GB497714A - Improvements in methods of making fibres from glass and similar meltable material - Google Patents

Abstract

497,714. Making glass fibres. EDWARDS, A. E. (Naamlooze Vennootschap Maatschappij tot Beheer en Exploitatie van Octrooien) June 22, 1937, No. 17335. [A Specification was laid open to inspection under Sect. 91 of the Acts, Dec. 23, 1937.] [Class 56] Relates to the manufacture of fibres of glass or similar fusible material by drawing from a molten mass, and consists in keeping any steam used in the process, at such a high temperature, during its contact with the fibres, that condensation cannot take place. The fibres may be made by a process, such as that described in Specification 428,720, in which molten glass flows in thin streams from nozzles b fitted to a furnace, and is drawn into fibres by blasts of steam, or gas containing steam, from blowers c. The current of steam envelops the fibres which pass into a spout d that opens into a hood f where the fibres accumulate on a foraminous conveyer belt g. The steam is superheated, and a burner k is provided at the mouth of the spout d so that hot gases are drawn from the flame into and down the spout. The burner k may be replaced by an annular burner arranged to surround the fibres within the spout d at a point where condensation of the steam is liable to begin. The casing is lagged with heat-insulating material l. Coating-material, such as greasy substances or rubber compounds, is applied to the fibres while they are hot. The material is projected on to the fibres by means of a spray gun n fitted to the back of the hood f and supplied with steam, or gas containing steam, by a pipe p. The spray impinges on all of the fibres and is distributed uniformly on the mat on the belt g. The high temperature at which the spray is applied evaporates water from a coating-emulsion leaving only oil drops of colloidal size to deposit on the fibres. Specification 475,384 also is referred to.