WO2019113287A1

WO2019113287A1 - Glass manufacturing apparatus and glass manufacturing method

Info

Publication number: WO2019113287A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/064207
Authority: WO
Inventors: Seung-Ill HAAN; Euiho Kim
Original assignee: Corning Incorporated
Priority date: 2017-12-08
Filing date: 2018-12-06
Publication date: 2019-06-13
Also published as: TWI794353B; CN111511694B; CN111511694A; JP7286647B2; KR102417853B1; KR20190068311A; JP2021505520A; TW201925106A

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a glass manufacturing apparatus including a melting vessel in which batch material is melted into molten glass, a fining vessel for conditioning the molten glass, a connecting tube having a first end and an opposing second end, wherein the first end is in fluid communication with the melting vessel and the second end is in fluid communication with the fining vessel, and a flange connected to the connecting tube, wherein the flange is connected to a power source and configured to apply a current for heating the connecting tube to the connecting tube, wherein the connecting tube extends linearly from the first end to the second end.

Description

GLASS MANUFACTURING APPARATUS AND GLASS MANUFACTURING METHOD

BACKGROUND

Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017- 0168577, filed on December 8, 2017, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] 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 damage due to high-temperature molten glass.

Description of the Related Art

[0003] Molten glass is generated by melting a batch material corresponding to a raw material, and is processed, e.g., fined, stirred, and molded, to produce glass products. To process the molten glass, the molten glass is heated to a high temperature and is conveyed to an apparatus for each process. Therefore, a glass manufacturing apparatus capable of preventing damage due to the high-temperature molten glass while the molten glass is being processed and conveyed is demanded.

SUMMARY

[0004] According to asepcts of the present disclosure, a glass manufacturing apparatus includes a melting vessel configured to melt a batch material into molten glass, a fining vessel configured to condition the molten glass, a connecting tube having a first end and an opposing second end, wherein the first end is in fluid communication with the melting vessel and the second end is in fluid communication with the fining vessel, and a flange connected to the connecting tube, wherein the flange is connected to a power source and configured to apply a current for heating the connecting tube to the connecting tube, wherein the connecting tube extends linearly from the first end to the second end.

[0005] According to one or more embodiments, the connecting tube may have a structure of a single piece. [0006] According to one or more embodiments, the connecting tube may have an upward incline from the first end to the second end.

[0007] According to one or more embodiments, the connecting tube may have an inlet into which the molten glass flows and an outlet from which the molten glass is discharged. A cross section of the connecting tube taken perpendicular to an extending direction of the connecting tube may have, between the inlet and the outlet, a circular shape having a fixed diameter, and the outlet may have an oval cross section.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments, the flange may include a first flange adjacent to the first end and a second flange adjacent to the second end.

[0009] According to one or more embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus may further include a support structure for supporting the connecting tube.

[0010] According to one or more embodiments, the support structure may include a cradle surrounding at least a part of the connecting tube.

[0011] According to one or more embodiments, the cradle may extend linearly along an extending direction of the connecting tube.

[0012] According to one or more embodiments, the cradle may have a structure of a single piece.

[0013] According to one or more embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus may further include a bedding layer disposed between the cradle and an external surface of the connecting tube.

[0014] According to one or more embodiments, the connecting tube may include at least one of platinum and alloy thereof.

[0015] According to one or more embodiments, the connecting tube may have a diameter gradually increasing towards the second end.

[0016] According to additional aspects of the present disclosure, a glass manufacturing apparatus includes a connecting tube extending between a melting vessel and a fining vessel to convey molten glass in the melting vessel to the fining vessel, and configured to heat the molten glass passing through the connecting tube, wherein the connecting tube extends linearly from an inlet into which the molten glass flows from the melting vessel to an outlet from which the molten glass is discharged to the fining vessel, and wherein the inlet and the outlet each have an oval cross-section.

[0017] According to one or more embodiments, the outlet may be located at a higher level than the inlet. [0018] According to one or more embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus may further include a flange connected to the connecting tube and a power source connected to the flange, and the glass manufacturing apparatus may be configured to apply a current from the power source to the connecting tube through the flange so as to heat the molten glass passing through the connecting tube.

[0019] According to one or more embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus may further include a cradle surrounding at least a part of the connecting tube, and a bedding layer disposed between an external surface of the connecting tube and the cradle, and surrounding the connecting tube.

[0020] According to one or more embodiments, the cradle may extend linearly along the connecting tube and may have a structure of a single piece.

[0021] According to one or more embodiments, a cross-sectional area of the outlet may be larger than a cross-sectional area of the connecting tube perpendicular to the extending direction of the connecting tube.

[0022] According to one or more embodiments, a cross-sectional area of the outlet may be larger than a cross-sectional area of the inlet.

[0023] According to additional aspects of the present disclosure, a glass manufacturing method includes forming molten glass by melting a batch material in a melting vessel, flowing the molten glass from the melting vessel to the fining vessel through a connecting tube, and conditioning the molten glass by heating the molten glass passing the fining vessel, wherein, in the flowing the molten glass, the molten glass flows along the connecting tube extending linearly from a first end of the connecting tube connected to the melting vessel to a second end of the connecting tube connected to the fining vessel, and a current is applied to the connecting tube such that the molten glass flowing along the connecting tube is heated.

BRIEF DESCRIPT 10N OF THE DRAW1NGS

[0024] F1G. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a glass manufacturing apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] F1G. 2 is a magnified view of portion 11 of F1G. 1 ;

[0026] F1G. 3 is a perspective view of a connecting tube and flanges of F1G. 1 ; [0027] F1G. 4 is a cross-sectional view including a support structure, including a cradle, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] F1G. 5 is a perspective view of the cradle of F1G. 4;

[0029] F1G. 6 is a cross-sectional view including a connecting tube according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] F1G. 7A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the flow of blisters while molten glass flows through the connecting tube according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] F1G. 7B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the flow of the blisters while the molten glass flows through a connecting tube according to a comparative example;

[0032] F1G. 8A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the amount of heat generated from the connecting tube heated through the flanges, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] F1G. 8B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the amount of heat generated from the connecting tube heated through the flanges, according to the comparative example; and

[0034] F1G. 9 is a conceptual view of a glass manufacturing system according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETA1LED DESCR1PT10N

[0035] The disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. The subject matter of the disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being 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 to those skilled in the art. ln the drawings, the thicknesses of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Wherever possible, like reference numerals in the drawings will denote like parts. Therefore, the disclosure is not limited by relative sizes or intervals as shown in the accompanied drawings.

[0036] While such terms as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, such components are not limited to the above terms. The above terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component may indicate a second component or a second component may indicate a first component without conflicting.

[0037] The terms used herein in various exemplary embodiments are used to describe exemplary embodiments only, and should not be construed to limit the various additional embodiments. Singular expressions, unless defined otherwise in contexts, include plural expressions. The terms "comprises" or "may comprise" used herein in various exemplary embodiments may indicate the presence of a corresponding function, operation, or component and do not limit one or more additional functions, operations, or components lt will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, may be used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0038] When a certain embodiment may be implemented differently, a specific process order may be performed differently from the described order. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially at the same time or performed in an order opposite to the described order.

[0039] Variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of the disclosure should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein, but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0040] F1G. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a glass manufacturing apparatus 100 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] Referring to F1G. 1, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a melting vessel 110, a fining vessel 120, and a connecting tube 130.

[0042] The melting vessel 1 10 may be configured to accommodate molten glass (MG) generated by melting a batch material corresponding to a raw material. The batch material may be introduced into the melting vessel 1 10 in an arrow direction al through an entrance provided in a wall of the melting vessel 110. The melting vessel 1 10 may generate the molten glass (MG) by melting the batch material ln some exemplary embodiments, a fining agent such as tin oxide may be added to the batch material. [0043] The fining vessel 120 may be located downstream of the melting vessel 110 and may fine the molten glass (MG) supplied from the melting vessel 110. The molten glass (MG) may be conditioned in the fining vessel 120. That is, the fining vessel 120 may heat and condition the molten glass (MG) including removing blisters (i.e., gaseous inclusions) from the molten glass (MG) while the molten glass (MG) passes through the fining vessel 120. Specifically, the fining vessel 120 heats the molten glass (MG), and the fining agent included in the molten glass (MG) generates oxygen due to a reduction reaction. The blisters contained in the molten glass (MG), e.g., blisters including oxygen, carbon dioxide, and/or sulfur dioxide, may be combined with oxygen generated due to 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 vessel 120, where they exit the molten glass (MG). The blisters may be discharged outside the fining vessel 120 through a gas-phase space at an upper part of the fining vessel 120.

[0044] The connecting tube 130 connects the melting vessel 110 and the fining vessel 120 to each other. The connecting tube 130 provides a channel through which the molten glass (MG) flows, and conveys the molten glass (MG) accommodated in the melting vessel 1 10, to the fining vessel 120. That is, the molten glass (MG) accommodated in the melting vessel 110 flows from the melting vessel 1 10 to the fining vessel 120 in arrow directions a2, a3, and a4 along the connecting tube 130.

[0045] The connecting tube 130 may comprise a material having electrical conductivity and usable in a high temperature condition ln some exemplary embodiments, the connecting tube 130 may be made of platinum-containing metal, e.g., platinum, platinum-rhodium, platinum- iridium, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the connecting tube 130 may include refractory metal, e.g., molybdenum, palladium, rhenium, tantalum, titanium, tungsten, ruthenium, osmium, zirconium, or an alloy thereof, and/or zirconium dioxide.

[0046] The glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may be configured to heat the molten glass (MG) passing through the connecting tube 130 in such a manner that the molten glass (MG) is maintained above a predetermined temperature until the molten glass (MG) reaches the fining vessel 120 (i.e., cooling of the molten glass (MG) below the predetermined temperature is prevented). For example, cooling of the molten glass (MG) may be prevented by supplying an amount of heat greater than heat loss due to conduction and convection of heat by the molten glass (MG) flowing through the connecting tube 130, to the molten glass (MG). For example, when a temperature to which the batch material is heated to generate the molten glass (MG) in the melting vessel 110 is a first temperature and a temperature to which the molten glass (MG) is heated to fine the molten glass (MG) in the fining vessel 120 is a second temperature, the molten glass MG passing through the connecting tube 130 may be heated to a temperature between the first temperature and the second temperature.

[0047] The glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may be configured to directly heat the molten glass (MG) flowing along the connecting tube 130. Specifically, the connecting tube 130 may be configured to be heated by a current through a wall of the connecting tube 130. Due to the connecting tube 130 heated by a current, the molten glass (MG) flowing along the connecting tube 130 may be heated. For example, when the connecting tube 130 includes platinum, the connecting tube 130 may be called a directly heated platinum system (DHPS).

[0048] ln some exemplary embodiments, to apply a current to the molten glass (MG) flowing along the connecting tube 130, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may include flanges 140 connected to the connecting tube 130, and a power source 141 electrically connected to the flanges 140 through cables 143. The power source 141 may generate an alternating current (AC) or a direct current (DC). The flanges 140 may be provided in a plural number. For example, two flanges 140 may be provided at two ends of the connecting tube 130.

[0049] F1G. 2 is a magnified view of portion 11 of F1G. 1. F1G. 3 is a perspective view of the connecting tube 130 and the flanges 140 ofF!G. 1.

[0050] Referring to F1GS. 2 and 3, the connecting tube 130 may have a linear pipe shape. Herein, the fact that the connecting tube 130 has a linear pipe shape means that the connecting tube 130 extends linearly along a direction and does not include a bent or curved portion along its length.

[0051] That is, the connecting tube 130 may extend linearly from a first end 130el of the connecting tube 130, which is coupled to the melting vessel 1 10, to a second end 130e2 of the connecting tube 130, which is coupled to the fining vessel 120 and is opposite to the first end 130el . The first end 130el is in fluid communication with the melting vessel 110, and the second end 130e2 is in fluid communication with the fining vessel 120. ln other words, the connecting tube 130 may extend linearly from an inlet 130i of the connecting tube 130, into which the molten glass (MG) flows from the melting vessel 1 10, to an outlet 130o of the connecting tube 130, from which the molten glass (MG) is discharged to the fining vessel 120. [0052] Since the connecting tube 130 has a linear pipe shape, the connecting tube 130 may have a structure of a single piece. Herein, the single piece may refer to a structure configured as one body without using a means such as a coupler.

[0053] ln embodiments of the present disclosure, since the connecting tube 130 extends linearly, stagnation of blisters contained in the molten glass (MG) flowing along the connecting tube 130 may be prevented and damage of the connecting tube 130 due to concentration of heat may also be prevented. The above effects will be described in detail below with reference to F1GS. 7A, 7B, 8 A, and 8B.

[0054] The connecting tube 130 may have an incline and guide the molten glass (MG) from the inlet 130i to the outlet 130o located at a higher level than the inlet 130i. That is, the connecting tube 130 may be inclined at a predetermined angle (Q) with respect to an arbitrary reference surface (e.g., an X-Y plane) perpendicular to a gravity direction (e.g., a direction opposite to a Z direction) ln other words, the connecting tube 130 may extend linearly in such a manner that a central axis ax of the connecting tube 130 is inclined at the predetermined angle (Q) with respect to the reference surface.

[0055] A cross section of the connecting tube 130 taken perpendicular to the extending direction (i.e., central axis ax) of the connecting tube 130 may, for example, have a circular shape having a fixed diameter D, and the inlet 130i and the outlet 130o of the connecting tube 130 may, for example, have an oval cross section. For example, as shown in F1G. 3, the inlet 130i may have an oval cross section having a long axis (La) and a short axis (Sa), Herein, the long axis (La) may extend along a Z direction of F1G. 2, and the short axis (Sa) may extend along a Y direction of F1G. 2. Similarly, the outlet 130o may also have an oval cross section having a long axis and a short axis. As such, a cross-sectional area of the outlet 130o of the connecting tube 130 may be larger than a cross-sectional area of the connecting tube 130 perpendicular to the extending direction of the connecting tube 130. Likewise, a cross-sectional area of the inlet 130i of the connecting tube 130 may be larger than the cross-sectional area of the connecting tube 130 perpendicular to the extending direction of the connecting tube 130.

[0056] F1G. 4 is a cross-sectional view for describing a support structure 150 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. F1G. 5 is a perspective view of a cradle 151 of F1G. 4.

[0057] Referring to F1GS. 4 and 5, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a support structure 150 for supporting the connecting tube 130. The support structure 150 may be provided to protect the connecting tube 130 from external impact and to thermally insulating the connecting tube 130 from an external environment. The support structure 150 may include the cradle 151 and a bedding layer 153. ln some exemplary embodiments, the cradle 151 and the bedding layer 153 may include refractory material.

[0058] The cradle 151 may be configured to surround at least a part of an external surface of the connecting tube 130 and to have a groove 152 for disposing the connecting tube 130 therein. For example, as illustrated in F1G. 4, the cradle 151 may include a bottom part, and two side wall parts extending from the bottom part and spaced apart from each other by disposing the connecting tube 130 therebetween.

[0059] The bedding layer 153 may surround the external surface of the connecting tube 130. At least a part of the bedding layer 153 may be disposed between the external surface of the connecting tube 130 and the cradle 151 to fill a space between the connecting tube 130 and the cradle 151.

[0060] As illustrated in F1G. 5, the cradle 151 may extend linearly along the connecting tube 130. The cradle 151 may have a first end and a second end which are opposite to each other, and extend linearly from the first end to the second end. ln addition, the cradle 151 may be inclined at an angle corresponding to the angle at which the connecting tube 130 is inclined with respect to the reference surface (e.g., the X-Y plane), with respect to the reference surface.

[0061] Since the cradle 151 extends linearly, the cradle 151 may have a structure of a single piece.

[0062] F1G. 6 is a cross-sectional view for describing a connecting tube l30a according to other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0063] Referring to F1G. 6, the connecting tube l30a may extend linearly from an inlet 130i' to an outlet 130o' and have a diameter gradually increasing towards the outlet 130o'. ln other words, a diameter D2 of the connecting tube l30a at a location adjacent to a second end l30e2' connected to the fining vessel 120 maybe larger than a diameter Dl of the connecting tube l30a at a location adjacent to a first end l 30el connected to the melting vessel 1 10. ln this case, a cross-sectional area of the outlet 130o' of the connecting tube l30a may be larger than a cross- sectional area of the inlet 130i' of the connecting tube l30a.

[0064] Since the connecting tube l30a can have a gradually increasing diameter, space for movement of blisters in the molten glass (MG) flowing along the connecting tube l30a may be locally increased near the outlet 130o'. Therefore, mobility of blisters contained in the molten glass (MG) are less likely to be trapped near the outlet 130o' and stagnation of the blisters may be reduced.

[0065] F1G. 7A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the flow of blisters (BL) while the molten glass (MG) flows through the connecting tube 130 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. F1G. 7B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the flow of the blisters (BL) while the molten glass (MG) flows through a connecting tube 230 according to a comparative example.

[0066] Referring to F1G. 7A, the blisters (BL) included in the molten glass (MG) may move in a direction from the inlet 130i to the outlet 130o of the connecting tube 130 according to the flow of the molten glass (MG) flowing along the connecting tube 130. The blisters (BL), being less dense than the molten glass (MG), have buoyancy and thus may move toward and along an upper wall of the connecting tube 130. As illustrated in F1G. 7A, since the connecting tube 130 extends linearly, the blisters (BL) may easily move to the outlet 130o along the connecting tube 130.

[0067] Referring to F1G. 7B, the connecting tube 230 according to the comparative example may have a bent part. That is, the connecting tube 230 may include a combination of a linear tube and a bent tube. As shown in portion A of F1G. 7B, stagnation of the blisters (BL) may occur in the bent part of the connecting tube 230. That is, in the vicinity of the bent part, the velocity of the molten glass (MG) may be locally reduced, and an irregular flow, for example, an eddy may occur. Accordingly, the blisters (BL) in the molten glass (MG) can be trapped in the vicinity of the bent portion ln the area where the blisters (BL) are trapped, an oxidation reaction may occur between oxygen gas included in the blisters (BL) and metal included in the connecting tube 230. Due to the oxidation reaction of the connecting tube 230, the connecting tube 230 may be corroded and thus the molten glass (MG) may leak from the connecting tube 230. Furthermore, the bent part of the connecting tube 230 may be a part where a linear tube is coupled to a bent tube, and corrosion thereof due to the blisters (BL) may be accelerated.

[0068] F1G. 8A is a cross-sectional view showing an amount of heat generated from the connecting tube 130 heated through the flanges 140, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. F1G. 8B is a cross-sectional view showing an amount of heat generated from the connecting tube 230 heated through the flanges 140, according to the comparative example ln F1GS. 8A and 8B, a relatively darker area indicates a region from which a relatively larger amount of heat is generated and a relatively brighter area indicates a region from which a relatively smaller amount of heat is generated.

[0069] Referring to F1G. 8 A, when a current is applied to the connecting tube 130 through the flanges 140 coupled to two ends of the connecting tube 130, the connecting tube 130 may be heated. A relatively high current density may occur in a part of the connecting tube 130 in contact with the flanges 140, and thus a relatively large amount of heat may be generated therefrom.

[0070] Referring to F1G. 8B, the connecting tube 230 according to the comparative example may have a bent part. That is, the connecting tube 230 may include a combination of a linear tube and a bent tube. As shown in portion B of F1G. 8B, a relatively large amount of heat may be generated from the bent part of the connecting tube 230. That is, a high current density may occur and thus a hot spot may be generated in the bent part of the connecting tube 230. The hot spot may accelerate oxidation of the connecting tube 230 and cause breakage of the connecting tube 230. Particularly, a part where a linear tube is coupled to a bent tube can be relatively weak and thus breakage of the connecting tube 230 due to a hot spot may easily occur therein.

[0071] As described above in relation to F1GS. 7B and 8B, since the connecting tube 230 according to the comparative example has a bent part, oxidation of the connecting tube 230 due to stagnation of the blisters (BL) may be accelerated and the connecting tube 230 may be damaged due to concentration of heat. When the connecting tube 230 is damaged, the molten glass (MG) may leak potentially causing a major shut down even when the other parts operate normally.

[0072] However, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, since the connecting tube 130 extends linearly, damage of the connecting tube 130 due to stagnation of the blisters (BL) may be prevented by increasing mobility of the blisters (BL), and damage of the connecting tube 130 due to concentration of a current density may be prevented. Since damage of the connecting tube 130 is prevented, contamination of equipment due to leakage of the molten glass (MG) may be prevented and, ultimately, a lifespan of the equipment may be increased. Specifically, the glass manufacturing apparatus including the connecting tube 130 according to the present disclosure can have a lifespan of at least about 40% greater, such as at least about 50% greater than equipment including the connecting tube 230 according to the comparative example. For example, the glass manufacturing apparatus including the connecting tube 130 according to the present disclosure can have a lifespan of from about 40% greater to about 100% greater than equipment including the connecting tube 230 according to the comparative example.

[0073] F1G. 9 is a conceptual view of a glass manufacturing system 1000 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0074] Referring to F1G. 9, the glass manufacturing system 1000 may include a melting vessel 110, a fining vessel 120, a stirring vessel 1410, a delivery vessel 1420, and a forming apparatus 1510. As illustrated in F1G. 9, the melting vessel 110, the fining vessel 120, the stirring vessel 1410, the delivery vessel 1420, and the forming apparatus 1510 are examples of molten glass stations located in series.

[0075] The melting vessel 110 may receive a batch material 1011 supplied from a reservoir 1010. The melting vessel 110 may melt the batch material 101 1. The batch material 1011 may be inserted by a batch delivery apparatus 1013 powered by a motor 1015. Optionally, a controller 1017 may be configured to operate the motor 1015 to insert a desired amount of the batch material 101 1 into the melting vessel 1 10 as indicated by an arrow al. A glass level probe 1017 may be used to measure a level of molten glass (MG) in a standpipel 02l and to transmit the measured information to the controller 1017 through a communication line 1023.

[0076] The fining vessel 120 such as a fining tube may be located downstream of the melting vessel 1 10 and be connected to the melting vessel 110 through a first connecting tube 130. Flanges 140 for applying power to the first connecting tube 130 may be coupled to the first connecting tube 130. The first connecting tube 130 may include the connecting tube described above in relation to F1GS. 1 to 3, and 6, and the flanges 140 may include the flanges described above in relation to F1GS. 1 to 3, and 6. Furthermore, although not shown in F1G. 9, to support the first connecting tube 130, the support structure 150 described above in relation to F1GS. 4 and 5 may be provided.

[0077] The stirring vessel 1410 such as a stirring chamber may be located downstream of the fining vessel 120. The stirring vessel 1410 may homogenize the molten glass (MG) supplied from the fining vessel 120. That is, the stirring vessel 1410 may stir the molten glass (MG) in such a manner that components of the molten glass (MG) are uniformly distributed. The delivery vessel 1420 such as a bowl may be located downstream of the stirring vessel 1410. As illustrated in F1G. 9, a second connecting tube 1430 may connect the fining vessel 120 to the stirring vessel 1410 and a third connecting tube 1440 may connect the stirring vessel 1410 to the delivery vessel 1420. [0078] As illustrated in F1G. 9, an outlet conduit 1450 may be located to deliver the molten glass (MG) from the delivery vessel 1420 to an inlet 1520 of the forming apparatus 1510. The forming apparatus 1510 may receive the molten glass (MG) supplied from the delivery vessel 1420, and form the molten glass (MG). The forming apparatus 1510 may form the molten glass (MG) into a sheet-shaped glass product 1511. For example, the forming apparatus 1510 may include a fusion drawing machine for forming the molten glass (MG).

[0079] Embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail as above. However, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains should be able to modify and practice the present disclosure in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure defined by the following claims. Consequently, future modifications of the embodiments of the present disclosure do not be able to depart from the technology of the present disclosure.

[0080] lt should be understood that embodiments described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each embodiment should typically be considered as available for other similar features or aspects in other embodiments.

[0081] While one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the following claims.

Claims

WHAT 1S CLA1MED 1S:

1. A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising:

a melting vessel configured to melt a batch material into molten glass;

a fining vessel configured to condition the molten glass;

a connecting tube having a first end and an opposing second end, wherein the first end is in fluid communication with the melting vessel and the second end is in fluid communication with the fining vessel; and

a flange connected to the connecting tube, wherein the flange is connected to a power source and configured to apply a current for heating the connecting tube to the connecting tube, wherein the connecting tube extends linearly from the first end to the second end.

2. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connecting tube has a structure of a single piece.

3. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connecting tube has an upward incline from the first end to the second end.

4. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 3, wherein the connecting tube has an inlet into which the molten glass flows and an outlet from which the molten glass is discharged,

a cross section of the connecting tube taken perpendicular to an extending direction of the connecting tube has, between the inlet and the outlet, a circular shape having a fixed diameter, and

the outlet has an oval cross section.

5. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flange comprises a first flange adjacent to the first end and a second flange adjacent to the second end.

6. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a support structure for supporting the connecting tube.

7. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 6, wherein the support structure comprises a cradle surrounding at least a part of the connecting tube.

8. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 7, wherein the cradle extends linearly along an extending direction of the connecting tube.

9. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 7, wherein the cradle has a structure of a single piece.

10. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a bedding layer disposed between the cradle and an external surface of the connecting tube.

11. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connecting tube comprises at least one of platinum and alloy thereof.

12. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connecting tube has a diameter gradually increasing towards the second end.

13. A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising a connecting tube extending between a melting vessel and a fining vessel to convey molten glass in the melting vessel to the fining vessel, and configured to heat the molten glass passing through the connecting tube, wherein the connecting tube extends linearly from an inlet into which the molten glass flows from the melting vessel to an outlet from which the molten glass is discharged to the fining vessel, and

wherein the inlet and the outlet each have an oval cross-section.

14. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 13, wherein the outlet is located at a higher level than the inlet.

15. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a flange connected to the connecting tube and a power source connected to the flange, wherein the glass manufacturing apparatus is configured to apply a current from the power source to the connecting tube through the flange so as to heat the molten glass passing through the connecting tube.

16. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 13, further comprising:

a cradle surrounding at least a part of the connecting tube; and

a bedding layer disposed between an external surface of the connecting tube and the cradle, and surrounding the connecting tube.

17. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 16, wherein the cradle extends linearly along the connecting tube and has a structure of a single piece.

18. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 13, wherein a cross-sectional area of the outlet is larger than a cross-sectional area of the connecting tube perpendicular to the extending direction of the connecting tube.

19. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 13, wherein a cross-sectional area of the outlet is larger than a cross-sectional area of the inlet.

20. A glass manufacturing method comprising:

forming molten glass by melting a batch material in a melting vessel;

flowing the molten glass from the melting vessel to the fining vessel through a connecting tube; and

conditioning the molten glass by heating the molten glass passing the fining vessel, wherein, in the flowing the molten glass, the molten glass flows along the connecting tube extending linearly from a first end of the connecting tube connected to the melting vessel to a second end of the connecting tube connected to the fining vessel, and a current is applied to the connecting tube such that the molten glass flowing along the connecting tube is heated.