Glass forming apparatuses comprising modular glass fining systems

Abstract

Disclosed herein are embodiments of glass manufacturing apparatuses. The glass manufacturing apparatuses may include a glass fining module. The glass fining module may include a refractory metal vessel comprising a length extending in a longitudinal direction. A plurality of insulation layers may surround at least a portion of the refractory metal vessel. The plurality of insulation layers may comprise an insulation structure extending around at least a portion of the refractory metal vessel and comprising a plurality of arched portions and a bulk insulation structure surrounding the insulation structure. An exterior support structure may at least partially surround the plurality of insulation layers. Rollers may be coupled to the exterior support structure such that the glass fining module is translatable in the longitudinal direction on the rollers.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 737,498, filed September 27, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth below manner attached and incorporated herein. technical field [0003] This specification relates to glass forming apparatus, and more particularly to glass forming apparatus including a modular glass refining system. Background technique [0004] Refining systems are used in glassmaking processes to remove air bubbles from molten glass. In general, after the molten glass is produced from the raw materials, the molten glass is subjected to a fining step in which gas bubbles within the molten glass are released at the free face of the clarifier system. Bubbles (also known as water bubbles) form in the molten glass when dissolved gases (such as oxygen, etc.) in the molten glass coalesce and form bubbles in the mo...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Because of the high temperatures at which clarification systems operate, the regular and continuous introduction of stress to the components of the clarification system can lead to premature failure of those components

Further, increasing the delivery of molten glass through the fining system may necessitate the use of higher temperatures and / or longer fining system lengths, both of which may be associated with higher stress on fining system components and thus with Reduced component life associated with

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