass melt with a predetermined height and a predetermined width, and
• - Providing a refining wall which extends substantially in the transverse direction of the tank and whose height is smaller than the height of the tank, wherein the refining wall has two walls for forming a gap in which a weir is arranged for forming an overflow edge of the glass melt.

Although the present invention is generally applicable to any fining wall material, the present invention will be explained with respect to a fining wall comprising molybdenum.

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

In a well-known way - for example from the DE 102 36 521 B4 - When manufacturing glass, a refining wall with a weir made of molybdenum is used, which is located in a gap formed by supporting palisades on both sides. The weir, or more precisely the molybdenum of the weir, must be protected against oxidation during commissioning. To do this, the areas made of molybdenum are brushed with water glass and soda-lime glass panes are glued to the corresponding areas of the weir using the water glass. The entire gap between the weir and the supporting palisades is filled in an extremely complex manner with a ramming mass - 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 by residual oxygen in the device. The softening glass also protects the molybdenum in 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. Sintering of the ramming mass begins at temperatures of approx. 1100°C. The sintering process continues as the temperature continues to rise and leads to both solidification of the ramming mass and compaction. Compaction also leads to a reduction in the porosity within the ramming mass and thus to a gas-tight enclosure of the molybdenum in the weir.

If the device is now started to produce soda-lime glass or other glasses such as borosilicate glass, in other words if the device is operated with soda-lime glass or other glasses such as borosilicate glass as the first glass or starting glass, undesirable reactions occur between the oxidation protection ramming mass and 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.

From the US 4 029 887 A The introduction of an oxygen-free purge gas into an annular space in the lower area of a sealing device for connecting a removal channel of a glass melting device has become known. DE 1 596 459 A Furthermore, a device for thermal insulation between the melting zone and the setting zone in a glass melting furnace has become known.

An object of the present invention is therefore 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. A further object of the present invention is to provide a simple and inexpensive device for melting and refining glass and a simple and inexpensive manufacture of the same.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an alternative apparatus for melting and refining glass and an alternative method for producing an apparatus for melting and refining glass.

In one embodiment, the present invention achieves at least one of the above-mentioned objects in an apparatus for melting and Purifying glass,
full
a tank at least for producing a glass melt with a predetermined height and a predetermined width,
a refining wall which extends in the transverse direction of the tank and whose height 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 fluid communication with 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 compared to the environment of the tank, at least during the commissioning 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 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,
comprehensive the steps

• - providing a tank at least for producing a glass melt with a predetermined height and a predetermined width,
• - providing a refining wall which extends 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,

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 for protecting the weir in the gap with an overpressure compared to the environment of the tank, at least during the commissioning process of the device.

One of the advantages achieved with this is that it is possible to dispense with any kind of painting, gluing or ramming compound, which enables the simple, cost-effective production of different types of glass. In addition, the considerable waiting time of several months until another type of glass can be produced with the device without inclusions and bubbles after the initial starting glass is eliminated.

The term "commissioning", "commissioning process" or "commissioning procedure" is to be understood in the broadest sense and refers in particular in the description, preferably in the claims, to the process of initial commissioning of the device for producing a glass. The glass that is to be produced during initial commissioning 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 will become apparent thereby.

According to an advantageous development, one or more covers are arranged on the refining wall, which 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 from the rest of the device, for example the furnace chamber, 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 a cost-effective protective fluid and simple and cost-effective handling of the same.

According to a further advantageous development, the gas is provided 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 hydrogen content of between 0 and 20 vol.%, in particular between 0.5 and 10 vol.%. The advantage of this is that it provides sufficient protection of the weir against oxidation 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 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 is designed to measure the temperature of the weir within the gap. One of the advantages achieved in this way is effective control of the protective fluid and thus prevention of oxidation of the weir. In other words, the reliability of the manufacture of glasses is improved.

According to a further advantageous development, a control device is arranged which is designed to determine the pressure measured by the pressure measuring device and/or the temperature measured by the temperature measuring device. tur to regulate the flow of protective fluid to a predeterminable value. 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 glass manufacturing process.

According to a further advantageous development, the protective fluid supply device comprises a plurality of loading devices for loading the gap with protective fluid, which are arranged laterally vertically on the refining wall and/or below the refining wall and are fluidically connected to the gap. This effectively enables the weir to be loaded with protective fluid over the entire area.

According to a further advantageous development, the loading devices are designed in such a way that they apply protective fluid to the weir on two 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 loading of the weir with protective fluid and easy accessibility of the loading devices, for example for maintenance purposes.

According to a further advantageous development, the loading devices are arranged in an extension of the weir on different sides of the weir and the weir can be loaded with protective fluid 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 and the distance between two loading devices on the same side of the weir can be used more flexibly, as it is then larger than if all loading devices were arranged on the same side.

According to a further advantageous development, the weir has a T-shaped cross-section with a horizontal and a vertical section on its upper edge and at least one bevel is arranged in the transition between the two sections, which provides an angle of more than 90 degrees between the two sections. The advantage of this is that bubbles that arise and rise on the vertical sections of the weir are guided 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 and/or tungsten. The advantage of this is that the properties of refractory metals such as high melting point and the like enable reliable production of glass.

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

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

Preferred embodiments and embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like or similar or functionally identical components or elements.

• 1 in dreidimensionaler Darstellung eine Vorrichtung gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 2 einen Läuterwall im Querschnitt mit Blickrichtung parallel zur Breite der Wanne;
• 3 eine Frontalansicht eines Läuterwalls mit Beaufschlagungseinrichtungen gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 4 in dreidimensionaler Darstellung eine Verteilungseinrichtung gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 5 in dreidimensionaler Darstellung einen Läuterwall im Bereich des Bodens der Wanne gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung; und
• 6 Schritte eines Verfahrens gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung.

It shows in schematic form

• 1 in three-dimensional representation a device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 2 a refining wall in cross-section viewed parallel to the width of the tank;
• 3 a front view of a refining wall with loading devices according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 4 in three-dimensional representation a distribution device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 5 in three-dimensional representation a refining wall in the area of the bottom of the tank according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
• 6 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.

In detail 1 a device 1 for melting and refining glass with a tank 3 which is essentially rectangular in shape and has a height of 300 and a width of 301. Along the width 301, i.e. along the transverse direction 100 of the tank 3, a refining wall 2 extends within the tank 3, the height 200 of which is smaller than the height 300 of the tank 3. The refining wall 2 has two walls 4a, 4b, between which a gap 5 is formed. In the gap 5, a weir 6 (see 2 ) to form an overflow edge for the glass melt to be received in the tank. On the top of the refining wall 2, several covers 8 are arranged, which cover the refining wall 2 at the top. A total of three gaps 9 are formed between the covers 8. The gaps 9 or joints are used to vitrify the weir during full melting, the covers 8 are used to adjust the overpressure of the inert or forming gas at the weir 6. The overpressure can be, for example, 100 microbars 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 view parallel to the width of the tank.

In detail 2 the upper area of the refining wall 2. As already explained above, the refining wall is delimited laterally by side walls 4a, 4b on the left and right. Between the two walls 4a, 4b and the upper covers 8, a gap 5 is formed in which a substantially T-shaped weir 6 made of molybdenum is arranged. The weir 6 has a horizontal section 6a, a horizontal section 6b and a vertical section 6c in its upper area due to the T-shape. The transition area between the two sections 6b, 6c is not designed at a right angle, but has a bevel 6d, which is intended to prevent any bubbles that may form from collecting on the horizontal section 6b. Rising bubbles are diverted upwards by the bevel 6d.

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

In detail 3 now a longitudinal section of the purification wall of the 2 . To the left and right of the refining wall 2, several loading devices 11 are arranged one above the other, which can apply inert or forming gas to the weir 6 on both sides. Likewise, below the refining wall 2, several loading devices 11 are arranged next to one another, which can apply inert or forming gas to the weir 6 on both sides. Furthermore, a pressure sensor 12' of a pressure measuring device 12 and a temperature sensor 13' of a temperature measuring device 13 are arranged, so that the pressure and temperature within the gap 5 can be measured for control purposes and, if necessary, displayed to an operator. The pressure measuring device 12 and the temperature measuring device 13 are connected to a control device 10, which regulates the application of protective fluid to the weir 6 depending on the measured values.

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

In detail 4 a distribution device 14. The distribution device 14 comprises a channel or line 20 which is connected to a protective fluid supply device and which can supply the channel or line 20 with protective fluid. The distribution device 14 also has two outlets 21, 22, the distance between which is such that they can supply the weir 6 with protective fluid on opposite sides, in particular uniformly with protective fluid. The outlets 21, 22 are designed in the upper region as depressions in the surface of an otherwise flat surface extending along the respective edge of the weir 6.

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

In detail 5 the structure of the device 1 in the area of the refining wall 2 in the area of the bottom of the tank 3. A distribution device 14 is supplied with protective fluid via application devices 11 in the form of nozzles. The distribution device 14 then distributes the protective fluid as evenly as possible on both sides of the weir 6 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, and between 3-7, in particular between 4-5 nozzles in the vertical direction. 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 the protective fluid, which is injected into the gap at between 5 l/min and 50 l/min. 5 is provided by means of the protective fluid supply device. This rate is adjusted accordingly according to the predetermined measured values of the pressure and/or temperature measuring device 12, 13 in order to generate a desired overpressure in the gap.

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

In detail 6 Steps of a method for manufacturing an apparatus for melting and refining glass.

The procedure includes the following steps.

In a first step S1, a tank is provided at least for producing a glass melt with a predetermined height and a predetermined width.

In a further step S2, a refining wall is provided which extends substantially in the transverse direction of the tank and whose height is smaller than the height of the tank, wherein the refining wall has two walls for forming 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 tank.

• - 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 cost-effective implementation
• - Simple and cost-effective production
• - 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 cost-effective production of various glasses

Although the present invention has been described using preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto but can be modified in many ways.

List of reference symbols

1

contraption

2

Purification wall

3

Tub

4a, 4b

walls

5

gap

6

Weir

6a

Upper edge of the weir

6b

Horizontal section of the weir

6c

Vertical section of the weir

6d

Bevel

7

Protective fluid supply device

8th

Covers

9

columns

10

Control device

11

Loading device

12

Pressure measuring device

12`

Pressure sensor

13

Temperature measuring device

13`

Temperature sensor

14

Distribution facility

20

Channel/pipe

21, 22

Outlet

100

Transverse direction

101

renewal

200

Height of the Läuterwall

300

Height of the tub

301

Width of the tub

400

Lateral vertical areas on the Läuterwall

401

Horizontal area below the lautering wall

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 in the transverse direction (100) of the tank (3) and whose height (200) is smaller than the height (300) of the tank (3), wherein the refining wall (2) has two walls (4a, 4b) for forming 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 fluid communication with the gap (5) and wherein the protective fluid device (7) is designed to provide a protective fluid for protecting the weir (6) in the gap with an overpressure compared to the surroundings of the tank (3), at least 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 refining wall (2), which have 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 provided 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 hydrogen content of between 0 and 20 vol.%, in particular between 0.5 and 10 vol.%. Device according to one of the Claims 1 - 4 , 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 control device (10) 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 (12) and/or the temperature measured by the temperature measuring device (13). Device according to one of the Claims 1 - 6 , characterized in that the protective fluid supply device (7) comprises a plurality of application devices (11) for applying protective fluid to the gap (5), which are arranged laterally vertically (400) on the refining wall (2) and/or below (401) the refining wall (2) and are fluidically connected to the gap (5). Device according to one of the Claims 1 - 6 , characterized in that the application devices (11) are designed such that they apply protective fluid to the weir (6) on two 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 application 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 (6) can be applied with protective fluid on two sides by means of at least one distribution device (14). Device according to one of the Claims 8 and 10 , characterized in that the loading devices (11) are arranged alternately on different sides along the weir (6). Device according to one of the Claims 1 - 11 , characterized in that the weir (6) has a T-shaped cross-section with a horizontal and a vertical section (6b, 6c) on its upper edge (6a), 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 - 12 , characterized in that the weir (6) is at least partially made of a refractory metal, in particular molybdenum and/or tungsten. Method for producing a device (1) for melting and refining glass, comprising the steps - 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 in the transverse direction (100) of the tank (3) and whose height (200) is smaller than the height (300) of the tank (3), wherein the refining wall (2) has two walls (4a; 4b) for forming a gap (5) in which a weir (6) is arranged for forming an overflow edge of the glass melt, characterized in that a protective fluid supply device (7) is provided which is fluidically connected to the gap (5), and wherein the protective fluid device (7) is designed to provide a protective fluid for protecting the weir (6) in the gap with an overpressure compared to the environment of the trough (3), at least during the commissioning process of the device (1).

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