TW201821377A - Liquid metal viscosity control of molten glass - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and apparatus for controlling the viscosity of a glass melt flowing through a glass processing conduit. The viscosity of the glass melt can be controlled by controlling the temperature and flow rate of a liquid metal, such as tin, flowing through the heat transfer conduit, which extends around at least a portion of the glass processing conduit.

Description

Liquid metal viscosity control of molten glass

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/415,098, filed on Jan. 31, s. Into this article.

The apparatus and method for controlling the viscosity of molten glass, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for controlling the viscosity of molten glass using liquid metal as a heat transfer medium.

In the production of glass products, such as glass sheets for display applications, including televisions and handheld devices such as telephones and tablets, there is a continuing need to improve the efficiency of glass manufacturing processes, including extending the capital facilities used in such processes. Effective life. In a glass sheet manufacturing process (eg, a melt down draw process), the glass forming body can undergo a gradual change in shape during production activities. For example, the glass forming body can experience sagging as a result of exposure to elevated temperatures for extended periods of time. This sagging can be counteracted by, for example, varying the relative mass flow of the molten glass covering the ends of the glass forming body relative to the molten glass mass flow covering the middle. This mass flow change can be achieved by adjusting the viscosity of the molten glass to the glass forming body. Accordingly, there is a need for a robust and reliable way to control the viscosity of molten glass during the production of glass articles.

Embodiments disclosed herein include methods for controlling the viscosity of a glass melt flowing through a glass processing conduit. The method includes the steps of flowing a liquid metal through a heat transfer conduit that extends around at least a portion of the glass melt flowing through the glass processing conduit. The method also includes the steps of controlling the temperature and flow rate of the liquid metal flowing through the heat transfer conduit relative to the temperature and flow rate of the glass melt flowing through the glass processing conduit to control flow through the glass processing conduit The viscosity of the glass melt is within a predetermined range.

Embodiments disclosed herein also include apparatus for controlling the viscosity of a glass melt flowing through a glass processing conduit. The apparatus includes a heat transfer conduit extending around at least a portion of the glass processing conduit. The apparatus is configured to control a temperature and a flow rate of liquid metal flowing through the heat transfer conduit relative to a temperature and a flow rate of the glass melt flowing through the glass processing conduit to control the glass melting through the glass processing conduit The viscosity of the body is within a predetermined range.

Additional features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will be set forth in the <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; The following detailed description, the scope of the patent application, and the drawings are included.

It is to be understood that the foregoing general description The drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the description, illustrate the principles and operation of the disclosure.

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments embodiments Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings to the However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments set forth herein.

Here, the range can be expressed by "about" a specific value and/or to "about" another specific value. When the range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when the value is an approximation, such as the use of the It should be further understood that the endpoints of each range are meaningful and independent of the other endpoints.

The directional terms (eg, up, down, right, left, front, back, top, bottom) used herein are used merely to refer to the drawings and are not intended to imply an absolute orientation.

Except as expressly stated, it is not intended that any of the methods presented herein be interpreted as requiring that the steps of the methods be performed in a particular order or that the device is in a particular orientation. Accordingly, the method request item does not actually describe the order in which the steps of the method are followed, or any device request item does not actually describe the order or orientation of the individual components, or does not specifically recite such items in the claim or specification. The order is not intended to infer a sequence or orientation in any way, in a particular order, or a particular order or orientation of the components of the device. This is maintained for any possible non-representation basis for interpretation, including: logic issues related to step arrangement, operational flow, component order, or component orientation; clear meanings obtained from grammatical organization or punctuation, and; The number or type of embodiments described.

As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" Thus, for example, reference to "a" or "a" or "an"

An exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 10 is illustrated in FIG. In some examples, glass manufacturing apparatus 10 can include a glass melting furnace 12 that can include a melting vessel 14. In addition to the melting vessel 14, optionally, the glass melting furnace 12 may include one or more additional components, such as heating elements (eg, burners or electrodes) to heat the feedstock and convert the feedstock to molten glass. In a further example, the glass melting furnace 12 can include a thermal management device (eg, an insulating component) to reduce heat loss from near the molten vessel. In still further examples, the glass melting furnace 12 can include electronics and/or electromechanical devices to facilitate melting the feedstock into a glass melt. Still further, the glass melting furnace 12 can include support structures (eg, support frames, support members, etc.) or other components.

The glass melting vessel 14 is typically comprised of a refractory material, such as a refractory ceramic material, for example, a refractory ceramic material including alumina or zirconia. In some examples, the glass melting vessel 14 can be constructed from refractory ceramic tiles. Particular embodiments of the glass melting vessel 14 will be described in greater detail below.

In some examples, a glass melting furnace can be incorporated into a component of a glass manufacturing facility to make a glass substrate, such as a continuous length of glass ribbon. In some examples, a glass melting furnace that can be incorporated into the present disclosure is a component of a glass manufacturing apparatus, including a slot pull device, a float bath device, a pull down device such as a melt process, a pull up device, a roll roll device, a tube pull device Or any other glass manufacturing equipment that benefits from this exposure. By way of example, Figure 1 schematically illustrates the glass melting furnace 12 as a component of the melt down glass manufacturing apparatus 10 for melting the glass ribbon for subsequent processing into individual glass sheets.

Alternatively, the glass making apparatus 10 (eg, the melt down apparatus 10) may include an upstream glass making apparatus 16 located upstream relative to the glass melting vessel 14. In some examples, a portion or the entirety of the upstream glass making apparatus 16 may be incorporated as part of the glass melting furnace 12.

As shown in the illustrated example, the upstream glass manufacturing apparatus 16 can include a storage tank 18, a feedstock delivery device 20, and a motor 22 coupled to the feedstock delivery device. The storage tank 18 can be configured to store a quantity of feedstock 24 that can be fed into the molten vessel 14 of the glass melting furnace 12 as indicated by arrow 26. Feedstock 24 typically includes one or more glass forming metal oxides and one or more modifiers. In some examples, the feedstock delivery device 20 can be powered by the motor 22 such that the feedstock delivery device 20 delivers a predetermined amount of feedstock 24 from the storage tank 18 to the melt vessel 14. In a further example, motor 22 can supply raw material delivery device 20 with a feed rate 24 at a controlled rate based on the order of molten glass induced downstream of molten vessel 14. Thereafter, the raw material 24 in the melting vessel 14 can be heated to form the molten glass 28.

Alternatively, the glass making apparatus 10 may also include a downstream glass making apparatus 30 located downstream of the glass melting furnace 12. In some examples, a portion of the downstream glass making apparatus 30 can be incorporated as part of the glass melting furnace 12. In some examples, the first connecting conduit 32 discussed below, or other portions of the downstream glass making apparatus 30, may be incorporated as part of the glass melting furnace 12. The elements of the downstream glass making equipment (including the first connecting conduit 32) may be formed from a precious metal. Suitable noble metals comprise platinum group metals selected from the group consisting of platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, osmium, iridium, and palladium, or alloys thereof. For example, the downstream components of the glass making equipment can be formed from a platinum-rhodium alloy comprising from about 70% to about 90% platinum and from about 10% to about 30% rhodium. However, other suitable metals may include molybdenum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, titanium, tungsten, and alloys thereof.

The downstream glass making apparatus 30 can include a first conditioning (i.e., processing) vessel, such as a clarification vessel 34, downstream of the melting vessel 14 and coupled to the melting vessel 14 by the first connecting conduit 32 described above. In some examples, the molten glass 28 can be gravity fed from the melting vessel 14 to the clarification vessel 34 by the first connecting conduit 32. For example, gravity can cause the molten glass 28 to pass from the inner passage of the first connecting conduit 32 from the melting vessel 14 to the clarification vessel 34. However, it should be understood that other conditioning vessels may be located downstream of the melting vessel 14, such as between the melting vessel 14 and the clarification vessel 34. In some embodiments, the conditioning vessel can be applied between the molten vessel and the clarification vessel, wherein the molten glass from the primary melting vessel is further heated to continue the melt processing, or cooled to a lower temperature than the molten glass in the molten vessel prior to entering the clarification vessel One of the temperatures of the temperature.

Air bubbles can be removed from the molten glass 28 within the clarification vessel 34 by a variety of techniques. For example, feedstock 24 may comprise a polyvalent valence compound (i.e., a fining agent), such as tin oxide, which, when heated, undergoes a chemical reduction reaction and releases oxygen. Other suitable fining agents include, but are not limited to, arsenic, antimony, iron, and antimony. The clarification vessel 34 is heated to a temperature greater than the temperature of the molten vessel, thereby heating the molten glass and the fining agent. The oxygen bubbles generated by the temperature-induced chemical reduction of the one or more fining agents rise through the molten glass in the clarification vessel, wherein the gas in the molten glass produced in the melting furnace can diffuse or merge into the oxygen bubbles generated by the clarifying agent . The enlarged gas bubbles can then rise to the free surface of the molten glass in the clarification vessel, after which it exits the clarification vessel. Oxygen bubbles can further induce mechanical mixing of the molten glass in the clarification vessel.

The downstream glass making apparatus 30 may further comprise another conditioning vessel, such as a mixing vessel 36 for mixing molten glass. The mixing vessel 36 can be located downstream of the clarification vessel 34. Mixing vessel 36 can be used to provide a homogeneous glass melt composition, thereby reducing the presence of chemically or thermally heterogeneous cords that may be present in the clarified molten glass exiting the clarification vessel. As shown, the clarification vessel 34 can be coupled to the mixing vessel 36 by a second connecting conduit 38. In some examples, the molten glass 28 can be gravity fed from the clarification vessel 34 to the mixing vessel 36 by a second connecting conduit 38. For example, gravity can cause the molten glass 28 to pass from the clarification vessel 34 through the internal passage of the second connecting conduit 38 to the mixing vessel 36. It should be noted that although the mixing vessel 36 is illustrated downstream of the clarification vessel 34, the mixing vessel 36 may be located upstream of the clarification vessel 34. In some embodiments, the downstream glass making apparatus 30 can include a plurality of mixing vessels, such as a mixing vessel upstream of the clarification vessel 34 and a mixing vessel downstream of the clarification vessel 34. The plurality of mixing containers can be of the same design or can be of different designs.

The downstream glass making apparatus 30 may further comprise another conditioning vessel, such as a transport vessel 40 that may be located downstream of the mixing vessel 36. The delivery container 40 can regulate the molten glass 28 to be fed into the downstream forming device. For example, the delivery container 40 can act as an accumulator and/or flow controller to adjust and/or provide consistent flow of molten glass 28 to the forming body 42 by the outlet conduit 44. As shown, the mixing vessel 36 can be coupled to the delivery vessel 40 by a third connecting conduit 46. In some examples, the molten glass 28 can be gravity fed from the mixing container 36 to the delivery container 40 by a third connecting conduit 46. For example, gravity can drive the molten glass 28 from the internal passage of the mixing vessel 36 through the third connecting conduit 46 to the delivery vessel 40.

The downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may further include a forming apparatus 48 including the above-described forming body 42 and inlet duct 50. An outlet conduit 44 can be placed to deliver molten glass 28 from the transfer vessel 40 to the inlet conduit 50 forming the apparatus 48. For example, in an example, the outlet conduit 44 can be nested within the inner surface of the inlet conduit 50 and spaced from the inner surface of the inlet conduit 50, thereby providing melting between the outer surface of the outlet conduit 44 and the inner surface of the inlet conduit 50. The free surface of the glass. The forming body 42 in the melt-down glass manufacturing apparatus may include a launder 52 located in the upper surface forming the main body; and a converging forming surface 54 along the bottom edge 56 forming the main body in the pulling direction convergence. The transfer container 40, the outlet duct 44, and the inlet duct 50 are transported to the side wall of the molten glass overflow launder that forms the main body flow channel, and descends along the convergence forming surface 54 to become a shunt of the molten glass. The split of the molten glass joins below and along the bottom edge 56 to create a single glass ribbon 58 by applying tension (e.g., by gravity, edge roller 72 and puller 82) to the glass ribbon in the pull direction 60 from the bottom edge 56. The glass ribbon 58 is pulled to control the size of the glass ribbon as the glass cools and the glass viscosity increases. Accordingly, the glass ribbon 58 undergoes viscoelastic conversion and obtains mechanical properties that impart stable dimensional characteristics to the glass ribbon 58. In some embodiments, the glass ribbon 58 can be divided into individual glass sheets 62 in the elastic region of the glass ribbon by the glass separation apparatus 100. Next, the robot 64 can use the gripping tool 65 to transport the individual glass sheets 62 to the conveyor system so that individual glass sheets can be further processed on the conveyor system.

2 and 3 illustrate front and side views, respectively, of an exemplary liquid metal system 150 for controlling the viscosity of the glass melt flowing through the inlet conduit 50 of the forming apparatus 48. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, liquid metal (e.g., liquid tin) flows through the heat transfer conduit 156 in the direction indicated by the arrows in Figures 2 and 3. Specifically, the heat transfer conduit 156 (including the vessel 154) is heated by at least one of the first heat exchanger 162, the second heat exchanger 164, and the third heat exchanger 168 to a temperature of at least about 300 degrees Celsius For example, at least about 350 degrees Celsius, and further, for example, about 400 degrees Celsius, including from about 300 degrees Celsius to about 1500 degrees Celsius.

For example, when tin is used as the liquid metal, the heat transfer conduit 156 (including the vessel 154) is heated such that the temperature of the tin within the vessel 154 exceeds its melting point by 232 degrees Celsius such that the tin reaches a temperature of at least about 250 degrees Celsius, such as at least about Celsius. 300 degrees, and further, for example, at least about 350 degrees Celsius, and further, for example, at least about 400 degrees Celsius, and further, for example, at least about 450 degrees Celsius, and even further, for example, at least about 500 degrees Celsius, including It is about 250 degrees Celsius to about 1400 degrees Celsius, for example, from about 750 degrees Celsius to about 1350 degrees Celsius, and further, for example, from about 1100 degrees Celsius to about 1300 degrees Celsius. The vessel 154 can include at least one agitator that imparts better temperature uniformity to the liquid metal and improves its circulation.

The section 158 is configured to bypass the glass melt flowing through the inlet conduit 50 by, for example, gravity pumping a section 158 from the vessel 154 to the section 158 of the heat transfer conduit 156 to circulate liquid metal (eg, liquid tin) via the heat transfer conduit 156. At least part of it extends. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the section 158 of the heat transfer conduit 156 extends through the thermally conductive material 160 in a helical configuration, wherein the thermally conductive material 160 is configured to circumferentially surround the inlet conduit 50 glass melt. In particular, in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the section 158 of the heat transfer conduit 156 is configured to circumferentially surround a substantially horizontal portion of the inlet conduit 50 that is in fluid communication with the forming body 42. Although FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the heat transfer conduit 156 extending around the glass melt in a spiral configuration, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments may include other configurations in which the heat transfer conduit 156 is configured to surround the glass. At least a portion of the melt extends.

Thermally conductive material 160 (not limited) can be included at least above 1000 degrees Celsius, such as above at least about 1100 degrees Celsius, and further, for example, above at least about 1200 degrees Celsius, and further, for example, above at least about 1300 degrees Celsius. Temperatures, such as temperatures ranging from about 1000 degrees Celsius to about 1500 degrees Celsius, are chemically and mechanically stable while still maintaining a stable and relatively uniform heat between the enabled glass melt and the heat transfer conduit 156. The material that conveys the thermal conductivity properties. Exemplary thermally conductive materials may include highly conductive alumina materials such as AD995 alumina (99.5% Al ₂ O ₃ ) available from CoorsTek. Alternatively, the thermally conductive material may be surrounded by at least one thermally insulating material (not shown) that is chemically and mechanically stable at elevated temperatures.

In certain exemplary embodiments, heat transfer conduit 156 includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of platinum and molybdenum. In certain exemplary embodiments, heat transfer conduit 156 includes molybdenum. For example, heat transfer conduit 156 can be composed primarily of molybdenum. The heat transfer conduit 156 may also be coated with an oxidation resistant material such as the SIBOR ^® (Si-10B-2C) antioxidant coating available from Plansee SE.

Liquid metal can be circulated via heat transfer conduit 156 via operation of pump 166. In certain exemplary embodiments, pump 166 is an electromagnetic pump. When an electromagnetic pump is used and tin is used as the liquid metal, the liquid tin flowing through the pump 166 is required to be below 861 degrees Celsius, such as below about 850 degrees Celsius, including temperatures between about 250 degrees Celsius and about 850 degrees Celsius. . In operation of the electromagnetic pump, the magnetic field is set at a right angle to the direction of flow of the liquid metal and current flows through the liquid metal. This causes the electromagnetic force of the moving liquid metal.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the maximum temperature range of liquid metal (eg, tin) flowing through the heat transfer conduit is from about 1100 degrees Celsius to about 1300 degrees Celsius, such as from about 1130 degrees Celsius to about 1270 degrees Celsius, and Further, such as from about 1170 degrees Celsius to about 1230 degrees Celsius. For example, the temperature of the liquid metal flowing through the section 158 of the heat transfer conduit 156 (which extends around at least a portion of the glass melt flowing through the inlet conduit 150) ranges from about 1100 degrees Celsius to about 1300 degrees Celsius. For example, from about 1130 degrees Celsius to about 1270 degrees Celsius, and further such as from about 1170 degrees Celsius to about 1230 degrees Celsius. In such an embodiment, when an electromagnetic pump is used, the liquid metal can be cooled to below 861 degrees Celsius by the at least one of the first heat exchanger 162 and the second heat exchanger 164 before the liquid metal enters the pump 166. The temperature, for example, is less than about 850 degrees Celsius. After exiting pump 166, the liquid metal can be heated by a third heat exchanger 168 to a temperature above about 1100 degrees Celsius, such as from about 1100 degrees Celsius to about 1300 degrees Celsius.

Pump 166 can also be a mechanical pump. For example, the mechanical pump can include a refractory component, such as a component selected from the group consisting of platinum, molybdenum, and refractory ceramic components, such as a ceramic pump commercially available from the Georgia Institute of Technology Atomistic Simulation and Energy Research Group for continuous liquid tin extraction. A potential advantage of using a mechanical pump is that such a pump can be operated at high temperatures, for example up to at least about 1350 degrees Celsius, enabling lower energy requirements for heating and cooling liquid metals, such lower amounts of heating. And cooling is performed by at least one of the first heat exchanger 162, the second heat exchanger 164, and the third heat exchanger 168.

The temperature of the liquid metal flowing through the heat transfer conduit 156 can be monitored by using at least one temperature measuring device (e.g., thermocouple) along a flow path of the liquid metal, such as at or near the vessel 154, section 158. A thermocouple of at least one of pump 166 and first heat exchanger 162, second heat exchanger 164, and third heat exchanger 168. The temperature of the glass melt can also be monitored by using at least one temperature measuring device (e.g., thermocouple) along the flow path of the glass melt, such as an inlet and/or an outlet at or near the inlet conduit 50. Thermocouple.

Control schemes (including, for example, control algorithms) may use the measurement temperature of the liquid metal and glass melt to, for example, control the temperature and/or flow rate of the liquid metal to control glass melting through the glass processing conduit (eg, inlet conduit 50). Body temperature and viscosity. Control schemes may take into account factors such as the temperature of the liquid metal, the temperature of the glass melt, the flow rate of the liquid metal, the flow rate of the glass melt, and the heat transfer characteristics that are the function of the design and the material of the system.

For example, if it is desired to reduce the viscosity of the glass melt flowing through the glass processing tubing, the liquid metal flowing through section 158 can flow at a higher temperature than the temperature of the glass melt, allowing heat to be transferred from the liquid metal to the glass melt. For example, the temperature of the liquid metal flowing through section 158 may be at least about 20 degrees Celsius higher than the temperature of the glass melt flowing into the glass processing conduit (eg, inlet conduit 50), such as at least about 30 degrees Celsius, and further, for example, at least About 40 degrees Celsius, and further, for example, at least about 50 degrees Celsius, including from about 20 degrees Celsius to about 200 degrees Celsius.

For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, the temperature of the glass melt flowing into the glass processing conduit (eg, inlet conduit 50) may range from about 1175 degrees Celsius to about 1275 degrees Celsius, such as from about 1200 degrees Celsius to about celsius. At 1250 degrees, the temperature of the liquid metal flowing through the glass processing conduit (eg, section 158) may be at least 50 degrees Celsius higher than the temperature of the glass melt flowing into the glass processing conduit, for example, the glass melt exiting the glass processing conduit. The temperature is at least 20 degrees Celsius above the temperature of the glass melt flowing into the glass processing tubing.

Conversely, if it is desired to increase the viscosity of the glass melt flowing through the glass processing conduit, the liquid metal flowing through section 158 can flow at a lower temperature than the temperature of the glass melt, allowing heat to be transferred from the glass melt to the liquid metal. For example, the temperature of the liquid metal flowing through section 158 may be at least about 20 degrees Celsius lower than the temperature of the glass melt flowing into the glass processing conduit (eg, inlet conduit 50), such as at least about 30 degrees Celsius, and further, for example, at least About 40 degrees Celsius, and further, for example, at least about 50 degrees Celsius, including from about 20 degrees Celsius to about 200 degrees Celsius.

For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, the temperature of the glass melt flowing into the glass processing conduit (eg, inlet conduit 50) may range from about 1175 degrees Celsius to about 1275 degrees Celsius, such as from about 1200 degrees Celsius to about celsius. At 1250 degrees, the temperature of the liquid metal flowing through the glass processing conduit (eg, section 158) may be at least 50 degrees lower than the temperature of the glass melt flowing into the glass processing conduit, for example, the glass melt exiting the glass processing conduit. The temperature is at least 20 degrees Celsius lower than the temperature of the glass melt flowing into the glass processing tubing.

Embodiments disclosed herein can control the temperature of the glass melt in a glass processing conduit (eg, an inlet conduit forming a device) to within about 1 degree Celsius of a predetermined set point to control the glass flowing through the glass processing conduit The viscosity of the melt is within a predetermined range. Moreover, the embodiments disclosed herein enable temperature control of the glass melt in the glass processing conduit in response to, for example, at least one of the following: composition of the glass melt, flow rate of the glass melt, and predetermined settings. point. Such embodiments can enable the production of high quality glass articles (e.g., glass sheets) under a variety of processing conditions without the need to frequently replace or repair glass processing system components.

For example, during production activities, predetermined set points for the temperature and/or viscosity of the glass melt flowing out of the inlet conduit forming the apparatus may vary due to, for example, changes in the geometry of the forming body. For example, during production activities, the intermediate region forming the body may experience at least some degree of sagging, which may result in a change in the relative mass flow of the molten glass that forms the body end with respect to the molten glass mass flow covering the middle. According to the disclosed embodiment, the effect can be offset by changing the viscosity of the molten glass flowing out of the inlet duct of the forming apparatus, and the molten glass forming the body end of the covering glass with respect to the mass flow of the molten glass covering the middle can be changed. The relative mass flows within the desired range, thereby extending the useful life of the glass forming body.

Although the embodiments described and illustrated herein relate to a flow of liquid metal (eg, liquid tin) through a heat transfer conduit extending around at least a portion of the glass melt flowing through the inlet conduit 50, such embodiments are also applicable to glass. Other conduits in the manufacturing facility, such as, for example, a first connecting conduit 32, a second connecting conduit 38, and a third connecting conduit 46.

Further, although the above embodiment has been described with reference to the melt pull-down process, it should be understood that such an embodiment is also applicable to other glass forming processes such as a floating process, a slot pull process, a pull-up process, and a roll process.

It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be variously modified and varied without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is intended that the present disclosure cover the modifications and variations of the scope of the appended claims.

10‧‧‧Glass manufacturing equipment

12‧‧‧Glass melting furnace

14‧‧‧fusion vessel

16‧‧‧Upstream glass manufacturing equipment

18‧‧‧ storage tank

20‧‧‧Material conveying device

22‧‧‧Motor

24‧‧‧Materials

26‧‧‧ arrow

28‧‧‧Solder glass

30‧‧‧Down glass manufacturing equipment

32‧‧‧First connecting pipe

34‧‧‧Clarification container

36‧‧‧Mixed containers

38‧‧‧Second connecting pipe

40‧‧‧Transport container

42‧‧‧ Forming the subject

44‧‧‧Export pipeline

46‧‧‧ Third connecting pipe

48‧‧‧ forming equipment

50‧‧‧Inlet Pipeline

52‧‧‧Rough

54‧‧‧Form surface

56‧‧‧ bottom edge

58‧‧‧glass ribbon

60‧‧‧ Pulling direction

62‧‧‧Individual glass

64‧‧‧manipulator

65‧‧‧Grab tools

72‧‧‧Edge wheel

82‧‧‧ Pulling

100‧‧‧glass separation equipment

150‧‧‧Liquid metal system

154‧‧‧ Container

156‧‧‧heat transfer pipeline

Section 158‧‧‧

160‧‧‧Hot conductive materials

162‧‧‧First heat exchanger

164‧‧‧second heat exchanger

166‧‧‧ pump

168‧‧‧ third heat exchanger

Figure 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary melted down glass manufacturing apparatus and process;

Figure 2 is a schematic front view of an exemplary liquid metal system for controlling the viscosity of a glass melt flowing through an inlet conduit of a forming apparatus;

Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2.

Domestic deposit information (please note according to the order of the depository, date, number)

Foreign deposit information (please note in the order of country, organization, date, number)

Claims (21)

A method for controlling a viscosity of a glass melt flowing through a glass processing pipe, the method comprising the steps of: flowing a liquid metal through a heat transfer conduit, the heat transfer conduit flowing through the glass processing conduit At least a portion of the glass melt extends; and a temperature and a flow rate of the liquid metal flowing through the heat transfer conduit relative to a temperature and flow rate of the glass melt flowing through the glass processing conduit to control flow The viscosity of the glass melt through the glass processing conduit is within a predetermined range. The method of claim 1 wherein the glass processing conduit is an inlet conduit for a glass forming apparatus. The method of claim 1 wherein the liquid metal comprises tin. The method of claim 1 wherein the heat transfer conduit comprises molybdenum. The method of claim 1 wherein an anti-oxidation material is used to coat the heat transfer conduit. The method of claim 1 wherein the liquid metal is pumped through the heat transfer conduit via operation of an electromagnetic pump. The method of claim 1 wherein the liquid metal is pumped through the heat transfer conduit via operation of a mechanical pump. The method of claim 6 wherein the temperature of the liquid metal decreases prior to flowing through the electromagnetic pump and increases after flowing through the electromagnetic pump. The method of claim 3, wherein a maximum temperature of the liquid metal flowing through the heat transfer conduit ranges from about 1100 degrees Celsius to about 1300 degrees Celsius. The method of claim 1 wherein the heat transfer conduit is heated to at least about 300 degrees Celsius before flowing the liquid metal through the heat transfer conduit. The method of claim 1 wherein the temperature of the liquid metal flowing through the heat transfer conduit is lower than the temperature of the glass melt flowing through the glass processing conduit. The method of claim 1 wherein the temperature of the liquid metal flowing through the heat transfer conduit is higher than the temperature of the glass melt flowing through the glass processing conduit. An apparatus for controlling a viscosity of a glass melt flowing through a glass processing pipe, the apparatus comprising: a heat transfer conduit extending around at least a portion of a glass processing conduit; wherein the apparatus is configured Controlling a temperature and flow rate of a liquid metal flowing through the heat transfer conduit relative to a temperature and flow rate of the glass melt flowing through the glass processing conduit to control the glass melt flowing through the glass processing conduit The viscosity is within a predetermined range. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the glass processing conduit is an inlet conduit for a glass forming apparatus. The device of claim 13 wherein the liquid metal comprises tin. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the heat transfer conduit comprises molybdenum. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein an anti-oxidation material is used to coat the heat transfer conduit. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the apparatus comprises an electromagnetic pump configured to draw the liquid metal through the heat transfer conduit. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the apparatus comprises a mechanical pump configured to draw the liquid metal through the heat transfer conduit. A glass article made by the method of claim 1. An electronic device comprising the glass article of claim 20.