TW201630824A - Apparatus for making a glass article and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods of making a glass article comprise the step of flowing molten glass into an inlet of a conduit (132, 136), wherein the molten glass entering the inlet includes a flow profile with a first quantity (182) traveling in the conduit at a lower elevation than a second quantity (184) traveling in the conduit. The method further includes the step of twisting the flow profile within the conduit such that the first quantity travels in the conduit at a higher elevation than the second quantity. In further examples, apparatus for making a glass article comprise a helical vane (170) nonrotatably fixed in a conduit (132, 136) and configured to twist a flow profile (180) of a molten glass flowing within the conduit.

Description

Apparatus and method for manufacturing glass articles

This application is based on the benefit of the priority of the U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/480,428, filed on Apr. 29, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The present disclosure relates generally to apparatus and methods for making glass articles, and more particularly to apparatus for redirecting glass fluid within a conduit, and to a method of making a glass article, the method comprising the following Step: Redirect the flow profile of the molten glass within the conduit.

Glass manufacturing systems are commonly used to shape a variety of glass articles, such as glass sheets that can be used in liquid crystal displays (LEDs). For example, conventionally, molten glass is poured into an isopipe, a molding container, a debiteuse, or other molded structure in which a glass ribbon is formed by a pull-down process, such as melting down. formula (fusion down-draw) process. The glass ribbon can then be divided into a plurality of panels, for example: an LCD glass panel is provided.

Glass quality attributes for flat glass applications (especially for LCD panel applications) are becoming more stringent. There are two interrelated properties, both of which are related to the process of agitating the glass in the mixing chamber: the defect in the flatness of the finished glass surface (known as "mura" or "cord"). "), and precious metal particle inclusions, which are caused by corrosion of the stirring blade and corrosion of the chamber wall. Corrugation-cord is common in the absence of glass homogeneity or insufficient glass mixing prior to delivery of the finished product. The resulting change in panel thickness translates into a change in the liquid crystal gap that can cause erroneous operation of the LCD. Precious metal impurities cause discontinuities in the glass panel body, causing "black spot" defects in the finished LCD.

The purpose of the agitation system is to reduce the chemical changes in the glass, which are abnormalities in the melting process, such as batch melting, decomposition products from the refractory of the sump, and the like. Optimal glass agitation is the equilibrium behavior between two phenomena: glass homogenization and material corrosion, both of which are enhanced by increasing the shear between the stir bar and the walls of the mixing chamber for the finished product. Glass quality, glass homogenization Strengthening is an advantage, and material corrosion is a disadvantage. The inventors have found a solution to improve glass homogenization without increasing the speed of the stir bar. The numerical model results and the oil model results indicate that the glass entering the agitation chamber from the bottom of the conduit is less mixed by the agitator, which connects the clarifier to the agitation chamber. This position also corresponds to the glass with the highest degree of non-uniformity: the sludge layer. Thus, the homogeneity of the overall glass exiting the agitation chamber can be improved by redirecting the least homogeneous feed glass to a location characterized by improved mixing in the agitator.

By redirecting the defined glass stream segment and directing the defined glass stream segment to a location in the agitation chamber, the trace quality of the glass product will be improved and the defined glass stream segment will be in that position It is effectively mixed. Therefore, two goals can be achieved: 1. reducing the mark to meet the customer's strict requirements for the flatness of the glass surface; and 2. for more efficient homogenization in the stirring chamber, it is possible to reduce the stirring speed to reduce the stirring chamber The number of platinum particles produced in the process.

According to one aspect, a method of making a glass article is provided, the method comprising the steps of: (I) melting a batch material in a glass melter to produce molten glass; (II) melting the glass Delivered to a finning chamber; (III) removes glass bubbles from the molten glass in the clarification chamber; (IV) passes the molten glass from the clarification chamber to the inlet of the conduit, the conduit is in the clarification chamber Providing fluid between the stir chamber Connected, wherein the molten glass entering the inlet includes: a flow profile having a first flow rate that flows within the conduit at a lower elevation than the second flow, the second flow being Flowing in the second conduit; (V) twisting the fluid profile in the conduit such that the first flow rate flows within the conduit at a higher elevation than the second flow rate; (VI) sending the molten glass from the outlet of the conduit to the agitation (VII) agitating the molten glass in the agitation chamber; and (VIII) feeding the flow of molten glass from the agitation chamber to a forming vessel to shape the glass article.

According to a second aspect, the method of aspect 1, wherein the shaped container comprises: an isopipe, and the glass article comprises: a glass plate by a fusion down- Draw) The process is formed.

According to a third aspect, the method of Aspect 1 or Aspect 2, wherein the step (V) comprises: twisting the fluid profile with the device, the device being located within the catheter.

According to a fourth aspect, the method of any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the step (V) comprises: twisting the fluid profile with a helical vane.

According to a fifth aspect, the method of aspect 4, wherein during the step (V), the helical blade maintains a non-rotatable fixation relative to the conduit when the fluid profile is twisted.

According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a method of making a glass article, the method comprising the steps of: (I) melting a batch of material in a glass melter to produce molten glass; (II) passing molten glass through an inlet of the conduit, The conduit provides fluid communication between the glass melter and the clarification chamber, wherein the molten glass entering the inlet includes: a fluid profile having a first flow rate at a lower elevation than the second flow rate Flowing within the conduit, the second flow flows within the conduit; (III) twisting the fluid profile within the conduit such that the first flow is at a higher elevation than the second flow, flowing within the conduit; (IV) melting The glass is sent from the outlet of the conduit to the clarification chamber; (V) the glass bubbles are removed from the molten glass in the clarification chamber; (VI) the molten glass is sent from the clarification chamber to the agitation chamber; (VII) The molten glass is stirred in the stirring chamber; and (VIII) the flow rate of the molten glass is sent from the stirring chamber to the molding container to shape the glass article.

According to a seventh aspect, the method of aspect 6, wherein the shaped container comprises: an isopipe, and the glass article comprises: a glass plate by a fusion down- Draw) The process is formed.

According to an eighth aspect, the method of Aspect 6 or Aspect 7, wherein the step (III) comprises: twisting the fluid profile with the device, the device being located within the catheter.

According to a ninth aspect, the method of any one of aspects 6 to 8, wherein the step (III) comprises: twisting the fluid profile with a helical vane.

According to a tenth aspect, the method of aspect 9, wherein the helical blade maintains a non-rotatable fixation relative to the catheter during the step of reversing the fluid profile during the step (III).

According to an eleventh aspect, there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing a glass article, the apparatus comprising: a glass melter configured to melt a batch material into molten glass; a clarification chamber, the clarification chamber Located downstream of the glass melter, wherein the clarification chamber is configured to receive the molten glass by the glass melter; the agitating chamber is located downstream of the clarification chamber; the conduit is configured to provide a path through which the molten glass flows from the clarification chamber to the agitation chamber; a spiral blade that is non-rotatably fixed in the conduit, and the spiral blade is configured to twist a fluid profile of the molten glass in the conduit; A molding vessel is located downstream of the agitating chamber, wherein the forming vessel is configured to receive the molten glass from the agitating chamber and shape the glass article.

According to a twelfth aspect, the apparatus of the aspect 11, wherein the molding container comprises: an isostatic tube configured to melt the glass member from the molten glass.

According to a thirteenth aspect, the apparatus of the aspect 11 or the aspect 12, wherein the spiral blade comprises: an upstream end and a downstream end, wherein the blade is twisted at an angle between the upstream end and the downstream end, the angle being about In the range of 90° to about 270°.

The apparatus of any one of aspects 11 to 13, wherein the spiral blade further comprises: an upstream edge, the upstream edge being located at an inclination of about 30° to about 60° with respect to the horizontal axis. At the oblique angle, the horizontal axis is perpendicular to the axial flow direction of the catheter.

According to a fifteenth aspect, there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing a glass article, the apparatus comprising: a glass melter configured to melt a batch material into molten glass; a clarification chamber, the clarification chamber Located downstream of the glass melter; a conduit disposed to provide a path for molten glass to flow from the glass melter to the clarification chamber; a spiral blade that is non-rotatably fixed in the conduit and the spiral The blade is configured to twist a fluid profile of the molten glass in the conduit; the agitating chamber is located downstream of the glass melter, wherein the agitation chamber is configured to receive the molten glass from the clarification chamber; A molding vessel is located downstream of the agitating chamber, wherein the forming vessel is configured to receive the molten glass from the agitating chamber and shape the glass article.

According to a sixteenth aspect, the apparatus of aspect 15, wherein the shaped container comprises: an isostatic tube disposed to cause the glass article to be melted out of the molten glass.

According to a seventeenth aspect, the apparatus of aspect 15 or aspect 16, wherein the spiral blade comprises: an upstream end and a downstream end, wherein the blade is twisted at an angle between the upstream end and the downstream end, the angle being about In the range of 90° to about 270°.

According to an eighteenth aspect, the apparatus of aspect 17 is provided, wherein the angle is about 180°.

The apparatus of any one of aspects 15 to 18, wherein the spiral blade further comprises: an upstream edge located at an inclination of about 30° to about 60° with respect to the horizontal axis. At the oblique angle, the horizontal axis is perpendicular to the axial flow direction of the catheter.

According to a twentieth aspect, the apparatus of aspect 19 is provided wherein the angle of inclination is about 45° with respect to the horizontal axis.

102‧‧‧Melt pull down equipment

104‧‧‧glass ribbon

106‧‧‧ glass melter

108‧‧‧ batch materials

110‧‧‧ storage tank

112‧‧‧Batch conveyor

114‧‧‧Motor

116‧‧‧Selective controller

118‧‧‧ arrow

120‧‧‧ detector

122‧‧‧ Height

124‧‧‧Solid glass

126‧‧‧

128‧‧‧Communication lines

130‧‧‧Clarification chamber

132‧‧‧First catheter

132a‧‧‧lower part of the catheter

134‧‧‧ stirring chamber

136‧‧‧second catheter

136a‧‧‧lower part of the catheter

137‧‧‧ entrance

138‧‧‧Mixed components

139‧‧ Export

140‧‧‧Rotatable shaft

142‧‧‧ arrow

144‧‧‧Transport container

146‧‧‧ third catheter

148‧‧‧ downflow tube

150‧‧‧ entrance

152‧‧‧Molding container

154‧‧‧ arrow

156‧‧‧Formed wedges

158‧‧‧Molded surface part

160‧‧‧Molded surface part

162‧‧‧ downstream direction

164‧‧‧ root

166‧‧‧ pulling plane

170‧‧‧Spiral blades

172a‧‧‧ upstream end

172b‧‧‧ downstream end

173a‧‧‧Spiral edge

173b‧‧‧Spiral edge

174a‧‧‧ upstream edge

174b‧‧‧ downstream edge

176‧‧‧ section axis

180‧‧‧Fluid profile

182‧‧‧First flow

184‧‧‧Second flow

190‧‧‧Axial flow

192‧‧‧ horizontal axis

200‧‧‧Upstream location

202‧‧‧downstream location

204‧‧‧ vertical axis

206‧‧‧ bubbles

208‧‧‧ entrance

210‧‧‧Export

212‧‧‧Electric flange

I‧‧‧ quadrant

II‧‧‧ quadrant

III‧‧‧ quadrant

IV‧‧‧ quadrant

‧‧‧‧ angle

‧‧‧‧ angle

The above and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood from the <RTIgt;

1 is a schematic view of an exemplary apparatus for manufacturing a glass article; and FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 along line 2-2, which shows a partial device; Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 4 is an enlarged view of an example spiral blade that is non-rotatably fixed in the conduit; Figure 5 is a conduit of Figure 4 along line 5-5. a cross-sectional view showing the upstream edge of the spiral blade; Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the catheter of Fig. 4 along line 6-6, the cross-sectional view showing the downstream edge of the spiral blade; The upper right perspective view of the spiral blade of Fig. 4; Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of the computer model. The computer model shows that when the spiral blade is installed, the fluid profile of the molten glass is redirected so that the upstream edge is at the level along the conduit. Axis; Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of a computer model showing that when the helical blade is installed, the fluid profile of the molten glass is redirected such that the upstream edge is at an angle of about 45 to the horizontal axis of the catheter.

Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of another example apparatus for making a glass article.

The invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which FIG. In the drawings, the same element symbols are used to represent the same or similar parts as much as possible. However, the implementation can be implemented in many different forms. The invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The exemplifications are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and comprehensive, and the scope of the claimed embodiments will fully convey the scope of the claimed invention to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic of a molten pull down device 102 for melting a glass ribbon 104, which is then used to process a glass sheet. The melt down draw apparatus 102 can include a glass melter 106 that is configured to receive a batch material 108 from a storage bin 110 and melt the batch material 108 into Molten glass 124. The batch material 108 can be introduced by the batch transfer device 112, which is powered by the motor 114. The selectivity controller 116 can be configured to activate the motor 114 to introduce a desired amount of batch material 108 into the glass melter 106 as indicated by arrow 118. Detector 120 can be used to measure the level 122 of molten glass 124 within standpipe 126 and communicate the measured information to controller 116 via communication line 128.

The melt down draw apparatus 102 can also include a fining chamber 130 (eg, a clarification tube) located downstream of the glass melter 106. The clarification chamber 130 is configured to receive the molten glass 124 by the glass melter 106. For example, in one example, the melt down device 102 includes a first conduit 132 that is configured to provide a path for the molten glass 124 to flow from the glass melter 106 to the clarification chamber 130.

The melt down draw apparatus 102 can further include a stir chamber 134 located downstream of the clarification chamber 130. The agitation chamber 134 is configured to receive the molten glass 124 from the clarification chamber 130. For example, the melt down draw apparatus 102 can include a second conduit 136 that is configured to provide a path for the molten glass 124 to flow from the clarification chamber 130 to the agitation chamber 134. In one example, the agitation chamber 134 can include a plurality of mixing elements 138 that are mounted to the rotatable shaft 140 for rotation about the axis of the rotatable shaft 140, as indicated by the turning arrow 142.

As shown, a forming vessel 152 can be located downstream of the agitation chamber 134, wherein the forming vessel 150 is configured to receive the molten glass 124 from the agitation chamber 134 and shape the glass article. For example, the melt down draw apparatus 102 can include a delivery vessel 144, such as a bowl, located downstream of the agitation chamber 134. The transfer container 144 can be configured to receive the molten glass 124 from the agitation chamber 134. For example, the melt down device 102 can include a third conduit 146 that is configured to provide a path for the molten glass 124 to flow from the agitation chamber 134 to the transfer vessel 144.

As further illustrated, the smelting down apparatus 102 can also include a downcomer 148 that is positioned to convey the molten glass 124 from the transfer vessel 144 to the inlet 150 of the forming vessel 152. As indicated by arrow 154.

Various shaped containers can be used in accordance with the aspects of the present disclosure, depending on the particular application. For example, shaped containers can be used to provide glass articles having a wide range of settings for different optical applications. For example, a shaped container can be designed to provide a glass lens or other optical glass assembly. In just one example, the shaped container can include: a device for processing the glass ribbon. Such a shaped container may include: down-draw, up-draw, float, fusion, press rolling, and slot extraction (slot) Draw) or other shaped containers used to produce glass objects. In one example, a shaped container can be designed to provide a glass ribbon that can be used in a variety of applications. For example, the glass ribbon provided by the shaped container can be further processed for incorporation into the following applications: liquid crystal displays, electrophoretic displays, organic light emitting diode displays, plasma display panels, or other displays or lighting applications.

In one non-limiting example, FIG. 2 illustrates an example shaped container 152 that can optionally include: isostatic tubes that are configured, for example, from molten glass Melt out the glass object. For example, Figure 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an exemplary isostatic tube for the melt down device 102 taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1. As shown, the forming vessel 152 includes a contoured wedge 156 that includes a pair of downwardly angled contoured surface portions 158, 160 that are opposite the contoured wedges 156. Extend between the ends. The pair of downwardly inclined profiled surface portions 158, 160 merge in a downstream direction 162 to form a root 164. The draw plane 166 extends through the root 164 where the glass ribbon 104 can be pulled along the pull plane 166 in the downstream direction 162. As shown, the pull plane 166 can bisect the root 164, although the pull plane 166 can extend in other directions relative to the root 164.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the molten glass 124 within the first conduit 132 and the second conduit 136 includes a fluid profile 180 having a first flow rate 182 that is greater than the second flow rate. The lower height of 184 flows within the conduit, and the second flow 184 flows within the conduit. In one example, the first flow 182 can flow along the lower portions 132a, 136a of the conduit, and the second flow 184 can flow over the first flow 182. Thus, the first flow rate 182 can be between the second flow rate 184 and the lower portion 132a, 136a of the conduit. In a further example, the second flow rate 184 can flow within the conduit at a higher elevation than the first flow 182 and laterally offset from the first flow 182 rather than above the first flow 182.

The melt down draw apparatus 102 can optionally include a structure within the first conduit 132 and/or the second conduit 136 that is configured to twist the fluid profile 180 in the conduit such that the first flow 182 is within the conduit The second flow 184 has a higher altitude flow. For example, in one example, the second flow rate 184 can flow below the first flow rate 182 such that the second flow rate 184 can be between the first flow rate 182 and the lower portion 132a, 136a of the conduit. In a further example, the first flow rate 182 can flow within the conduit at a higher elevation than the second flow rate 184 and laterally offset from the second flow rate 184 rather than above the second flow rate 184.

In one example, the structure can include a device located within the conduit to reverse the fluid profile. For example, the apparatus can include a helical vane 170 that is configured to redirect the fluid profile 180. As shown, the helical blade 170 can be non-rotatably secured in the first conduit 132 (as illustrated in FIG. 10) and/or in the second conduit 136 (as illustrated in Figures 1 and 3). ). As illustrated in Figures 4 and 7, if a helical blade 170 is provided, the helical blade 170 can be configured to twist the fluid profile 180 of the molten glass 124 in the conduits 132, 136.

The spiral blade 170 can include a wide range of settings. As illustrated in Figures 4 and 7, the helical blade 170 can include a smooth spiral arrangement to avoid a dead flow zone and minimize the pressure build up in the conduit. A smooth spiral arrangement can further avoid ebbing or other disturbances in the flow of glass as it is twisted. Thus, when the fluid profile is twisted with the helical blade 170, a smooth helical arrangement can allow for torsion of the fluid flow while minimizing disturbances in the fluid flow of the laminar flow. Still further, the spiral blade 170 comprises: a simple structure with a smooth arrangement that allows for the passage of any air bubbles that may not be able to leave the molten glass that passes through the conduit. While it is intuitively possible to remove the bubbles immediately with the redirecting device in the fluid path, it is surprising that allowing the glass bubbles to freely traverse can actually simplify subsequent removal of the glass bubbles in the molten glass. In fact, attempting to dissipate the bubbles by means of a redirecting device placed on the path of the molten glass can in fact lead to the accumulation or accumulation of bubbles, which can make the glass Subsequent removal of the bubbles prior to object formation becomes complicated. Thus, the simple geometry of the helical blade 170 assists in the passage of any bubbles that cannot pass through the path of the molten glass. The helical nature of the blade may thus undesirably assist in the removal of any air bubbles in the molten glass by: allowing the disturbance of the bubbles passing through the spiral blade 170 to be minimized.

As shown, the helical blade 170 can include an upstream end 172a1 and a downstream end 172b that define a continuous helical segment therebetween. Although not shown, a plurality of segments can be stacked continuously in the catheter to produce a desired redirect of the fluid profile 180, depending on the particular application.

As further illustrated in FIG. 7, the helical blade 170 can include two helical edges 173a, 173b that can assist in the installation of the helical blade 170 within the catheter. In one example, the helical edges 173a, 173b are press fit into the catheter, although the helical edges may be welded or mechanically attached to the catheter such that the helical blade 170 is non-rotatably mounted in the catheter.

As further illustrated, the upstream end 172a can include an upstream edge 174a and the downstream end 172b can include a downstream edge 174b. In the illustrated example, the edges are generally flat, but one or both of the edges may be round. Moreover, as shown, the edges are generally straight, but the edges can have a curved shape, such as an S shape (in still further examples).

As illustrated in FIG. 7, in one example, the helical blade 170 can include a shape that is flowwise in the axial direction 190. A clockwise rotational section axis 176 is created between the upstream edge 174a and the downstream edge 174b. In a still further example, the shape of the helical blade 170 can also be produced by rotating the cross-sectional axis counterclockwise between the first edge and the second edge. The section axis 176 is rotatable at a wide range of angles between the upstream end 172a and the downstream end 172b. For example, the section shaft 176 can be rotated such that the helical blade 170 twists an angle between the upstream end 172a and the downstream end 172b, the angle being in the range of from about 90° to about 360°, such as from about 90° to about 270°. , or at about 90° to about 180°. As illustrated in Fig. 7, and as is apparent from Figs. 5 and 6, in one example, the helical blade 170 can be twisted by an angle of about 180 between the upstream end 172a and the downstream end 172b.

A helical blade 170 having an upstream edge may also be mounted that is at a wide angle a relative to the horizontal axis 192 that is perpendicular to the axial flow direction 190. For example, the upstream edge may be inclined by an angle a from 0° to 180°, such as from about 30° to about 60° with respect to the horizontal axis 192. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the upstream edge 174a is located at an angle a of about 45° with respect to the horizontal axis 192. As shown, in Figure 6, the downstream edge 174b can also be at an angle β of about 45° with a 180° helical twist. As further illustrated in Figure 5, four quadrants I, II, III and IV are observed when viewed from the cross-section of the conduit and looking at the axial flow direction 190, with the upstream edge 174a diagonally in quadrant I and quadrant III. Extend between.

Figures 8 and 9 show a computer model using a helical blade similar to the blade illustrated in Figure 7, wherein the blade is twisted by an angle of about 180 between the upstream end 172a and the downstream end 172b, with axial The flow produces a shape resulting from a clockwise rotation of the section axis 176 in 190. Figure 8 shows the upstream edge 174a mounted along the horizontal axis 192. The computer model shows that when the molten glass 124 flows downstream from the upstream position 200 at the upstream end 172a of the helical blade 170 through the spiral blade 170 to the downstream position 202 at the downstream end 172b of the helical blade 170, the first flow of the fluid profile 180 182 was reversed. As illustrated by the dashed lines, the first flow rate 182 of the fluid profile 180 is redirected to a higher elevation and is within quadrant II and quadrant III.

Figure 9 shows the result of installing a helical blade having an upstream edge 174a that is at an angle a of about 45 with respect to the horizontal axis 192. However, unlike Figure 5, the installation of the computer model provides an upstream edge 174a that extends diagonally between quadrant II and quadrant IV. As shown, the computer model shows that when the molten glass 124 flows downstream from the upstream position 200 at the upstream end 172a through the spiral blade 170 to the downstream position 202 at the downstream end 172b, the first flow 182 of the fluid profile 180 is re guide. As shown, the movable downstream position 202 is mounted at an angle a of about 45° such that the downstream position 202 is redirected to a higher height and generally along the vertical axis 204 and above the upstream position 200, the vertical The shaft 204 is perpendicular to the horizontal axis 192. As shown, the downstream location can be about 50% of the height of the overall height of the catheter. In a further example, the height may be higher or lower than 50% of the height of the catheter.

As shown, the glass melter 106, the clarification chamber 130, the agitation chamber 134, the transfer container 144, and the molding container 152 are glass melted. As an example of a melt location, the glass melt locations can be continuously placed along the melt down device 102.

The glass melter 106 is typically constructed of a refractory material, such as a refractory (ceramic) brick. The melt down-draw device 102 may further comprise: a component typically composed of platinum or a metal comprising platinum, such as platinum-ruthenium, platinum-ruthenium or a combination of platinum-ruthenium and platinum-ruthenium, but The components may also include, for example, the following refractory metals: molybdenum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, titanium, tungsten, rhenium, iridium, zirconium and alloys of the metals and/or zirconium dioxide. The platinum-containing component can include one or more of the following: a first conduit 132, a clarification chamber 130 (eg, a thinner tube), a second conduit 136, a riser 126, a stirring chamber 134 (eg, a stirring chamber) The mixing element 138 is coupled to the rotatable shaft 140, the third conduit 146, the transfer container 144 (eg, the trough), the downcomer 148, the inlet 150, and the helical blade 170. The forming vessel 152 is also constructed of a refractory material and is designed to form a glass ribbon 104. In a further example, the forming vessel 152 may be constructed of other materials that may not necessarily be refractory materials. For example, the forming vessel 152 can comprise: all metal or metal coatings, although other materials may be used in further examples.

A method of manufacturing a glass article will now be described. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the method can include the steps of melting the batch material 108 in a glass melter 106 to produce molten glass 124. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the molten glass 124 is then sent to the clarification chamber 130, for example, by the first conduit 132. The method then includes the steps of removing the bubbles 206 from the molten glass 124 in the clarification chamber 130, and the molten glass The step 124 is directed by the clarification chamber 130 through the inlet 137 of the second conduit 136 which provides fluid communication between the clarification chamber 130 and the agitation chamber 134.

As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the molten glass 124 entering the inlet 137 includes a fluid profile 180 having a first flow rate 182 that is at a second lower level than the second flow rate 184. Flowing within the conduit 136, the second flow rate 184 flows within the second conduit 136. As further illustrated, the method can also include the step of redirecting the fluid profile 180 within the second conduit 136 such that the first flow rate 182 flows within the second conduit 136 at a higher elevation than the second flow rate 184. .

The method also includes the step of delivering molten glass 124 from the outlet 139 of the second conduit 136 to the agitation chamber 134. The molten glass 124 is then stirred in the agitation chamber 134. For example, the rotatable shaft 140 can be rotated as indicated by the turning arrow 142 to rotate the mixing element 138 (shown schematically in Figure 3). By the action of the stirring chamber 134, the molten glass 124 can be homogenized before the flow rate of the molten glass is sent from the stirring chamber to the molding container to shape the glass article.

It will be appreciated that the agitation chamber 134 is designed to reduce chemical changes in the molten glass 124 that are derived from the melting process. For example, melting the batch material, and decomposition of some of the equipment 102 (e.g., refractory), is an example of a source that can cause chemical changes in the molten glass 124. It is desirable to achieve an optimum mixing of the molten glass in the agitation chamber 134 to allow the molten glass 124 exiting the agitation chamber to the forming vessel. Homogenization is optimized. The optimum agitation is the balance between the homogenization of the glass, which can be enhanced by increasing the shear between the agitating element 138 and the wall of the agitating chamber 134. On the other hand, increasing the shear force can also increase the corrosion of the material within the agitation chamber 134, thereby increasing the undesirable chemical composition from the decomposition of the partially agitated chamber.

It is believed that redirecting the fluid profile 180 as discussed above can result in improved glass homogenization without increasing the rotational speed of the mixing element 138 in the agitation chamber 134. In a further example, redirecting the fluid profile 180 may allow for the same or increased homogenization, accompanied by a slower rotational speed of the mixing element; thereby reducing the decomposition caused by shear forces that are interposed between the mixing elements 138 is between the wall of the agitation chamber 134.

The modeling results indicate that the molten glass 124 entering the agitation chamber near the bottom of the fluid profile tends to be less in a position where it is less mixed by the agitation chamber 134. Since the defect tends to fall along the "sludge layer", the bottom position of the fluid profile corresponds to the greatest degree of heterogeneity in the molten glass 124. Thus, when entering the agitation chamber 134, redirecting the sludge layer at the first flow rate 182 of the fluid profile 180 to a higher elevation increases the overall homogeneity of the molten glass 124 exiting the agitation chamber 134.

Next, returning to Figure 1, the homogeneous mixing of the molten glass 124 can be passed through the third conduit 146 and the transfer vessel 144, through the downcomer 148 and into the inlet 150 of the forming vessel 152. As illustrated in Figure 2, the shaped vessel may comprise: isostatic tubes designed to melt The glass ribbon 104 is pulled down for subsequent processing of the glass sheet. When the glass ribbon 104 is formed from a more homogeneous molten glass 124, glass sheets can be fabricated having increased surface flatness of the finished glass, and the glass sheets are protected from precious metal particles, and the precious metal particles can be It is also created by the corrosion of the agitator blade and the walls of the agitating chamber, with a less efficient mixing procedure.

As illustrated in Figures 4 and 7, the redirection of the glass mixture can be achieved by twisting the fluid profile 180 with the helical blade 170. Moreover, when the helical blade 170 twists the fluid profile 180, the helical blade 170 can remain non-rotatably fixed relative to the second conduit 136.

Experimental evidence indicates that enhanced mixing can be achieved by redirecting the fluid profile 180 at the first conduit 132 or at the second conduit 136. FIG. 10 illustrates another example device 102 in which a fluid profile is redirected in a first conduit 132. In such an example, the method includes the initial step of melting the batch material in a glass melter to produce molten glass. The molten glass is then passed through an inlet 208 of a first conduit 132 that provides fluid communication between the glass melter 106 and the clarification chamber 130. As shown, the molten glass 124 entering the inlet 208 includes a fluid profile having a first flow rate 182 that flows within the first conduit 132 at a lower elevation than the second flow rate 184, the second Flow 184 flows within first conduit 132. The method then includes including the first conduit 132 The step of redirecting the fluid profile causes the first flow rate 182 to flow within the first conduit 132 at a higher elevation than the second flow rate 184.

The fluid profile in the first conduit 132 can be redirected by, for example, the aforementioned helical blade 170. In one example, the spiral vanes 170 can be located outside of electrical flanges 212 that are designed to provide an electronic heating circuit that passes between the electrical flanges 212 A conduit 132 provides impedance heating. Therefore, placing the spiral blade 170 at least partially in the glass melter 106 may avoid interference with the impedance addition circuit. The helical vanes 170 within the first conduit 132 also provide additional structural stability to the conduit 132, which can be easily deformed over time. This embodiment may have the added benefit of increasing the dissolution rate of the refractory stone of the melter by reducing the saturation of the refractory chemical composition in the glass surrounding the refractory chemical composition.

The method is then carried out by feeding molten glass from the outlet 210 of the first conduit 132 into the clarification chamber 130. The bubbles 206 are then removed by the molten glass 124 in the clarification chamber 130. The molten glass is then sent to the agitation chamber 134. As shown, when the first flow of material 182 enters the agitation chamber 134, the first flow of material 182 can still be located above the second conduit 136. Therefore, it is possible to increase the homogeneity of the molten glass and increase the quality of the glass article.

As noted above, increased surface flatness can be observed in glass articles (e.g., glass sheets) by redirecting the fluid profile. It is also possible to reduce the agitation speed of the mixing element 138 in the agitation chamber 134. Degree, thereby providing less corrosion and thus providing more homogenization within the agitation chamber. Still further, increasing the mixing efficiency may allow the size of the agitation chamber 134 to be reduced, thereby significantly reducing the cost of manufacturing the agitation chamber 134, which is typically fabricated from a precious metal.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be Therefore, the invention is intended to cover the modifications and alternatives of the invention, and the scope of the scope of the appended claims and the scope of the accompanying claims.

124‧‧‧Solid glass

132‧‧‧First catheter

132a‧‧‧lower part of the catheter

136‧‧‧second catheter

136a‧‧‧lower part of the catheter

170‧‧‧Spiral blades

172a‧‧‧ upstream end

172b‧‧‧ downstream end

174a‧‧‧ upstream edge

174b‧‧‧ downstream edge

180‧‧‧Fluid profile

182‧‧‧First flow

184‧‧‧Second flow

190‧‧‧Axial flow

Claims (12)

A method of manufacturing a glass article, the method comprising the steps of: (I) melting a batch material in a glass melter to produce molten glass; (II) passing the molten glass through a An inlet of the first conduit, the first conduit providing fluid communication between the glass melter and a fining chamber, wherein the molten glass entering the inlet comprises: a fluid a flow profile having a first flow rate that flows within the first conduit at a lower elevation than one of the second flow rates, the second flow rate being within the first conduit Flowing; (III) delivering the molten glass from one of the outlets of the first conduit to the clarification chamber; (IV) removing glass bubbles from the molten glass in the clarification chamber; (V) melting the glass The glass is passed from the clarification chamber through an inlet of a second conduit, the second conduit providing fluid communication between the clarification chamber and a stir chamber, wherein the inlet to the second conduit The molten glass includes: a fluid section a flow profile having a first flow rate, The first flow rate flows within the second conduit at a lower elevation than one of the second flow rates, the second flow rate flowing within the second conduit; (VI) the molten glass is from the second conduit The outlet is sent to the stirring chamber; (VII) the molten glass is stirred in the stirring chamber; (VIII) the flow rate of the molten glass is sent from the stirring chamber to a forming vessel so that the Forming a glass article; and (IX) twisting the fluid profile in one of the first conduit and the second conduit with a plurality of helical vanes, wherein the fluid profile is twisted with the plurality of helical vanes Thereafter, the first flow rate flows in the one of the first conduit and the second conduit at a higher elevation than one of the second flows. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of heating the one of the first conduit and the second conduit. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of helical blades comprises two helical edges, the helical edges assisting the helical blade to be mounted to one of the first conduit and the second conduit Inside. The method of claim 1, wherein the shaped container comprises: an isopipe, and the glass article comprises: A glass plate formed by a fusion down-draw process. The method of claim 1, wherein during the step (IX), the helical blade maintains a non-rotatable fixation relative to the one of the first conduit and the second conduit when the fluid profile is reversed. An apparatus for manufacturing a glass article, the apparatus comprising: a glass melter configured to melt a batch of material into a molten glass; a clarification chamber, the clarification chamber being located in the glass Downstream of the device, wherein the clarification chamber is configured to receive molten glass from the glass melter; an agitation chamber located downstream of the clarification chamber; a conduit configured to Providing a path for flowing molten glass from the glass melter to the clarification chamber, or providing a path for molten glass to flow from the clarification chamber to the agitation chamber; a plurality of spiral blades, the plurality of spiral blades Is non-rotatably fixed in the conduit, and the spiral blade is configured to twist a fluid profile of the molten glass in the conduit; and a shaped container located downstream of the agitating chamber, wherein The forming container is configured to receive melting from the stirring chamber The glass is shaped and shaped. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising: an electrical heating circuit, the electrical heating circuit being located in the conduit. The apparatus of claim 6 or 7, wherein each of the plurality of spiral blades includes a first spiral edge and a second spiral edge, the spiral edges being fixed to the first conduit and the second Among the ones of the catheters. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the shaped container comprises: an isostatic tube configured to cause the glass article to be melted out of the molten glass. The apparatus of claim 6 or 7, wherein the helical blade comprises: an upstream end and a downstream end, wherein the blade is twisted at an angle between the upstream end and the downstream end, the angle being about 90. Up to about 270°. The device of claim 10, wherein the angle is about 180°. The apparatus of claim 6 or 7, wherein the spiral blade further comprises: an upstream edge, the upstream edge being located at an inclination angle of about 30° to about 60° with respect to a horizontal axis, the horizontal axis system It flows axially perpendicular to one of the conduits.