Glass manufacturing apparatus and method

Abstract

To reduce the temperature of a melting material in a conduit surrounded by a heating enclosure.SOLUTION: A method for manufacturing glass comprises: heating a conduit 139 by a heating elements 337 and 338...in a chamber 339 when heating the conduit of a heating enclosure 327 in the chamber; and removing a part of the heating enclosure 327 surrounding the conduit 139 when reducing the temperature of the conduit 139 to cool a melting material flowing through the conduit 139 in the chamber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 789,557, filed January 8, 2019, the contents of which are relied upon and incorporated by reference in their entirety into this application as if fully set forth below. [Technical Field]

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates generally to methods of making glass, and more particularly to methods of making glass using a glass making apparatus that includes a heating enclosure. [Background technology]

[0003] It is known to produce glass ribbons from molten material using glass manufacturing equipment. Conventional glass manufacturing equipment is known to deliver molten material to a forming vessel through a heated conduit. However, the heated conduit may lack the flexibility to accommodate the range of viscosities and temperatures of the molten glass. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some embodiments described in the detailed description.

[0005] According to some embodiments, a glass manufacturing apparatus can include a conduit connected to a delivery vessel and an inlet of a forming vessel. The conduit can include a closed sidewall surrounding a channel extending in a flow direction of the conduit. The closed sidewall can be continuous from the delivery vessel to the inlet of the forming vessel, thereby defining a closed atmosphere from the delivery vessel, through the conduit, and through the inlet of the forming vessel. The glass manufacturing apparatus can include a heating enclosure including a heated wall and a first heating element. The heated wall can surround a chamber, through which the conduit extends. The first heating element can be positioned within the chamber between the heated wall and the conduit to increase the temperature within the channel.

[0006] In some embodiments, the flow direction is the direction of gravity.

[0007] In some embodiments, the heated wall comprises an insulating material.

[0008] In some embodiments, the heating enclosure comprises a peripheral wall surrounding the chamber, the peripheral wall comprising an opening.

[0009] In some embodiments, the heating enclosure comprises a first heating device comprising the heating wall and the first heating element, the first heating device being removably received within the opening in the peripheral wall.

[0010] In some embodiments, the heating enclosure comprises a plurality of heating devices.

[0011] In some embodiments, the channel comprises a non-constant cross-sectional size perpendicular to the flow direction between the delivery vessel and the inlet of the molding vessel.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first heating element is spaced a distance from the heated wall and the conduit.

[0013] In some embodiments, the glass making apparatus comprises one or more temperature sensors positioned within the chamber.

[0014] According to some embodiments, a glass manufacturing apparatus may include a conduit positioned between a delivery vessel and an inlet of a forming vessel. The conduit may include a channel extending in a flow direction of the conduit. The conduit may include a first portion, in which the channel has a first cross-sectional size, and a second portion, downstream of the first portion in the flow direction, in which the channel has a second cross-sectional size smaller than the first cross-sectional size. The glass manufacturing apparatus may include a heating enclosure including a heated wall and a first heating element. The heated wall surrounds a chamber within which the second portion of the conduit extends. The first heating element is positioned within the chamber between the heated wall and the second portion of the conduit to increase the temperature within the channel.

[0015] In some embodiments, the flow direction is the direction of gravity.

[0016] In some embodiments, the heated wall comprises an insulating material.

[0017] In some embodiments, the heating enclosure comprises a peripheral wall surrounding the chamber, the peripheral wall comprising an opening.

[0018] In some embodiments, the heating wall and the first heating element comprise a first heating apparatus, the first heating apparatus being removably received within the opening in the peripheral wall.

[0019] In some embodiments, the glass making apparatus comprises one or more temperature sensors positioned within the chamber.

[0020] According to some embodiments, a method for producing a glass ribbon using a glass manufacturing apparatus may include flowing a molten material through a channel of a conduit in a flow direction of the conduit. The method may further include heating the molten material flowing through the channel with a heating enclosure surrounding the conduit. The method may further include removing a portion of the heating enclosure to cool the molten material flowing through the channel.

[0021] In some embodiments, flowing the molten material comprises flowing the molten material in the direction of gravity.

[0022] In some embodiments, heating the molten material with the heating enclosure includes maintaining a first heating element of the heating enclosure at a different temperature than a second heating element of the heating enclosure.

[0023] In some embodiments, removing the portion of the heating enclosure includes removing one or more of the first heating element and the second heating element from the heating enclosure.

[0024] In some embodiments, the method may further include heating the molten material flowing within the channel with a first heater upstream of the heating enclosure with respect to the flow direction and a second heater downstream of the heating enclosure with respect to the flow direction.

[0025] According to some embodiments, a method of producing a glass ribbon using a glass manufacturing apparatus includes: flowing molten material within a channel of a conduit in a flow direction of said conduit; heating the molten material flowing within the channel with a heating enclosure surrounding the conduit, the heating enclosure having a plurality of heating elements and a plurality of walls surrounding a chamber through which the conduit extends, the heating element being positioned within the chamber between a heated wall of the plurality of walls and the conduit to increase the temperature within the channel; and removing a portion of the heating enclosure to cool the molten material flowing within the channel; may include: These and other features, embodiments, and advantages will be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of a glass manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a glass manufacturing apparatus taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a close-up view of a portion of the glass manufacturing apparatus taken at View 3 of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the heating enclosure taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of a heating device for a heating enclosure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view of a heating enclosure taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view of a heating enclosure similar to FIG. 6 but with portions of the heating enclosure removed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the glass manufacturing apparatus similar to FIG. 3 but with portions of the heating enclosure removed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] Schematic diagram of a glass manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments are shown. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0028] The present disclosure relates to glass manufacturing apparatus and methods for producing glass articles (e.g., glass ribbons) from a quantity of molten material. A glass ribbon can be formed from a quantity of molten material using a slot draw apparatus, float bath apparatus, downdraw apparatus, updraw apparatus, rolling mill apparatus, or other glass manufacturing apparatus.

[0029] Methods and apparatus for producing glass will now be described with reference to exemplary embodiments for forming a glass ribbon from a quantity of molten material. As shown schematically in FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include a glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 and a glass forming apparatus 101 including a forming vessel 140 designed to produce a glass ribbon 103 from a quantity of molten material 121. In some embodiments, the glass ribbon 103 can include a central portion 152 positioned between opposing thickened edge portions (e.g., “beads”) formed along a first outer edge 153 and a second outer edge 155 of the glass ribbon 103. Furthermore, in some embodiments, a divided glass ribbon 104 can be separated from the glass ribbon 103 along a separation path 151 by a glass divider 149 (e.g., a scribe, a score wheel, a diamond tip, a laser, etc.). In some embodiments, before or after separating the separated glass ribbon 104 from the glass ribbon 103, thick edge beads formed along the first outer edge 153 and the second outer edge 155 can be removed to provide the central portion 152 as a high-quality separated glass ribbon 104 having a uniform thickness.

[0030] In some embodiments, the glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 can include a melting vessel 105 oriented to receive batch material 107 from a storage container 109. The batch material 107 can be introduced by a batch delivery device 111 powered by a motor 113. In some embodiments, an optional controller 115 can be used to activate the motor 113 to introduce a desired amount of batch material 107 into the melting vessel 105, as indicated by arrow 117. The melting vessel 105 can heat the batch material 107 to provide molten material 121. In some embodiments, a melt probe 119 can be used to measure the level of the molten material 121 in a standpipe 123, and the measurement information can be communicated to the controller 115 via communication line 125.

[0031] Additionally, in some embodiments, glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 can include a first tempering station comprising a fining vessel 127 positioned downstream from melting vessel 105 and coupled to melting vessel 105 by a first connecting conduit 129. In some embodiments, molten material 121 can be gravity-fed from melting vessel 105 to fining vessel 127 via first connecting conduit 129. For example, in some embodiments, gravity can propel molten material 121 from melting vessel 105 to fining vessel 127 through the internal passage of first connecting conduit 129. Additionally, in some embodiments, gas bubbles can be removed from molten material 121 in fining vessel 127 by various techniques.

[0032] In some embodiments, glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 can further include a second tempering station, which can include a mixing chamber 131, which can be located downstream from fining vessel 127. The mixing chamber 131 can be used to provide a homogeneous composition of molten material 121, thereby reducing or eliminating inhomogeneities that may be present in the molten material 121 exiting fining vessel 127. As shown, fining vessel 127 can be coupled to mixing chamber 131 by a second connecting conduit 135. In some embodiments, molten material 121 can be gravity-fed from fining vessel 127 to mixing chamber 131 by second connecting conduit 135. For example, in some embodiments, gravity can propel molten material 121 from fining vessel 127 to mixing chamber 131 through the internal passage of second connecting conduit 135.

[0033] Additionally, in some embodiments, the glass melting and delivery apparatus 102 can include a third conditioning station, which can include a delivery vessel 133, which can be located downstream from the mixing chamber 131. In some embodiments, the delivery vessel 133 can condition the molten material 121 for delivery into the inlet conduit 141. For example, the delivery vessel 133 can function as an accumulator and / or flow controller to regulate and provide a consistent flow of molten material 121 into the inlet conduit 141. As shown, the mixing chamber 131 can be coupled to the delivery vessel 133 by a third connecting conduit 137. In some embodiments, the molten material 121 can be gravity-fed from the mixing chamber 131 to the delivery vessel 133 by the third connecting conduit 137. For example, in some embodiments, gravity can propel the molten material 121 from the mixing chamber 131 to the delivery vessel 133 through the internal passage of the third connecting conduit 137. As further shown, in some embodiments, a conduit 139 can be positioned to deliver molten material 121 to molding apparatus 101 , for example, to an inlet conduit 141 of a molding vessel 140 .

[0034] The forming apparatus 101 can include various embodiments in accordance with features of the present disclosure, including a forming vessel with wedges for fusion drawing a glass ribbon, a forming vessel with slots for slot drawing a glass ribbon, or a forming vessel with press rolls for rolling the glass ribbon from the forming vessel. By way of example, the forming vessel 140 shown and disclosed below can be provided to fusion draw molten material 121 from a lower edge, defined as a base 145, of a forming wedge 209 to produce a ribbon of molten material 121, which can be drawn and cooled into a glass ribbon 103. For example, in some embodiments, the molten material 121 can be delivered to the forming vessel 140 from an inlet conduit 141. The molten material 121 can then be formed into a glass ribbon 103 based in part on the structure of the forming vessel 140. For example, as shown, the molten material 121 can be drawn as a ribbon of molten material from a lower edge (e.g., base 145) of the forming vessel 140 along a draw path that extends along a draw direction 154 of the glass manufacturing apparatus 100. In some embodiments, edge directors 163, 164 can direct the ribbon of molten material away from the forming vessel 140 to partially define a width "W" of the glass ribbon 103. In some embodiments, the width "W" of the glass ribbon 103 can extend between a first outer edge 153 of the glass ribbon 103 and a second outer edge 155 of the glass ribbon 103.

[0035] In some embodiments, the width "W" of the glass ribbon 103, which is the dimension between the first outer edge 153 of the glass ribbon 103 and the second outer edge 155 of the glass ribbon 103 in a direction perpendicular to the draw direction 154, can be about mm or more, such as about 50 mm or more, such as about 100 mm or more, such as about 500 mm or more, such as about 1000 mm or more, such as about 2000 mm or more, such as about 3000 mm or more, such as about 4000 mm or more, although other widths less than or greater than the aforementioned widths can be provided in further embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the width "W" of the glass ribbon 103 can be from about 20 mm to about 4000 mm, e.g., from about 50 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, from about 100 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, from about 500 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, from about 1000 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, from about 2000 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, from about 3000 mm to about 4000 mm, for example, from about 20 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, from about 50 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, from about 100 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, from about 500 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, from about 1000 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, from about 2000 mm to about 3000 mm, for example, from about 2000 mm to about 2500 mm, and all ranges and subranges therebetween.

[0036] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the forming apparatus 101 (e.g., the forming vessel 140) along line 2-2 in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the forming vessel 140 can include a trough 201 oriented to receive the molten material 121 from the inlet conduit 141. For illustrative purposes, the shaded portion of the molten material 121 has been removed from FIG. 2 for clarity. The forming vessel 140 can further include a forming wedge 209, which includes a pair of downwardly sloping, converging surface portions 207, 208 (see FIG. 1) extending between opposing ends 210, 211 of the forming wedge 209. The pair of downwardly sloping, converging surface portions 207, 208 of the forming wedge 209 can converge along the draw direction 154 and intersect along the base 145 of the forming vessel 140. The draw plane 213 of the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can extend through the base 145 along the draw direction 154. In some embodiments, the glass ribbon 103 can be drawn in the draw direction 154 along the draw plane 213. As shown, the draw plane 213 can extend through the base 145 and bisect the forming wedge 209, although in some embodiments, the draw plane 213 can extend at other orientations relative to the base 145.

[0037] Further, in some embodiments, the molten material 121 may flow in direction 156 into and along the trough 201 of the forming vessel 140. The molten material 121 may then overflow the trough 201 by simultaneously overflowing the corresponding weirs 203, 204 and flowing downward over the outer surfaces 205, 206 of the corresponding weirs 203, 204. The streams of molten material 121 may then flow along the downwardly sloping, converging surface portions 207, 208, respectively, of the forming wedges 209, thereby being drawn from the base 145 of the forming vessel 140 where the streams converge and coalesce into a ribbon of molten material. The ribbon of molten material may then be drawn from the base 145 along the draw direction 154 within the draw plane 213 and cooled to form the glass ribbon 103.

[0038] In some embodiments, the forming vessel 140 can include a slot 231 through which the molten material 121 can overflow the trough 201 by flowing over the corresponding weirs 203, 204. For example, the trough 201 can have a non-constant width along a direction opposite the draw direction 154 and perpendicular to the draw plane 213. The walls defining the trough 201 can converge toward the top of the forming vessel 140 in a direction opposite the draw direction 154, where a slot 231 can be defined therebetween at the top of the forming vessel 140. In some embodiments, the width of the slot 231 (e.g., measured in a direction perpendicular to the draw plane 213) can be smaller than the width of the trough 201 at a central position of the trough 201 (e.g., between the top and bottom of the trough 201). In some embodiments, the slot 231 can have a constant width along the direction 156 (e.g., along the length of the forming vessel 140). However, in other embodiments, the slot 231 may have a non-constant width along the direction 156. For example, the ends of the slot 231 may have a wider width than the central region of the slot 231, or the slot 231 may have a width that increases or decreases along the direction 156 from one end of the forming vessel 140 to the other end of the forming vessel 140. As described herein, the provision of the slot 231 in the forming vessel 140 can create pressure on the molten material 121 as it flows through the conduit 139. This pressure can equalize the flow of the molten material 121 through the forming vessel 140, ensuring a more consistent distribution of the molten material 121 flowing through the slot 231. However, it will be understood that in some embodiments, the forming vessel 140 is not limited to having a slot 231, and the forming vessel 140 may have a larger opening at the top.

[0039] The glass ribbon 103 includes a first major surface 215 and a second major surface 216, which face in opposite directions and define a thickness "T" (e.g., average thickness) of the glass ribbon 103. In some embodiments, the thickness "T" (e.g., average thickness) of the glass ribbon 103 can be about 2 millimeters (mm) or less, about 1 millimeter or less, about 0.5 millimeters or less, such as about 300 micrometers (μm) or less, about 200 micrometers or less, or about 100 micrometers or less, although other thicknesses can be provided in further embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness "T" of the glass ribbon 103 can be from about 50 μm to about 750 μm, from about 100 μm to about 700 μm, from about 200 μm to about 600 μm, from about 300 μm to about 500 μm, from about 50 μm to about 500 μm, from about 50 μm to about 700 μm, from about 50 μm to about 600 μm, from about 50 μm to about 500 μm, from about 50 μm to about 400 μm, from about 50 μm to about 300 μm, from about 50 μm to about 200 μm, or from about 50 μm to about 100 μm (including all thickness ranges and subranges therebetween). Additionally, the glass ribbon 103 can comprise a variety of compositions, including, but not limited to, soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, aluminoborosilicate glass, alkali-containing glass, or alkali-free glass.

[0040] In some embodiments, a glass divider 149 (see FIG. 1 ) can subsequently separate the separated glass ribbon 104 from the ribbon 103 along a separation path 151 as the glass ribbon 103 is formed by the forming vessel 140. As shown, in some embodiments, the separation path 151 can extend along the width "W" of the glass ribbon 103 between the first outer edge 153 and the second outer edge 155, for example, by being perpendicular to the draw direction 154. Further, in some embodiments, the draw direction 154 can define a direction in which the glass ribbon 103 can be drawn from the forming vessel 140.

[0041] In some embodiments, multiple split glass ribbons 104 can be stacked to form a stack of split glass ribbons 104. In some embodiments, an interposing material can be placed between adjacent pairs of split glass ribbons 104 to prevent and help maintain intact surfaces of the pairs of split glass ribbons 104 from contacting each other.

[0042] In a further embodiment, not shown, the glass ribbon 103 from the glass manufacturing equipment may be wound onto a storage roll. Once a desired length of wound glass ribbon is stored on the storage roll, the glass ribbon 103 may be split by a glass splitter 149 such that split glass ribbons are stored on the storage roll. In a further embodiment, the split glass ribbon may be split into other split glass ribbons. For example, a split glass ribbon 104 (e.g., from a stack of glass ribbons) may be further split into other split glass ribbons. In a further embodiment, a split glass ribbon stored on a storage roll may be pulled off the roll and further split into other split glass ribbons.

[0043] The separated glass ribbons can then be processed into a desired application, for example, a display application. For example, the separated glass ribbons can be used in a wide variety of display applications, including liquid crystal displays (LCDs), electrophoretic displays (EPDs), organic light emitting diode displays (OLEDs), plasma display panels (PDPs), and other electronic displays.

[0044] FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 taken at view 3 in FIG. 1 , according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a conduit 139 positioned between the delivery vessel 133 and the inlet 301 of the forming vessel 140, which can deliver the molten material 121 from the delivery vessel 133 to the forming vessel 140. For example, the conduit 139 is hollow and includes a channel 303 extending in a flow direction 305 of the conduit 139. The molten material 121 can flow through the channel 303 along the flow direction 305 toward the inlet 301 of the forming vessel 140. In some embodiments, the conduit 139 can extend substantially vertically between the delivery vessel 133 and the inlet 301 of the forming vessel 140, such that the flow direction 305 is the direction of gravity. For example, the conduit 139 can extend along an axis, which is the direction of gravity.

[0045] In some embodiments, the conduit 139 can include a closed sidewall 307 surrounding a channel 303 extending in the flow direction 305 of the conduit 139. The closed sidewall 307 can have no openings (e.g., gaps, gaps, spaces, etc.) between the delivery vessel 133 and the inlet 301 of the molding vessel 140. For example, the closed sidewall 307 can be closed and have no openings, thereby defining no free path between the interior of the conduit and the exterior of the conduit 139. This allows the closed sidewall 307 to surround the channel 303 while restricting air or undesirable contaminants from passing through the closed sidewall 307 and entering the channel 303. Not exposing the molten material 121 to air or contaminants through the closed sidewall 307 can reduce undesirable effects such as the formation of condensates in the channel 303, hydrogen permeation in the molten material 121, and / or the inclusion of contaminants in the molten material 121. The closing sidewall 307 may, for example, comprise a metallic material (eg, platinum).

[0046] In some embodiments, the conduit 139 can be connected to the delivery vessel 133 and the inlet 301 of the molding vessel 140. By connecting the delivery vessel 133 and the inlet 301 of the molding vessel 140, the closed sidewall 307 is continuous from the delivery vessel 133 to the inlet 301 of the molding vessel 140, and can define a closed atmosphere from the delivery vessel 133 through the conduit 139 and through the inlet 301 of the molding vessel 140. For example, the conduit 139 can be connected to the delivery vessel 133, such as by connecting the closed sidewall 307 to the outlet of the delivery vessel 133. This allows the outlet of the delivery vessel 133 and the conduit 139 connected to the outlet of the delivery vessel 133 to have no openings between the interior and exterior through which the molten material 121 flows (e.g., the outlet of the delivery vessel 133 and the conduit 139 connected to the outlet of the delivery vessel 133). Similarly, the conduit 139 can be connected to the inlet 301 of the molding vessel 140, such as by connecting the closed sidewall 307 to the inlet 301 of the molding vessel 140. For example, one or more walls may define the inlet 301 of the molding vessel 140, and these walls are connected to the conduit 139. This allows the inlet 301 of the molding vessel 140 and the conduit 139 connected to the inlet 301 of the molding vessel 140 to have no openings between the interior and exterior through which the molten material 121 flows (e.g., of the inlet 301 of the molding vessel 140 and the conduit 139 connected to the inlet 301 of the molding vessel 140). Thus, as the molten material 121 flows from the delivery vessel 133, through the conduit 139, and through the inlet 301 to the molding vessel 140, the molten material 121 can be contained within a closed atmosphere that is not exposed to the outside through openings.

[0047] Providing a closed sidewall 307 on the conduit 139 and connecting it to the delivery vessel 133 and the inlet 301 of the molding vessel 140 limits external access to the molten material 121 flowing from the delivery vessel through the conduit 139 and into the inlet 301 of the molding vessel 140. This prevents air or undesirable contaminants from contacting or contaminating the molten material 121. Furthermore, as the molten material 121 flows through the conduit 139, pressure can be created within the conduit 139. This pressure can force the molten material 121 into the molding vessel 140 and out of the molding vessel 140 through the slot 231 (shown, for example, in FIG. 2 ). Due to the geometry of the molding vessel and the reduced width of the slot 231, the pressure created within the conduit 139 can promote a more uniform flow of the molten material 121 through the slot 231 along the length of the molding vessel 140. For example, the distribution of molten material 121 exiting slot 231 can be made more uniform by slot 231 (e.g., a reduced width of the slot) and conduit 139 with closed sidewall 307 connected to and continuous with inlets 301 of delivery vessel 133 and molding vessel 140. The pressure in conduit 139 can be maintained by eliminating any openings, voids, etc. in conduit 139 (e.g., if openings were present, the pressure in conduit 139 could be reduced).

[0048] In some embodiments, the channel 303 can have a non-constant cross-sectional size perpendicular to the flow direction 305 between the delivery vessel 133 and the inlet 301 of the molding vessel 140. For example, the cross-sectional size of the channel 303 can be measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis along which the conduit 139 extends. In some embodiments, the conduit 139 can have a circular shape, in which case the cross-sectional size of the channel 303 can have a non-constant diameter between the delivery vessel 133 and the inlet 301 of the molding vessel 140. In some embodiments, the conduit 139 comprises a first portion 309 in which the channel 303 has a first cross-sectional size 311 and a second portion 313 downstream of the first portion 309 with respect to the flow direction 305 in which the channel 303 has a second cross-sectional size 315 (e.g., diameter) smaller than the first cross-sectional size 311. This reduction in the cross-sectional size of channel 303 can help concentrate the flow resistance of molten material 121 in second portion 313 of conduit 139. For example, glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can provide increased heating of molten material 121 (e.g., by heating enclosure 327) as molten material 121 flows through conduit 139. The increased heat provided to molten material 121 can increase the flow rate of molten material 121 through conduit 139, such as by reducing the viscosity of molten material 121. To compensate for the increased flow rate of molten material 121, the cross-sectional size of conduit 139 can be reduced in second portion 313, thereby reducing the flow rate of molten material 121 to compensate for the reduced viscosity. In some embodiments, first cross-sectional size 311 can be between about 26 centimeters (cm) and about 34 cm. In some embodiments, second cross-sectional size 315 can be between about 17 cm and about 23 cm. In some embodiments, second cross-sectional size 315 can be between about 25% and about 75% of first cross-sectional size 311 .

[0049] The glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include one or more heating devices 321 capable of heating the molten material 121 in the channel 303. For example, the one or more heating devices 321 of the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include a first heater 323, a second heater 325, and a heating enclosure 327. The first heater 323 can define a first heated passage 329 through which the conduit 139 can extend. In some embodiments, the first portion 309 of the conduit 139 can extend through the first heated passage 329, such that the first heater 323 can heat the molten material 121 flowing through the first portion 309 of the conduit 139. The first heater 323 can be positioned upstream of the heating enclosure 327 with respect to the flow direction 305. The second heater 325 can define a second heated passage 331 through which the conduit 139 can extend. In some embodiments, the second portion 313 of the conduit 139 can extend through the second heated passage 331, such that the second heater 325 can heat the molten material 121 flowing through the second portion 313 of the conduit 139. In some embodiments, the second heater 325 can be positioned downstream of the heating enclosure 327 with respect to the flow direction 305.

[0050] The heating enclosure 327 can be positioned downstream of the first heater 323. In further embodiments including a second heater 325 as shown, the heating enclosure 327 can be positioned between the first heater 323 and the second heater 325. As shown, the heating enclosure 327 can surround a portion of the conduit 139. In some embodiments, the heating enclosure 327 can comprise a heated wall 335 and a first heating element 337. The first heating element 337 can comprise, for example, a resistive heating element 337, where an electrical current passing through the first heating element 337 can generate heat. The heated wall 335 can surround a chamber 339 through which the conduit 139 extends. For example, in some embodiments, the second portion 313 of the conduit 139 can extend through the chamber 339, thereby receiving the second portion 313 of the conduit 139 within the heating enclosure 327 and the second heater 325. The first heating element 337 can be positioned within the chamber 339 between the heated wall 335 and the conduit 139, and can increase the temperature within the chamber 339 and therefore within the channel 303. For example, when the first heating element 337 is turned on, the first heating element 337 can generate heat, which can increase the temperature within the chamber 339. The increased temperature within the chamber 339 can in turn increase the temperature of the molten material 121 flowing within the channel 303. In some embodiments, the first heating element 337 can extend generally parallel to the axis along which the conduit 139 extends, where the first heating element is spaced a distance from the heated wall 335 and the conduit 139. The heating enclosure 327 is not limited to including a single heating element (e.g., the first heating element 337), and in some embodiments, the heating enclosure 327 can include multiple heating elements, such as the second heating element 338, the third heating element 340, etc.

[0051] In some embodiments, heating elements 337, 338, 340 can be comprised of molybdenum disilicide heating elements, while first heater 323 and second heater 325 can include platinum heating elements. In some embodiments, heating elements 337, 338, 340 can generate a higher power output than the platinum heating elements of first heater 323 and second heater 325. For example, in some embodiments, the platinum heating elements of first heater 323 and second heater 325 can each generate a power output of about 300 watts to about 400 watts. In some embodiments, heating elements 337, 338, 340, which can be comprised of molybdenum disilicide heating elements, can each generate a power output of about 1000 kilowatts to about 2000 kilowatts. Thus, if heating enclosure 327 includes four heating elements, heating enclosure 327 can generate a power output of about 4000 kilowatts to about 8000 kilowatts. Thus, the power density of the heating elements 337, 338, 340 of the heating enclosure 327 allows for increased temperature output while accommodating a relatively small space between the first heater 323 and the second heater 325.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional view of the heating enclosure 327 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 is shown. To more clearly illustrate portions of the heating enclosure 327, the conduit 139 has been omitted from FIG. 4. However, it will be understood that the conduit 139 can be positioned to pass through the heating enclosure 327 in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the heating enclosure 327 comprises a top wall 401 and a bottom wall 403. The top wall 401 can be positioned adjacent to the bottom surface of the first heater 323, and the bottom wall 403 can be positioned adjacent to the top surface of the second heater 325. In some embodiments, the top wall 401 defines a top wall opening 405 through which the conduit 139 can be received. The top wall 401 can be spaced from the bottom wall 403 to define a chamber 339 therebetween. In some embodiments, the bottom wall 403 defines an upper bottom wall opening 407 through which the conduit 139 can be received. Thus, the second portion 313 of the conduit 139 can extend through the upper wall opening 405, the chamber 339, and the bottom wall opening 407.

[0053] The heating enclosure 327 can include a peripheral wall 411 that surrounds the chamber 339. In some embodiments, the peripheral wall 411 can extend between the top wall 401 and the bottom wall 403 and around the conduit 139 to define the chamber 339. For example, the peripheral wall 411 can extend coaxially with the conduit 139 when the conduit 139 is received within the chamber 339. The peripheral wall 411 can be spaced a distance from the conduit 139, such that the chamber 339 exists between the peripheral wall 411 and the conduit 139. In some embodiments, the peripheral wall 411 can include an opening 413 (e.g., the opening 413 also shown in FIGS. 6-7 ). Although the opening 413 is shown in Figure 7 without any structure or component (e.g., first heating device 501) within the opening 413, the opening 413 in Figures 4 and 6 has a structure (e.g., first heating device 501) positioned within the opening 413. In some embodiments, the opening 413 can be defined between the peripheral wall 411, the top wall 401, and the bottom wall 403. In some embodiments, a portion of the first heating element 337 can be received within the opening 413 in the peripheral wall 411.

[0054] 5, the heating enclosure 327 may include a first heating device 501 including a heating wall 335 and a first heating element 337. In some embodiments, the heating wall 335 is constructed of an insulating material, for example, a ceramic material. The heating wall 335 may include a first wall portion 503 and a second wall portion 505. In some embodiments, the first wall portion 503 may form a lower portion of the heating wall 335, and the second wall portion 505 may form an upper portion of the heating wall 335. The first wall portion 503 may include a front surface 507, a back surface 509, and one or more side surfaces 511. In some embodiments, when the heating enclosure 327 surrounds the conduit 139, the front surface 507 is positioned facing the conduit 139 and the chamber 339. The back surface 509 can be positioned facing away from the conduit 139 and the chamber 339 (e.g., opposite the front surface 507), where the back surface 509 defines an outer boundary of the heating enclosure 327. In some embodiments, the front surface 507 extends generally parallel to the back surface 509. One or more side surfaces 511 of the first wall portion 503 can extend between the front surface 507 and the back surface 509. The first side surface 513 can extend generally perpendicular to the back surface 509 and can be positioned adjacent to the back surface 509. The second side surface 515 can extend between the first side surface 513 and the front surface 507. In some embodiments, the second side surface 515 can be angled relative to the first side surface 513 and the front surface 507. For example, the second side surface 515 can be non-perpendicular to the first side surface 513 and non-perpendicular to the front surface 507. The first heating device 501 may have additional first and second sides 513 and 515 opposite the first and second sides 513 and 515 shown (e.g., obscured from view in FIG. 5).

[0055] The second wall portion 505 can be attached to or formed with the first wall portion 503. For example, in some embodiments, the first wall portion 503 and the second wall portion 505 can be comprised of a monolithic block. In some embodiments, the second wall portion 505 can define one or more heater openings 519 extending through the second wall portion 505 between the front surface 521 and the back surface 523. In some embodiments, the first heating element 337 can be received through the heater openings 519 such that a portion of the first heating element 337 can be positioned within the chamber 339 in a controlled manner from outside the chamber 339. The back surface 523 of the second wall portion 505 can be substantially coplanar with the back surface 509 of the first wall portion 503. In some embodiments, the front surface 521 of the second wall portion 505 can extend parallel to the front surface 507 of the first wall portion 503, but is not coplanar with the front surface 507. For example, the second wall portion 505 can extend a distance beyond the front surface 507 of the first wall portion 503, such that the front surface 521 of the second wall portion 505 can be closer to the conduit 139 than the front surface 507 of the first wall portion 503. In some embodiments, the distance between the front surface 521 and the back surface 523 of the second wall portion 505 in a direction perpendicular to the front surface 521 and the back surface 523 can be greater than the distance between the front surface 507 and the back surface 509 of the first wall portion 503 in a direction perpendicular to the front surface 507 and the back surface 509. Thus, in some embodiments, the second wall portion 505 protrudes beyond the first wall portion 503 toward the conduit 139, thereby allowing the first heating element 337 to be spaced a distance from the front surface 507 of the first wall portion 503.

[0056] The first heating element 337 can include a U-shaped portion that can be positioned within the chamber 339 of the heating enclosure 327. In some embodiments, the heating enclosure 327 can include multiple heating elements connected in series. The heating elements 337, 338, 340 of the heating enclosure 327 can achieve a power output of about 4 kilowatts (kW) to about 8 kW and can output temperatures of up to 2000°C. In some embodiments, the heating elements 337, 338, 340 of the heating enclosure 327 can be substantially identical, with each heating element (e.g., 337, 338, or 340) capable of generating a power output of about 1 kW to about 2 kW. The heating elements 337, 338, 340 of the heating enclosure 327 are not limited to operating in series, and in some embodiments, the heating elements 337, 338, 340 of the heating enclosure 327 can operate independently of each other. For example, one or more of the heating elements may be turned on and maintained at a first temperature while one or more other heating elements are turned off or maintained at a second temperature different from the first temperature. Thus, the heating enclosure 327 may create a temperature gradient within the molten material 121 flowing through the conduit 139. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to vary the temperature along one side of the molten material 121, for example, to accommodate a non-uniform radial temperature distribution of the molten material 121.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 6 , a cross-sectional view of the heating enclosure 327 taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 4 is shown. In some embodiments, the perimeter wall 411 can include one or more walls, such as an inner perimeter wall 601 and an outer perimeter wall 603. The inner perimeter wall 601 can define the boundary of the chamber 339 and can be positioned closer to the conduit 139 than the outer perimeter wall 603. The inner perimeter wall 601 can have a front side facing the chamber 339 and a back side opposite the front side facing the outer perimeter wall 603. The outer perimeter wall 603 can be positioned adjacent to the back side of the inner perimeter wall 601 and can be in contact with the inner perimeter wall 601. In some embodiments, the outer perimeter wall 603 can be removable from the heating enclosure 327 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7 ) to reduce the thickness of the insulating material surrounding the chamber 339. For example, the inner perimeter wall 601 and the outer perimeter wall 603 can be composed of an insulating material (e.g., a ceramic material). By removing the outer perimeter wall 603 from the heating enclosure 327, the thickness of the perimeter wall 411 (and, e.g., the thickness of the insulating material surrounding the chamber 339) is reduced, thereby allowing more heat to escape from the chamber 339 through the perimeter wall 411. In some embodiments, the top wall 401 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4 ) can be supported by the inner perimeter wall 601, where the top wall 401 rests on the inner perimeter wall 601. Thus, in some embodiments, the outer perimeter wall 603 can be removed, while the top wall 401 remains supported by the inner perimeter wall 601.

[0058] The inner peripheral wall 601 and the outer peripheral wall 603 can include an opening 413 within which the first heating device 501 can be received. The peripheral wall 411 is not limited to a single opening, and in some embodiments, the peripheral wall 411 can include multiple openings, such as a second opening 605, a third opening 607, and a fourth opening 609. The second opening 605, the third opening 607, and / or the fourth opening 609 can have a shape and dimensions similar to the opening 413. In some embodiments, the heating enclosure 327 is quadrilateral-shaped, with the openings (e.g., opening 413, the second opening 605, the third opening 607, and the fourth opening 609) located at the corners and the peripheral wall 411 forming the sides.

[0059] In some embodiments, one or more of the openings 413, 605, 607, 609 may be sized and shaped to receive a heating device (e.g., the heating device received in the openings 413, 605, 607, 609 shown in FIG. 6 ) while allowing the heating device to be removed from the openings 413, 605, 607, 609 (e.g., the heating device removed from the openings 413, 605, 607, 609 in FIG. 7 ). For example, the heating enclosure 327 may include multiple heating devices, such as a first heating device 501, a second heating device 613, a third heating device 615, and a fourth heating device 617. In some embodiments, the heating devices 501, 613, 615, 617 may be removably received in the openings 413, 605, 607, 609. For example, first heating device 501 can be removably received within opening 413 in peripheral wall 411. In some embodiments, second heating device 613 can be removably received within second opening 605. In some embodiments, third heating device 615 can be removably received within third opening 607. In some embodiments, fourth heating device 617 can be removably received within fourth opening 609. The removably received heating devices 501, 613, 615, 617 can be removed from heating enclosure 327 without destroying or damaging heating enclosure 327. For example, one or more of heating devices 501, 613, 615, 617 can be removed from heating enclosure 327 and then reinserted within heating enclosure 327 (by sliding into and receiving within opening 413).

[0060] In some embodiments, the inner peripheral wall 601 and the outer peripheral wall 603 may include angled surfaces that define the boundaries of the openings 413, 605, 607, 609 and align the orientation of the first side 513 and the second side 515 of the first heating device 501. For example, the inner peripheral wall 601 may include an inner surface 621, and the outer peripheral wall 603 may include an outer surface 623 that defines the boundaries of the opening 413. In some embodiments, the angle defined between the inner surface 621 and the outer surface 623 may be substantially similar to the angle defined between the first side 513 and the second side 515 of the first heating device 501. In some embodiments, the distance separating the inner surfaces 621 on opposite sides of the opening 413 may decrease in a direction from outside the heating enclosure 327 toward the conduit 139. The distance separating the outer surfaces 623 of opposite sides of the opening 413 can be constant in a direction from the outside of the heating enclosure 327 toward the conduit 139. This allows the first heating device 501 to be received within the opening 413, with the first side surface 513 engaging (e.g., contacting, abutting, etc.) the inner surface 621 of the inner perimeter wall 601 and the second side surface 515 engaging the outer surface 623 of the outer perimeter wall 603. The first heating device 501 can thus be held within the opening 413 at a fixed distance from the conduit 139, and the first heating device 501 is limited from accidental movement relative to the perimeter wall 411. For example, the opening 413 can be tapered by the inner surfaces 621 converging toward each other in a direction toward the chamber 339. Similarly, the first heating device 501 can also be tapered by the second side surface 515 converging toward the front surface 521. Thus, engagement between second side surface 515 and inner surface 621 can limit first heating device 501 from being inserted too far into opening 413 and extending too far into chamber 339. This allows a minimum distance to be maintained between first heating device 501 and conduit 139.

[0061] While the above description of the heating devices being received within the openings has been made with respect to the first heating device 501 and opening 413, it will be understood that the other heating devices 613, 615, 617 can be received within the other openings 605, 607, 609 in a similar manner. For example, the second heating device 613, the third heating device 615, and the fourth heating device 617 can have a size, shape, and function generally similar to the first heating device 501. The second heating device 613, the third heating device 615, and the fourth heating device 617 can include a heating wall (e.g., similar to the heating wall 335), a heating element (e.g., similar to the first heating element 337), etc. Similarly, in some embodiments, the second opening 605, the third opening 607, and the fourth opening 609 can have a size, shape, and function generally similar to the opening 413. Thus, in some embodiments, second heating device 613 can be received within second opening 605 in a manner similar to how first heating device 501 is received within opening 413. Similarly, in some embodiments, third heating device 615 can be received within third opening 607 in a manner similar to how first heating device 501 is received within opening 413. In some embodiments, fourth heating device 617 can be received within fourth opening 609 in a manner similar to how first heating device 501 is received within opening 413.

[0062] In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include one or more temperature sensors positioned within the chamber 339 that can detect a temperature. For example, the one or more temperature sensors can include a first temperature sensor 622 and a second temperature sensor 624. The first temperature sensor 622 can be positioned near the conduit 139. In some embodiments, the first temperature sensor 622 can be attached to the conduit 139 by being positioned near the conduit 139, while in other embodiments, the first temperature sensor 622 can be attached to a wall of the heating enclosure 327 adjacent the conduit 139, such as the top wall 401 or the bottom wall 403. By positioning the first temperature sensor 622 near the conduit 139, the first temperature sensor 622 can detect the temperature of the conduit 139, which can be indicative of the temperature of the molten material 121 flowing within the channel 303 of the conduit 139. In some embodiments, the second temperature sensor 624 can be adjacent to the first heating element 337, for example, by being positioned between the first heating element 337 and an adjacent heating element. For example, the second temperature sensor 624 can be attached to a wall of the heating enclosure 327 near the first heating element 337, for example, the top wall 401 or the bottom wall 403. Thus, the second temperature sensor 624 can detect the temperature within the chamber 339 near the first heating element 337, thereby ensuring that the first heating element 337 is providing the desired amount of heat to the chamber 339.

[0063] While the heating enclosure 327 can heat the molten material 121 flowing through the conduit 139, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to cool the molten material 121. For example, in some embodiments, the first temperature sensor 622 and / or the second temperature sensor 624 may detect that the temperature in the chamber 339 is too high. To reduce the temperature in the chamber 339, the heating enclosure 327 can be adapted in one or more ways. For example, in some embodiments, one or more of the first heating device 501, the second heating device 613, the third heating device 615, and the fourth heating device 617 can be turned off. In some embodiments, the first heating device 501 can remain on, while one or more of the second heating device 613, the third heating device 615, and the fourth heating device 617 can be turned off. By turning off one or more of the heating devices 501, 613, 615, and 617, the temperature in the chamber 339 can be reduced. In some embodiments, the chamber 339 can be cooled without turning off the heating devices 501, 613, 615, 617. For example, by reducing the power supplied to one or more of the heating devices 501, 613, 615, 617, the amount of heat generated by the heating devices 501, 613, 615, 617 can likewise be reduced, thereby reducing the temperature within the chamber 339. However, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to reduce the temperature within the chamber 339 more rapidly than can be achieved by turning off one or more of the heating devices 501, 613, 615, 617 or reducing the power to one or more of the heating devices 501, 613, 615, 617.

[0064] 7 , in some embodiments, one or more portions of heating enclosure 327 can be removed to achieve more rapid cooling of chamber 339, and therefore molten material 121 in conduit 139. For example, in some embodiments, one or more of heating devices 501, 613, 615, 617 can be removed from heating enclosure 327. Removing one or more of heating devices 501, 613, 615, 617 can expose chamber 339 to the exterior of heating enclosure 327 through one or more of openings 413, 605, 607, 609. In some embodiments, the temperature outside heating enclosure 327 is lower than the temperature within chamber 339. Thus, removing the heating devices 501, 613, 615, 617 allows the temperature within the chamber 339 to cool due to airflow through the openings 413, 605, 607, 609 and heat loss from the chamber 339 to the exterior of the heating enclosure 327. Additionally or alternatively, removing the heating devices 501, 613, 615, 617 may facilitate maintenance of the heating enclosure 327. For example, it may be desirable to perform maintenance or repair on one or more of the heating devices 501, 613, 615, 617 during operation. Rather than removing and replacing the entire heating enclosure 327, in some embodiments, one or more of the heating devices 501, 613, 615, 617 may be removed from the heating enclosure 327 and repaired or replaced. Thus, replacing the entire heating enclosure 327 when one of the heating devices 501, 613, 615, 617 is not working properly can be avoided, thereby reducing costs and downtime.

[0065] To further facilitate cooling of the chamber 339, a portion of the perimeter wall 411 can be removed. For example, the outer perimeter wall 603, which may be constructed of an insulating material, can be separated and / or removed from the inner perimeter wall 601. By removing the outer perimeter wall 603, the chamber 339 can be surrounded by the inner perimeter wall 601, thereby reducing the thickness of the perimeter wall 411. In this manner, the amount of insulating material included in the heating enclosure 327 (e.g., the outer perimeter wall 603) can be reduced, thereby allowing the chamber 339 to be cooled by heat loss through the inner perimeter wall 601. While the heating enclosure 327 in FIG. 7 is illustrated as not including any outer perimeter wall 603, in some embodiments, a portion of the outer perimeter wall 603 can be removed rather than entirely. For example, one or more portions of the inner perimeter wall 601 can be unlined by the outer perimeter wall 603, while other portions of the inner perimeter wall 601 can be lined by the outer perimeter wall 603. This allows for relatively rapid heat loss where the outer perimeter wall 603 is removed, and relatively slower heat loss where the outer perimeter wall 603 remains behind the inner perimeter wall 601. In some embodiments, to achieve maximum cooling of the chamber 339, all of the heating devices 501, 613, 615, 617 can be removed along with the entire outer perimeter wall 603. This allows heat to dissipate from the chamber 339 through both the openings 413, 605, 607, 609 and the inner perimeter wall 601.

[0066] 8 , a schematic side view of glass manufacturing apparatus 100 is shown with one or more of heating devices 501, 613, 615, 617, and therefore heating elements 337, 338, 340, removed. In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing glass ribbon 103 using glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include flowing molten material 121 within channel 303 of conduit 139 in a flow direction 305 of conduit 139. For example, molten material 121 can flow from delivery vessel 133 to conduit 139. Conduit 139 can be substantially hollow, thereby defining channel 303. Thus, molten material 121 can flow through channel 303 of conduit 139 to inlet 301 of forming vessel 140. In some embodiments, flowing molten material 121 can include flowing molten material 121 in the direction of gravity. For example, the conduit 139 may be oriented vertically between the delivery vessel 133 and the inlet 301 of the molding vessel 140. The vertical orientation of the conduit 139 allows the molten material 121 to flow downward in the direction of gravity toward the inlet 301 of the molding vessel 140.

[0067] In some embodiments, a method of producing a glass ribbon 103 using a glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include heating a molten material 121 flowing within a channel 303 by a first heater 323 upstream of a heating enclosure 327 with respect to a flow direction 305 and a second heater 325 downstream of the heating enclosure 327 with respect to the flow direction 305. For example, as the molten material 121 flows through a conduit 139, the molten material 121 can first be heated by the first heater 323 located immediately downstream of the delivery vessel 133. The molten material 121 can then be heated by the heating enclosure 327 and thereafter by the second heater 325. In some embodiments, a first portion 309 of the conduit 139 can be heated by the first heater 323, while a second portion 313 of the conduit 139 can be heated by the second heater 325.

[0068] In some embodiments, a method of producing a glass ribbon 103 using a glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include heating molten material flowing within the channel 303 with a heating enclosure 327 that surrounds a conduit 139. For example, with reference to FIG. 3 , the heating enclosure 327 can include a first heating element 337 surrounded by one or more walls, such as a heating wall 335, a peripheral wall 411, etc. The heating enclosure 327 can include a chamber 339 through which the conduit 139 extends. The first heating element 337 can extend within the chamber 339 between the conduit 139 and a wall of the heating enclosure 327 (e.g., the heating wall 335, the peripheral wall 411, etc.). When the first heating element 337 is turned on, the first heating element 337 can generate heat, which can increase the temperature within the chamber 339. In some embodiments, the elevated temperature within the chamber 339 can heat the molten material 121 flowing within the channel 303 of the conduit 139 .

[0069] In some embodiments, heating the molten material 121 flowing within the channel 303 with the heating enclosure 327 can include maintaining a first heating element 337 of the heating enclosure 327 at a different temperature than a second heating element 338 of the heating enclosure 327. For example, maintaining the first heating element 337 and the second heating element 338 at different temperatures can vary one or more properties of the molten material 121 flowing through the conduit 139. For example, maintaining the first heating element 337 and the second heating element 338 at different temperatures can vary the flow rate of the molten material 121 along one side of the conduit 139 compared to the flow rate of the molten material 121 along the other side of the conduit 139. Thus, by maintaining the heating elements 337, 338, 340 of the heating enclosure 327 at different temperatures, a temperature gradient can be induced within the molten material 121, thereby compensating for any downstream effects on the molten material 121 by the forming vessel 140. For example, due to the potential effects of deformation of the forming vessel 140 over time, it may be desirable to induce a radial temperature gradient within the molten material 121. In some embodiments, one side of the heating enclosure 327 can be operated at a higher power than the other side of the heating enclosure 327. This can create a temperature gradient within the molten material 121 that is maintained within the molten material 121 until it reaches the forming vessel 140. This temperature gradient can alter the flow of the molten material 121 from the forming vessel 140.

[0070] 7-8 , in some embodiments, a method of producing glass ribbon 103 using glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include cooling molten material 121 flowing within channel 303 by removing a portion of heating enclosure 327. For example, it may be desirable to cool molten material 121 flowing through conduit 139 via heating enclosure 327. This cooling can be achieved in several ways. In some embodiments, heating elements 337, 338, 340 can be turned off so that heating enclosure 327 cannot provide heat within chamber 339. In some embodiments, removing one or more portions of heating enclosure 327 can provide airflow between chamber 339 of heating enclosure 327 and the exterior of heating enclosure 327 to achieve further cooling. For example, removing the portion of heating enclosure 327 can include removing one or more of first heating element 337 and second heating element 338 from heating enclosure 327. In some embodiments, the first heating element 337 can be removed by removing the first heating device 501 from the opening 413. Removal of the first heating device 501 (and therefore the first heating element 337, for example) can provide a path through the opening 413, through which heat can dissipate within the chamber 339. Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the second heating element 338 can be removed by removing the third heating device 615 from the third opening 607. Removal of the third heating device 615 (and therefore the second heating element 338 of the third heating device 615, for example) can provide a path through the third opening 607, through which heat can dissipate within the chamber 339. In some embodiments, all four heating devices 501 , 613 , 615 , 617 can be removed from the heating enclosure 327 , in addition to the outer peripheral wall 603 of the heating enclosure 327 , to provide further cooling of the molten material 121 .

[0071] Referring to FIG. 9 , a further embodiment of a glass manufacturing apparatus 900 is shown. In some embodiments, the delivery vessel 133 can be positioned below the mixing chamber 131, and thus the third connecting conduit 137 may or may not be provided. In some embodiments, the molten material 121 can flow from the mixing chamber 131 to the delivery vessel 133 by gravity. For example, the molten material 121 can flow downward from the mixing chamber 131 to the delivery vessel 133, after which the molten material 121 can flow into and through the conduit 139. In some embodiments, the conduit 139 can extend along an axis (e.g., where the axis is coaxial with the conduit 139), and the axis can intersect the delivery vessel 133 and the mixing chamber 131. This eliminates the need for the delivery vessel 133 to be positioned next to the mixing chamber 131. Instead, in some embodiments, delivery vessel 133 can be positioned below mixing chamber 131, with the bottom of mixing chamber 131 and the top of delivery vessel 133 connected in fluid communication.

[0072] In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can provide multiple benefits related to heating and / or cooling of the molten material 121 flowing through the conduit 139. For example, the conduit 139 can include a closed sidewall 307 without any openings. This can limit air, contaminants, etc. from passing through the closed sidewall 307 and entering the channel 303. This can reduce the risk of exposure of the molten material 121 to air or contaminants, such as condensation formation within the channel 303 or hydrogen permeation of the molten material 121. Furthermore, the heating enclosure 327 can provide varying levels of heating and cooling of the molten material 121. For example, portions of the heating enclosure 327 can be removed, such as one or more of the heating devices 501, 613, 615, 617, or a portion or all of the outer peripheral wall 603. Thus, by removing portions of the heating enclosure 327, such as one or more of the heating devices 501, 613, 615, and 617, or part or all of the outer peripheral wall 603, rapid cooling of the chamber 339 can be achieved. Similarly, a temperature gradient within the chamber 339 can be achieved, for example, by turning on some of the heating devices 501, 613, 615, and 617 and turning off others, and / or by removing portions of the outer peripheral wall 603. Thus, heat loss from the chamber 339 can be accelerated along certain sides of the heating enclosure 327 while being minimized along other sides of the heating enclosure 327. Furthermore, the channel 303 of the conduit 139 has a non-constant cross-sectional size perpendicular to the flow direction 305 between the delivery vessel 133 and the inlet 301 of the molding vessel 140. The size of the channel 303 is reduced near the heating enclosure 327, thereby increasing the flow resistance of the molten material 121 surrounded by the heating enclosure 327. In this manner, the effect of the heating devices 501, 613, 615, 617 on the molten material 121 can be increased by increasing the time the molten material 121 spends within the channel 303 passing through the heating enclosure 327.For example, for a given flow volume, the flow rate of the molten material 121 can be increased, thereby reducing the amount of time the molten material 121 spends within the portion of the conduit 139 surrounded by the heating enclosure 327. To accommodate this reduction in the amount of time the molten material 121 is exposed to the influence of the heating enclosure 327, the heating enclosure 327 can be operated at a higher temperature than the first heater 323 and the second heater 325, thereby providing more heat to the molten material 121. Alternatively, portions of the heating enclosure 327 can be removed to provide greater cooling of the molten material 121 than would be possible with the first heater 323 or the second heater 325.

[0073] Accordingly, the following non-limiting embodiments are illustrative of the present disclosure.

[0074] Embodiment 1. A glass manufacturing apparatus may include a conduit connected to a delivery vessel and an inlet of a forming vessel. The conduit may include a closed sidewall surrounding a channel extending in a flow direction of the conduit. The closed sidewall may be continuous from the delivery vessel to the inlet of the forming vessel, thereby defining a closed atmosphere from the delivery vessel, through the conduit, and through the inlet of the forming vessel. The glass manufacturing apparatus may include a heating enclosure including a heated wall and a first heating element. The heated wall may surround a chamber, through which the conduit extends. The first heating element may be positioned within the chamber between the heated wall and the conduit to increase the temperature within the channel.

[0075] Embodiment 2. The glass manufacturing apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the flow direction is the direction of gravity.

[0076] Embodiment 3. The glass manufacturing apparatus of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the heated wall comprises a thermal insulating material.

[0077] Embodiment 4. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the heating enclosure comprises a peripheral wall surrounding the chamber, the peripheral wall comprising an opening.

[0078] Embodiment 5. The glass manufacturing apparatus of embodiment 4, wherein the heating enclosure comprises a first heating device comprising the heating wall and the first heating element, and the first heating device is removably received within the opening in the peripheral wall.

[0079] Embodiment 6. The glass manufacturing apparatus of embodiment 5, wherein the heating enclosure comprises a plurality of heating devices.

[0080] Embodiment 7. A glass manufacturing apparatus as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the channel has a non-constant cross-sectional size perpendicular to the flow direction between the delivery vessel and the inlet of the forming vessel.

[0081] Embodiment 8. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the first heating element is spaced a distance from the heating wall and the conduit.

[0082] Embodiment 9. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any one of embodiments 1-8, further comprising one or more temperature sensors positioned within the chamber.

[0083] Embodiment 10. A glass manufacturing apparatus may include a conduit positioned between a delivery vessel and an inlet of a forming vessel. The conduit may include a channel extending in a flow direction of the conduit. The conduit may include a first portion, in which the channel has a first cross-sectional size, and a second portion, downstream of the first portion in the flow direction, in which the channel has a second cross-sectional size smaller than the first cross-sectional size. The glass manufacturing apparatus may include a heating enclosure including a heated wall and a first heating element. The heated wall surrounds a chamber, and the second portion of the conduit extends into the chamber. The first heating element is positioned within the chamber between the heated wall and the second portion of the conduit to increase the temperature within the channel.

[0084] Embodiment 11. A glass manufacturing apparatus according to embodiment 10, wherein the flow direction is the direction of gravity.

[0085] Embodiment 12. A glass manufacturing apparatus according to embodiment 10 or 11, wherein the heating wall comprises an insulating material.

[0086] Embodiment 13. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any one of embodiments 10 to 12, wherein the heating enclosure comprises a peripheral wall surrounding the chamber, the peripheral wall comprising an opening.

[0087] Embodiment 14. A glass manufacturing apparatus as described in embodiment 13, wherein the heating wall and the first heating element constitute a first heating device, and the first heating device is removably received within the opening in the peripheral wall.

[0088] Embodiment 15. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any one of embodiments 10-14, further comprising one or more temperature sensors positioned within the chamber.

[0089] Embodiment 16. A method for producing a glass ribbon using a glass manufacturing apparatus includes flowing a molten material through a channel of a conduit in a flow direction of the conduit. The method includes heating the molten material flowing through the channel with a heating enclosure surrounding the conduit. The method includes removing a portion of the heating enclosure to cool the molten material flowing through the channel.

[0090] Embodiment 17. The method of embodiment 16, wherein the step of flowing the molten material includes flowing the molten material in the direction of gravity.

[0091] Embodiment 18. A method as described in embodiment 16 or 17, wherein the step of heating the molten material by the heating enclosure includes a step of maintaining a first heating element of the heating enclosure at a different temperature than a second heating element of the heating enclosure.

[0092] Embodiment 19. The method of embodiment 18, wherein the step of removing the portion of the heating enclosure includes removing one or more of the first heating element and the second heating element from the heating enclosure.

[0093] Embodiment 20. The method of any one of embodiments 16 to 19, further comprising heating the molten material flowing within the channel by a first heater upstream of the heating enclosure with respect to the flow direction, and a second heater downstream of the heating enclosure with respect to the flow direction.

[0094] As used herein, the terms "the," "a," or "an" mean "at least one" and are not limited to "only one," unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a component" includes embodiments having two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0095] As used herein, the term "about" means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller, as appropriate, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement error, and the like, and other factors known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Generally, amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, or other quantities or characteristics are "about" or "approximate," whether or not expressly stated as such. When the term "about" is used in describing a value or an endpoint of a range, it is to be understood that the disclosure includes the specific value or endpoint referred to. Whether or not a numerical value or range endpoint is described herein as "about," the endpoint of said numerical value or range is intended to include two embodiments: embodiments modified by "about" and embodiments not modified by "about." It will further be understood that the endpoints of each range are significant both in relation to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0096] As used herein, the terms "substantial," "substantially," and variations thereof are intended to state that a described characteristic is equal to or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to indicate a flat or approximately planar surface. Furthermore, "substantially" is intended to indicate that two values ​​are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" may refer to values ​​within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

[0097] As used herein, the terms "comprising" and "including," as well as variations thereof, shall be interpreted as synonymous and open-ended, unless otherwise specified.

[0098] While various embodiments have been described in detail with reference to certain exemplary and specific embodiments thereof, it should be understood that the disclosure should not be considered as so limited, as numerous modifications and combinations of features of the disclosure are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims.

[0099] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail.

[0100] Embodiment 1 1. A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising: The glass manufacturing equipment includes: a conduit connected to a delivery vessel and an inlet of a molding vessel, the conduit having a closed sidewall surrounding a channel extending in a flow direction of the conduit, the closed sidewall continuing from the delivery vessel to the inlet of the molding vessel, thereby defining a closed atmosphere from the delivery vessel, through the conduit, and through the inlet of the molding vessel; and a heating enclosure comprising a heated wall and a first heating element, the heated wall surrounding a chamber through which the conduit extends, the first heating element positioned within the chamber between the heated wall and the conduit to increase a temperature within the channel; A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising:

[0101] Embodiment 2 2. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flow direction is the direction of gravity.

[0102] Embodiment 3 3. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the heated wall comprises a thermal insulating material.

[0103] Embodiment 4 4. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the heating enclosure comprises a peripheral wall surrounding the chamber, the peripheral wall comprising an opening.

[0104] Embodiment 5 5. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the heating enclosure comprises a first heating device comprising the heating wall and the first heating element, the first heating device being removably received within the opening in the peripheral wall.

[0105] Embodiment 6 6. The glass manufacturing apparatus of embodiment 5, wherein the heating enclosure comprises a plurality of heating devices.

[0106] Embodiment 7 7. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the channel has a non-constant cross-sectional size perpendicular to the flow direction between the delivery vessel and the inlet of the forming vessel.

[0107] Embodiment 8 8. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the first heating element is spaced a distance from the heating wall and the conduit.

[0108] Embodiment 9 9. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any one of embodiments 1-8, further comprising one or more temperature sensors positioned within the chamber.

[0109] Embodiment 10 1. A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising: The glass manufacturing equipment includes: a conduit positioned between a delivery vessel and an inlet of a molding vessel, the conduit comprising a channel extending in a flow direction of the conduit, the conduit comprising a first portion in which the channel has a first cross-sectional size, and a second portion downstream of the first portion in the flow direction in which the channel has a second cross-sectional size smaller than the first cross-sectional size; and a heating enclosure comprising a heated wall and a first heating element, the heated wall surrounding a chamber into which the second portion of the conduit extends, the first heating element positioned within the chamber between the heated wall and the second portion of the conduit to increase a temperature within the channel; A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising:

[0110] Embodiment 11 11. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 10, wherein the flow direction is the direction of gravity.

[0111] Embodiment 12 12. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 10 or 11, wherein the heated wall comprises an insulating material.

[0112] Embodiment 13 13. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any one of embodiments 10 to 12, wherein the heating enclosure comprises a peripheral wall surrounding the chamber, the peripheral wall comprising an opening.

[0113] Embodiment 14 14. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 13, wherein the heating wall and the first heating element form a first heating device, the first heating device being removably received within the opening in the peripheral wall.

[0114] Embodiment 15 15. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any one of embodiments 10-14, further comprising one or more temperature sensors positioned within the chamber.

[0115] Embodiment 16 A method for producing a glass ribbon using a glass manufacturing apparatus, comprising: The above method: flowing molten material within a channel of a conduit in a flow direction of said conduit; heating the molten material flowing within the channel with a heating enclosure surrounding the conduit; and Removing a portion of the heating enclosure to cool the molten material flowing within the channel. A method comprising:

[0116] Embodiment 17 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the flowing of the molten material comprises flowing the molten material in the direction of gravity.

[0117] Embodiment 18 18. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein the step of heating the molten material by the heating enclosure includes maintaining a first heating element of the heating enclosure at a different temperature than a second heating element of the heating enclosure.

[0118] Embodiment 19 19. The method of embodiment 18, wherein removing the portion of the heating enclosure includes removing one or more of the first heating element and the second heating element from the heating enclosure.

[0119] Embodiment 20 17. The method of embodiment 16, wherein removing the portion of the heating enclosure includes removing insulating material from the enclosure.

[0120] Embodiment 21 21. The method of any one of embodiments 16 to 20, further comprising heating the molten material flowing in the channel by a first heater upstream of the heating enclosure with respect to the flow direction and a second heater downstream of the heating enclosure with respect to the flow direction.

[0121] Furthermore, the inventions that have been granted patents in the original applications are described below as preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0122] Embodiment 1 1. A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising: The glass manufacturing equipment includes: a conduit connected to a delivery vessel and an inlet of a molding vessel, the conduit having a closed sidewall surrounding a channel extending in a flow direction of the conduit, the closed sidewall continuing from the delivery vessel to the inlet of the molding vessel, thereby defining a closed atmosphere from the delivery vessel, through the conduit, and through the inlet of the molding vessel; and a heating enclosure comprising a plurality of walls surrounding a heating element and a chamber through which the conduit extends, the heating element being positioned within the chamber between a heating wall of the plurality of walls and the conduit to increase a temperature within the channel, the heating wall and the heating element being configured to be removable to expose the chamber to an exterior of the heating enclosure. A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising:

[0123] Embodiment 2 2. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heated wall comprises an insulating material.

[0124] Embodiment 3 3. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the heating enclosure comprises a top wall and a bottom wall spaced apart from the top wall with a chamber therebetween, the top wall being adjacent to a bottom surface of the first heater and the bottom wall being adjacent to a top surface of the second heater.

[0125] Embodiment 4 4. The glass manufacturing apparatus of embodiment 3, wherein the heating enclosure comprises a plurality of heating elements located within the chamber, the heating elements being operable independently of one another.

[0126] Embodiment 5 5. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the channel has a non-constant cross-sectional size perpendicular to the flow direction between the delivery vessel and the inlet of the forming vessel.

[0127] Embodiment 6 6. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the heating element is spaced a distance from the heating wall and the conduit, and the heating element comprises a U-shaped portion extending generally parallel to an axis along which the conduit extends.

[0128] Embodiment 7 2. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heating enclosure comprises at least one heating device having the heating wall and the heating element, the heating enclosure comprising a peripheral wall having at least one opening, the heating device being removably received in the opening in the peripheral wall. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 100, 900 Glass manufacturing equipment 101 Glass forming equipment 102 Glass melting and delivery equipment 103 Glass Ribbon 104 Pre-segmented Glass Ribbon 105 Melting vessel 107 Batch Materials 109 Storage container with lid 111 Batch delivery device 113 Motor 115 Controller 117 Arrow 119 Melting Probe 121 Molten Materials 123 Standpipe 125 communication lines 127 Clarifying vessel 129 First connecting conduit 131 Mixing chamber 133 Delivery containers 135 Second connecting conduit 137 Third connecting conduit 139 Conduit 140 Molding containers 141 Inflow conduit 145 Base 149 Glass Divider 151 Split Route 152 Central part 153 First outer edge 154 Draw Direction 155 Second outer edge 156 directions 163, 164 Edge direction determiner 201 Trough 203, 204 Weir 205 Outer surface of weir 203 206 Outer surface of weir 206 207, 208 Downwardly sloping and converging surface 209 Forming Wedge 210, 211 Ends of forming wedge 209 213 Draw Plane 215 First Large Mask 216 Second Large Mask 231 Slots 301 Inlet 303 Channel 305 Flow direction 307 Closed Sidewall 309 First portion of conduit 139 311 First cross-sectional size 313 Second section of conduit 139 315 Second Section Size 321 Heating device 323 First Heater 325 Second Heater 327 Heating Enclosure 329 First Heated Passage 331 Second Heated Passage 335 heating wall 337 First Heating Element 338 Second Heating Element 339 Chamber 340 Third Heating Element 401 Upper Wall 403 Bottom wall 405 Upper wall opening 407 Bottom wall opening 411 Peripheral wall 413 Aperture 501 First heating device 503 first wall portion of heating wall 335 505 second wall portion of heating wall 335 507 Front surface of first wall portion 503 509 Back surface of first wall portion 503 511 side of first wall portion 503 513 First Aspect 515 Second Aspect 519 Heater opening 521 front surface of second wall portion 505 523 rear surface of second wall portion 505 601 Inner peripheral wall 603 Outer peripheral wall 605 Second Opening 607 Third Opening 609 Fourth Opening 613 Second heating device 615 Third Heating Device 617 Fourth Heating Device 621 Inner surface 622 First Temperature Sensor 623 External surface 624 Second Temperature Sensor

Claims

1. A method for producing a glass ribbon using a glass manufacturing apparatus, comprising: The method comprises: flowing molten material within a channel of a conduit in a flow direction of said conduit; heating the molten material flowing within the channel with a heating enclosure surrounding the conduit, the heating enclosure having a plurality of heating elements and a plurality of walls surrounding a chamber through which the conduit extends, the heating element being positioned within the chamber between a heated wall of the plurality of walls and the conduit to increase the temperature within the channel; and removing a portion of the heating enclosure to cool the molten material flowing within the channel; Equipped with The method, wherein removing the portion of the heating enclosure includes removing a heating element from the heating enclosure, the heating element being removably received within an opening in the wall.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein flowing the molten material comprises flowing the molten material in the direction of gravity.

3. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of heating the molten material with the heating enclosure includes maintaining a first heating element of the plurality of heating elements at a different temperature than a second heating element of the plurality of heating elements.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the step of heating the molten material comprises creating a temperature gradient within the molten material.

5. The method of claim 3 , wherein removing a portion of the heating enclosure comprises removing one or more of the first heating element or the second heating element from the heating enclosure.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of removing the portion of the heating enclosure comprises removing insulating material from the enclosure.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein removing the portion of the heating enclosure comprises removing at least one wall of the plurality of walls.

8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising heating the molten material flowing in the channel with a first heater upstream of the heating enclosure with respect to the flow direction, and a second heater downstream of the heating enclosure with respect to the flow direction.

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