GB965151A - Method and apparatus for forming a continuous glass sheet - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:0965151/C1/1> <PICT:0965151/C1/2> <PICT:0965151/C1/3> A method for supporting and controlling the temperature of a continuous glass sheet as it emerges from between the upper and lower forming rolls of a glass tank furnace in a pliable state comprises passing the sheet over a supporting tray on a fluid film interposed between the tray and sheet, and directing a fluid medium against the undersurface of the glass sheet in the region between the supporting tray and the lower forming roll to effect a cooling of the glass and to provide support for the sheet to prevent it from being distorted due to its own weight. Molten glass 11, Fig. 1, passes from a glass melting tank 10 through counter rotating rolls 13 to form a continuous sheet of glass 12 which travels over an air cushion on a tray 16 and thence on to rollers 15. The tray 16 comprises spaced water-cooled tubes 17 and a water cooled duct 18. Air, preferably moist, is directed upwards between the tubes 17 by conduits 21 which comprise two concentric tubes 53 and 54, Fig. 8, with spacers 55. Air supplied to the inner tube 54 passes through holes 57 into the outer tube 53 round which it diffuses before being discharged through holes 52. The duct 18, Fig. 5, comprises a water-tight tube within which are mounted a number of pipes 42 in end-to-end relation, the ends being closed by bulkheads 43. Air passes from the pipes 42 through spaced apertures 45 into an air header 46 and out through perforations 47. The temperature of this air may be controlled by controlling the temperature of the cooling water in the duct 18. The angle and height of the tray 16 is adjustable. In another embodiment the duct 18 is inclined upwardly with respect to the surface of the tubes 17. In a further embodiment, Fig. 10 (not shown), a water-cooled duct has an air conduit disposed not within but outside of and below the duct and adjacent the lower forming roll 13.