JP7286647B2 - Glass manufacturing apparatus and glass manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0168577 filed on Dec. 8, 2017, the contents of which are relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a glass manufacturing apparatus and a glass manufacturing method, and more particularly to a glass manufacturing apparatus and a glass manufacturing method capable of preventing breakage due to high-temperature molten glass.

Molten glass is produced by melting batch materials corresponding to raw materials and undergoing processes such as fining, stirring, and shaping to produce glass products. To process the molten glass, the molten glass is heated to a high temperature and conveyed to each processing unit.

Accordingly, there is a need for a glass manufacturing apparatus that can prevent breakage from hot molten glass during processing and transport of the molten glass.

According to aspects of the present disclosure, a glassmaking apparatus includes a melter configured to melt batch materials into molten glass, a finer configured to condition the molten glass, a first end a connecting tube including a portion and an opposite second end, the first end being in fluid communication with the melting vessel and the second end being in fluid communication with the fining vessel; a flange connected to the connecting pipe, the flange being connected to a power source and configured to apply an electric current to the connecting pipe to heat the connecting pipe; It extends linearly from one end to the second end.

According to one or more embodiments, the connecting tube can have a unitary construction.

According to one or more embodiments, the connecting tube can have an upward slope from the first end to the second end.

According to one or more embodiments, a connecting tube can include an inlet through which molten glass flows and an outlet through which molten glass is discharged. The cross-section of the connecting pipe seen perpendicular to the extending direction of the connecting pipe may have a circular shape with a constant diameter between the inlet and the outlet, and the outlet may have an elliptical cross-section. is.

According to one or more embodiments, the flanges can include a first flange adjacent the first end and a second flange adjacent the second end.

According to one or more embodiments, a glassmaking apparatus includes a support structure that supports a connecting tube,
can further include

According to one or more embodiments, the support structure can include a cradle surrounding at least a portion of the connecting tube.

According to one or more embodiments, the cradle may extend linearly along the extension direction of the connecting tube.

According to one or more embodiments, the cradle can have a unitary structure.

According to one or more embodiments, the glassmaking apparatus can further include an inlay layer positioned between the cradle and the outer surface of the connecting tube.

According to one or more embodiments, the connecting tube can include at least one of platinum and alloys thereof.

According to one or more embodiments, the connecting tube can have a gradually increasing diameter towards the second end.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the glassmaking apparatus includes a connecting tube extending between the melting tank and the fining tank to convey molten glass in the melting tank to the fining tank, the connecting tube comprising: a connecting tube configured to heat molten glass passing therethrough, the connecting tube extending linearly from an inlet through which the molten glass flows from the melting vessel to an outlet through which the molten glass is discharged into the fining vessel; and the outlet each have an elliptical cross-section.

According to one or more embodiments, the outlet can be located at a higher elevation than the inlet.

According to one or more embodiments, the glassmaking apparatus further includes a flange connected to the connecting tube, and a power source connected to the flange, the glassmaking apparatus directing electrical current from the power source to the connecting tube through the flange. applied to heat the molten glass passing through the connecting tube.

According to one or more embodiments, the glassmaking apparatus can further include a cradle surrounding at least a portion of the connecting tube, and an inlay layer disposed between the outer surface of the connecting tube and the cradle and surrounding the connecting tube. .

According to one or more embodiments, the cradle extends linearly along the connecting tube and can be of unitary construction.

According to one or more embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the outlet can be greater than the cross-sectional area of the connecting tube perpendicular to the extension direction of the connecting tube.

According to one or more embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the outlet can be greater than the cross-sectional area of the inlet.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a method of making glass comprises forming molten glass by melting batch materials in a melting vessel and flowing the molten glass from the melting vessel to a fining vessel through a connecting tube. and conditioning the molten glass by heating the molten glass as it passes through the fining vessel, wherein in the step of flowing the molten glass, the molten glass passes through a first connecting tube connected to the melting vessel. from the end of the connecting tube to the second end of the connecting layer connected to the fining tank, and current is applied to the connecting tube to cause the melt to flow along the connecting tube. It heats the glass.

1 is a cross-sectional view of a glass manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of part II of FIG. 1; 2 is a perspective view of the connecting pipe and flange of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view including a support structure including a cradle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the cradle of Figure 4; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view including a connecting tube according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing blister flow while molten glass flows through a connecting tube according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a blister flow while molten glass flows through a connecting tube according to a comparative example; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the amount of heat generated from a connecting tube heated through a flange according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the amount of heat generated from a comparative connecting tube heated through a flange; 1 is a conceptual diagram of a glass manufacturing system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG.

The disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings that illustrate illustrative embodiments. The subject matter of this disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the subject matter of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the thickness of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate like parts wherever possible. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited by the relative sizes or spacing of the accompanying drawings.

Terms such as "first," "second," etc. may be used to describe various components, but such components are not limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. Consistently, for example, a first component can refer to a second component, or a second component can refer to a first component.

The terminology used herein to describe various exemplary embodiments is intended to be used only to describe exemplary embodiments and to limit various further embodiments. shouldn't. Singular references include plural references unless the context dictates otherwise. The term "comprise" or "can include" as used in various exemplary embodiments herein can indicate the presence of a corresponding function, operation, or component, one or more does not limit the further functionality, operation or components of The terms "comprising" and/or "comprises" when used herein may indicate the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, acts, elements and/or components. , the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, acts, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The specific processing order may differ from the stated order when an embodiment may be used in a different manner. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially concurrently or in the reverse order of the described order.

For example, manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances are expected to vary from the illustrated shape. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the specific shaped regions illustrated herein, but should be construed to include, for example, manufacturing deviations in shape. As used herein, the term "and/or" is meant to include any of the associated listed items and all combinations of one or more of the items.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a glass manufacturing apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, a glass making apparatus 100 may include a melting vessel 110, a fining vessel 120, and a connecting tube 130. As shown in FIG.

Melting tank 110 may be configured to contain molten glass (MG) produced by melting batch materials corresponding to raw materials. Batch material may be introduced into melter 110 in arrow direction a1 through an inlet in the wall of melter 110 . Melting tank 110 may produce molten glass (MG) by melting batch materials. In some exemplary embodiments, a fining agent such as tin oxide may be added to the batch material.

The fining tank 120 may be positioned downstream of the melting tank 110 to refine the molten glass (MG) supplied from the melting tank 110 . Molten glass (MG) may be conditioned in a fining tank 120 . That is, the fining tank 120 heats the molten glass (MG), including removing blisters (i.e., air bubbles) from the molten glass (MG) as it passes through the fining tank 120. Reconciliation processing can be performed. Specifically, the fining tank 120 heats the molten glass (MG), and the fining agent contained in the molten glass (MG) generates oxygen through a reduction reaction. Blisters contained in molten glass (MG), such as blisters containing oxygen, carbon dioxide, and/or sulfur dioxide, can combine with oxygen produced by the reduction reaction of the fining agent and increase in volume. The grown blisters float to the free surface of the molten glass (MG) in the fining tank 120 where they exit the molten glass (MG). The blisters may be expelled out of the clarification vessel 120 through the gas phase space above the clarification vessel 120 .

A connecting tube 130 connects the melting vessel 110 and the fining vessel 120 to each other. The connection pipe 130 provides a channel through which the molten glass (MG) flows, and conveys the molten glass (MG) contained in the melting tank 110 to the refining tank 120 . That is, the molten glass (MG) contained in the melting tank 110 flows from the melting tank 110 to the refining tank 120 along the connecting pipe 130 in arrow directions a2, a3, and a4.

Connecting tube 130 may comprise a material that is electrically conductive and can be used in high temperature conditions. In some exemplary embodiments, connecting tube 130 can be formed of a platinum-containing metal, such as platinum, platinum rhodium, platinum iridium, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, connecting tube 130 may comprise a refractory metal such as molybdenum, palladium, rhenium, tantalum, titanium, tungsten, ruthenium, osmium, zirconium, or alloys thereof, and/or zirconium dioxide.

The glassmaking apparatus 100 is configured such that the molten glass (MG) is maintained at a temperature above a predetermined temperature until it reaches the fining tank 120 (i.e., the molten glass (MG) is prevented from cooling below a predetermined temperature). so as to prevent), to heat the molten glass (MG) passing through the connecting tube 130 . For example, cooling of the molten glass (MG) may be prevented by supplying a greater amount of heat to the molten glass (MG) than the heat loss due to conduction and convection of the molten glass (MG) flowing through the connecting tube 130 . For example, the first temperature is the temperature at which the batch material is heated to that temperature in the melting tank 110 to form molten glass (MG), and the fining tank 120 is to heat the molten glass (MG) to that temperature to form molten glass. When the temperature for fining (MG) is the second temperature, the molten glass MG passing through the connecting tube 130 can be heated to a temperature between the first temperature and the second temperature.

The glass making apparatus 100 may be configured to directly heat molten glass (MG) flowing along the connecting tube 130 . Specifically, connecting tube 130 may be configured to be heated by an electrical current through the wall of connecting tube 130 . Molten glass (MG) flowing along the connecting pipe 130 can be heated by the connecting pipe 130 heated by the electric current. For example, if the connecting tube 130 contains platinum, the connecting tube 130 may be referred to as a Direct Heated Platinum System (DHPS).

In some exemplary embodiments, to apply an electric current to molten glass (MG) flowing along connecting tube 130, glassmaking apparatus 100 includes flange 140 connected to connecting tube 130 and flange 140 may include a power source 141 electrically connected through cable 143 to the . Power supply 141 may generate alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) current. A plurality of flanges 140 may be provided. For example, two flanges 140 may be provided at the two ends of connecting tube 130 .

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of part II of FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of connecting tube 130 and flange 140 of FIG.

2 and 3, the connecting tube 130 can have a linear tubular shape. In this specification, the connecting pipe 130 having a linear tubular shape means that the connecting pipe 130 extends linearly along a certain direction and does not include a bent or curved portion along the length direction. .

That is, the connecting pipe 130 is connected to the refining tank 120 from the first end 130e1 of the connecting pipe 130 connected to the melting tank 110 to the second end of the connecting pipe 130 opposite to the first end 130e1. It can extend linearly to the end 130e2. First end 130 e 1 is in fluid communication with melting vessel 110 and second end 130 e 2 is in fluid communication with refining vessel 120 . In other words, the connecting pipe 130 runs from an inlet 130i of the connecting pipe 130, through which the molten glass (MG) flows from the melting tank 110, to an outlet 130o of the connecting pipe 130, through which the molten glass (MG) is discharged into the fining tank 120. , can be linearly stretched.

Since the connecting tube 130 has a linear tubular shape, the connecting tube 130 can have a single structure. As used herein, a unitary structure may refer to a structure configured as one structure without the use of couplings or other means.

In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the connecting pipe 130 extends linearly, which prevents stagnation of blisters contained in the molten glass (MG) flowing along the connecting pipe 130 and also prevents breakage of the connecting pipe 130 due to heat concentration. The above effects are described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B.

The connecting pipe 130 has an inclined portion and can guide molten glass (MG) from the inlet 130i to the outlet 130o located at a higher height than the inlet 130i. That is, the connection pipe 130 can be inclined at a predetermined angle (θ) with respect to an arbitrary reference plane (eg, XY plane) perpendicular to the direction of gravity (eg, the direction opposite to the Z direction). In other words, the connection pipe 130 can be linearly extended such that the central axis ax of the connection pipe 130 is inclined at a predetermined angle (θ) with respect to the reference plane.

A cross section of the connecting pipe 130 seen perpendicular to the extending direction of the connecting pipe 130 (that is, the central axis ax) has, for example, a circular shape with a constant diameter D, and the inlet 130i and the outlet 130o of the connecting pipe 130 are , for example, may have an elliptical cross-section. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, inlet 130i may have an elliptical cross-section with a major axis (La) and a minor axis (Sa). As used herein, the long axis (La) may extend along the Z direction in FIG. 2 and the short axis (Sa) may extend along the Y direction in FIG. Similarly, outlet 130o may also have an elliptical cross-section with a major axis (La) and a minor axis (Sa). Therefore, the cross-sectional area of the outlet 130 o of the connecting tube 130 can be larger than the cross-sectional area of the connecting tube 130 perpendicular to the extending direction of the connecting tube 130 . Similarly, the cross-sectional area of the inlet 130i of the connecting tube 130 can be greater than the cross-sectional area of the connecting tube 130 perpendicular to the extending direction of the connecting tube 130 .

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view to describe support structure 150, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of cradle 151 of FIG.

4 and 5, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a support structure 150 that supports the connecting tube 130. As shown in FIG. The support structure 150 may be provided to protect the connecting pipe 130 from external impacts and to insulate the connecting pipe 130 from the external environment. Support structure 150 may include cradle 151 and inlay layer 153 . In some exemplary embodiments, cradle 151 and inlay layer 153 may comprise fire resistant materials.

Cradle 151 may be configured to have a groove 152 that surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface of connecting tube 130 and in which connecting tube 130 is disposed. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, cradle 151 may include a bottom and two sidewalls extending from the bottom and spaced apart from each other by connecting tube 130 disposed therebetween.

An inlay layer 153 may surround the outer surface of the connecting tube 130 . At least a portion of the nesting layer 153 may be disposed between the outer surface of the connecting tube 130 and the cradle 151 to fill the space between the connecting tube 130 and the cradle 151 .

As shown in FIG. 5, cradle 151 may extend linearly along connecting tube 130 . Cradle 151 may have first and second ends located opposite each other and may extend linearly from the first end to the second end. Further, the cradle 151 can be tilted with respect to the reference plane at an angle corresponding to the angle at which the connecting tube 130 is tilted with respect to the reference plane (eg, the XY plane).

Cradle 151 may have a unitary structure because cradle 151 extends linearly.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view to describe a connecting tube 130a according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 6, the connecting tube 130a may extend linearly from the inlet 130i' to the outlet 130o' and have a gradually increasing diameter toward the outlet 130o'. In other words, the diameter D2 of the connecting tube 130a adjacent to the second end 130e2′ connected to the fining tank 120 is equal to the diameter D2 of the connecting tube 130a adjacent to the first end 130e1 connected to the melting tank 110. It can be greater than the diameter D1 of tube 130a. In this case, the cross-sectional area of the outlet 130o' of the connecting tube 130a may be larger than the cross-sectional area of the inlet 130i' of the connecting tube 130a.

Since the connecting tube 130a may have a gradually increasing diameter, the space in which the blisters travel within the molten glass (MG) flowing along the connecting tube 130a may locally increase near the outlet 130o'. Therefore, the mobility of blisters contained in the molten glass (MG) may be less impeded near the exit 130o', reducing blister stagnation.

7A is a cross-sectional view showing blister (BL) flow while molten glass (MG) flows through connecting tube 130 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view showing blister (BL) flow while molten glass (MG) flows through connecting tube 230 according to a comparative example.

Referring to FIG. 7A, the blisters (BL) contained in the molten glass (MG) flow from the entrance 130i of the connecting pipe 130 to the exit 130o along the flow of the molten glass (MG) along the connecting pipe 130. can move. The blisters (BL) are less dense than the molten glass (MG) and have buoyancy, so they can move toward and along the upper wall of the connecting tube 130 . As shown in FIG. 7A, the connecting tube 130 extends linearly so that the blister (BL) can easily move along the connecting tube 130 to the outlet 130o.

Referring to FIG. 7B, the connection pipe 230 according to the comparative example may have a bent portion. That is, the connecting tube 230 may include a combination of straight and curved tubes. As shown in part A of FIG. 7B, stagnation of blisters (BL) can occur at the bent portion of the connecting tube 230 . That is, in the vicinity of the bend, the molten glass (MG) velocity can be locally reduced, resulting in erratic flow, eg, swirling. Therefore, blisters (BL) in molten glass (MG) can be trapped near the bends. An oxidation reaction may occur between the oxygen gas contained in the blister (BL) and the metal contained in the connecting tube 230 in the region where the blister (BL) is trapped. Due to the oxidation reaction of the connecting pipe 230 , the connecting pipe 230 may corrode and molten glass (MG) may leak from the connecting pipe 230 . Furthermore, the bent portion of the connecting pipe 230 is the portion where the straight pipe is connected to the bent pipe, and corrosion due to blisters (BL) can be accelerated at that portion.

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the amount of heat generated from connecting tube 130 heated through flange 140 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view showing the amount of heat generated from connecting tube 230 heated through flange 140 according to a comparative example. In Figures 8A and 8B, relatively dark areas indicate areas where relatively large amounts of heat are generated, and relatively light areas indicate areas where relatively small amounts of heat are generated.

Referring to FIG. 8A, when electrical current is applied to connecting tube 130 through flanges 140 coupled to two ends of connecting tube 130, connecting tube 130 can be heated. The portion of connecting tube 130 in contact with flange 140 results in a relatively high current density and, therefore, a relatively large amount of heat can be generated therefrom.

Referring to FIG. 8B, the connection pipe 230 according to the comparative example may have a bent portion. That is, the connecting tube 230 may include a combination of straight and curved tubes. A relatively large amount of heat can be generated from the bent portion of the connecting tube 230, as shown in portion B of FIG. 8B. This can result in high current densities and therefore high temperature areas at the bends of the connecting tube 230 . The high temperature region accelerates oxidation of the connecting pipe 230 and can cause damage to the connecting pipe 230 . In particular, the portion where the straight tube is connected to the bent tube is relatively weak, so the connecting tube 230 can be easily damaged by the high temperature region.

As described with reference to FIGS. 7B and 8B, the connecting pipe 230 according to the comparative example has a bent portion, so oxidation of the connecting pipe 230 is accelerated due to stagnation of blisters (BL), and the connecting pipe 230 is damaged due to heat concentration. sell. If the connecting tube 230 breaks, molten glass (MG) can leak, potentially causing a significant outage while the rest of the system is operating normally.

However, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the connecting tube 130 extends linearly, thereby preventing breakage of the connecting tube 130 due to stagnation of the blisters (BL) by increasing mobility of the blisters (BL), and furthermore, Damage to the connection pipe 130 due to an increase in current density can be prevented. Since breakage of the connecting tube 130 is prevented, contamination of the instrument due to leakage of molten glass (MG) can be prevented, and finally the life of the instrument can be extended. Specifically, a glass making apparatus including a connecting tube 130 according to the present disclosure can have a lifetime that is at least about 40% longer, such as at least about 50% longer, than an instrument including a connecting tube 230 according to a comparative example. For example, a glass making apparatus including a connecting tube 130 according to the present disclosure may have a lifespan that is about 40% to about 100% longer than an instrument including a connecting tube 230 according to the comparative example.

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram of a glass manufacturing system 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 9, the glass making system 1000 can include a melting vessel 110, a fining vessel 120, an agitating vessel 1410, a delivery vessel 1420, and a forming apparatus 1510. As shown in FIG. 9, a melting vessel 110, a fining vessel 120, an agitating vessel 1410, a delivery vessel 1420, and a forming apparatus 1510 are examples of molten glass stations arranged in series.

Melter 110 may receive batch material 1011 supplied from reservoir 1010 . Melting tank 110 may melt batch material 1011 . Batch material 1011 may be introduced by batch delivery device 1013 powered by motor 1015 . Optionally, controller 1017 may be configured to operate motor 1015 such that a desired amount of batch material 1011 is introduced into melter tank 110 as indicated by arrow a1. Glass height probe 1017 can be used to measure the height of molten glass (MG) in standpipe 1021 and the measured information can be sent to controller 1017 via communication line 1023 .

A fining vessel 120 , such as a fining tube, may be located downstream of the melting vessel 110 and connected to the melting vessel 110 through a first connecting tube 130 . A flange 140 that applies power to the first connecting tube 130 may be coupled to the first connecting tube 130 . First connecting tube 130 may include the connecting tube described with respect to FIGS. 1-3 and 6, and flange 140 may include the flange described with respect to FIGS. Additionally, although not shown in FIG. 9, a support structure 150 as described with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5 may be provided to support the first connecting tube 130.

An agitation vessel 1410 , such as an agitation chamber, may be positioned downstream of the clarification vessel 120 . The stirring vessel 1410 can homogenize the molten glass (MG) supplied from the fining vessel 120 . That is, the stirring tank 1410 can stir the molten glass (MG) so that the components of the molten glass (MG) are uniformly distributed. A delivery vessel 1420 , such as a bowl, may be positioned downstream of the agitation vessel 1410 . As shown in FIG. 9 , a second connecting tube 1430 may connect the clarification vessel 120 to the agitation vessel 1410 and a third connecting tube 1440 may connect the agitation vessel 1410 to the delivery vessel 1420 .

As shown in FIG. 9, discharge passage 1450 may be arranged to deliver molten glass (MG) from delivery vessel 1420 to inlet 1520 of forming apparatus 1510 . The forming apparatus 1510 can receive molten glass (MG) supplied from the delivery tank 1420 and form molten glass (MG). A forming apparatus 1510 may form molten glass (MG) into a sheet glass product 1511 . For example, forming apparatus 1510 may include a fusion draw machine that forms molten glass (MG).

Thus far, embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail. However, those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains can modify and implement the disclosure in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the following claims. should be. Therefore, future modifications to the embodiments of the present disclosure may not depart from the technology of the present disclosure.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments described herein are to be considered illustrative only and not for purposes of limitation. The description of features and aspects in each embodiment should typically be considered to be applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments.

While one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the drawings, workers skilled in the art will appreciate that various forms and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the following claims. You will find that you can change.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described item by item.

Embodiment 1
In the glass manufacturing equipment,
a melter configured to melt the batch material into molten glass;
a fining vessel configured to condition the molten glass;
A connecting tube including a first end and an opposite second end, said first end being in fluid communication with said melting vessel and said second end being in fluid communication with said fining vessel. a connecting tube for
a flange connected to the connecting tube, the flange being connected to a power source and configured to apply an electrical current to the connecting tube to heat the connecting tube;
The glass manufacturing apparatus, wherein the connecting pipe extends linearly from the first end to the second end.

Embodiment 2
2. The apparatus for making glass according to embodiment 1, wherein the connecting tube is of unitary construction.

Embodiment 3
The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1, wherein the connection pipe has an upwardly inclined portion from the first end to the second end.

Embodiment 4
the connecting pipe includes an inlet through which the molten glass flows and an outlet through which the molten glass is discharged;
A cross section of the connecting pipe viewed perpendicularly to the extending direction of the connecting pipe has a circular shape with a constant diameter between the inlet and the outlet;
4. A glassmaking apparatus according to embodiment 3, wherein the outlet has an elliptical cross-section.

Embodiment 5
2. The glassmaking apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein said flanges include a first flange adjacent said first end and a second flange adjacent said second end.

Embodiment 6
a support structure that supports the connection pipe,
11. The glassmaking apparatus of embodiment 1, further comprising.

Embodiment 7
7. The glassmaking apparatus of embodiment 6, wherein the support structure includes a cradle surrounding at least a portion of the connecting tube.

Embodiment 8
The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 7, wherein the cradle extends linearly along the extending direction of the connecting pipe.

Embodiment 9
8. The glassmaking apparatus of embodiment 7, wherein the cradle is of unitary construction.

Embodiment 10
an inlay layer disposed between the cradle and the outer surface of the connecting tube;
8. The glassmaking apparatus of embodiment 7, further comprising.

Embodiment 11
The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1, wherein the connection pipe contains at least one of platinum and its alloys.

Embodiment 12
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said connecting tube has a gradually increasing diameter towards said second end.

Embodiment 13
In the glass manufacturing equipment,
A connecting tube extending between the melting tank and the fining tank for conveying molten glass in the melting tank to the fining tank, the connecting tube being configured to heat the molten glass passing through the connecting tube. including connecting pipes,
the connecting tube extends linearly from an inlet where the molten glass flows from the melting tank to an outlet where the molten glass is discharged to the fining tank;
The glass making apparatus wherein said inlet and said outlet each have an elliptical cross-section.

Embodiment 14
14. A glass making apparatus according to embodiment 13, wherein the outlet is located at a higher height than the inlet.

Embodiment 15
a flange connected to the connecting pipe;
a power source connected to the flange;
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein an electrical current is applied from the power source through the flange to the connecting tube to heat the molten glass passing through the connecting tube.

Embodiment 16
a cradle surrounding at least a portion of the connecting tube;
14. The glassmaking apparatus of embodiment 13, further comprising an inlay layer positioned between an outer surface of the connecting tube and the cradle and surrounding the connecting tube.

Embodiment 17
17. The apparatus for making glass according to embodiment 16, wherein the cradle extends linearly along the connecting tube and has a unitary structure.

Embodiment 18
14. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to embodiment 13, wherein the cross-sectional area of the outlet is larger than the cross-sectional area of the connecting pipe perpendicular to the extending direction of the connecting pipe.

Embodiment 19
14. The apparatus of embodiment 13, wherein the cross-sectional area of the outlet is greater than the cross-sectional area of the inlet.

Embodiment 20
In the glass manufacturing method,
forming molten glass by melting batch materials in a melting tank;
flowing the molten glass from the melting tank to a fining tank through a connecting pipe;
conditioning the molten glass by heating the molten glass as it passes through the fining vessel;
In the step of flowing the molten glass, the molten glass flows linearly from a first end of the connecting tube connected to the melting tank to a second end of the connecting layer connected to the fining tank. A method of manufacturing glass, wherein the molten glass flows along the extending connecting tube, and an electric current is applied to the connecting tube to heat the molten glass flowing along the connecting tube.

110 melting tank 120 clarification tank 130 connecting pipe 140 flange 141 power supply 150 support structure 151 cradle

Claims (13)

In the glass manufacturing equipment,
a melter configured to melt the batch material into molten glass;
a fining vessel configured to condition the molten glass;
A connecting tube including a first end and an opposite second end, said first end being in fluid communication with said melting vessel and said second end being in fluid communication with said fining vessel. a connecting tube for
a flange connected to the connecting tube, the flange being connected to a power source and configured to apply an electrical current to the connecting tube to heat the connecting tube;
The connecting pipe extends linearly from the first end to the second end ,
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said connecting tube has a gradually increasing diameter towards said second end . the connecting pipe includes an inlet through which the molten glass flows and an outlet through which the molten glass is discharged;
A cross section of the connecting pipe viewed perpendicularly to the extending direction of the connecting pipe has a circular shape with a constant diameter between the inlet and the outlet;
2. The glassmaking apparatus of claim 1, wherein said outlet has an elliptical cross-section. 3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein said flanges include a first flange adjacent said first end and a second flange adjacent said second end. a support structure that supports the connection pipe,
4. The glassmaking apparatus of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising. 5. The glassmaking apparatus of claim 4, wherein said support structure includes a cradle surrounding at least a portion of said connecting tube. an inlay layer disposed between the cradle and the outer surface of the connecting tube;
6. The glass making apparatus of claim 5, further comprising. In the glass manufacturing equipment,
A connecting tube extending between the melting tank and the fining tank for conveying molten glass in the melting tank to the fining tank, the connecting tube being configured to heat the molten glass passing through the connecting tube. connected pipe
including
the connecting tube extends linearly from an inlet where the molten glass flows from the melting tank to an outlet where the molten glass is discharged to the fining tank;
said inlet and said outlet each have an elliptical cross-section;
The glass making apparatus, wherein the cross-sectional area of the outlet is greater than the cross-sectional area of the inlet. 8. A glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said exit is positioned at a higher height than said entrance. a flange connected to the connecting pipe;
a power source connected to said flange; and
further comprising
9. A glass making apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, arranged to apply an electric current from the power source through the flange to the connecting tube to heat the molten glass passing through the connecting tube. a cradle surrounding at least a portion of the connecting tube;
an inlay layer disposed between the outer surface of the connecting tube and the cradle and surrounding the connecting tube;
10. The glassmaking apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the cradle extends linearly along the connecting tube and has a single structure. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the cross-sectional area of the outlet is larger than the cross-sectional area of the connecting pipe perpendicular to the extending direction of the connecting pipe. In the glass manufacturing method,
forming molten glass by melting batch materials in a melting tank;
flowing the molten glass from the melting tank to a fining tank through a connecting pipe;
conditioning the molten glass by heating the molten glass as it passes through the fining vessel;
including
In the step of flowing the molten glass, the molten glass flows linearly from a first end of the connecting tube connected to the melting tank to a second end of the connecting tube connected to the fining tank. the molten glass flowing along the connecting tube that extends and has a diameter that gradually increases toward the second end, wherein an electric current is applied to the connecting tube to cause the molten glass to flow along the connecting tube; A glass manufacturing method comprising heating the

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