Flange design for direct heating of platinum delivery system

Abstract

A glass transfer system for heating molten glass is provided including an electrical power source, a hollow glass transfer tube allowing molten glass to flow therein, and a flange assembly. The flange assembly comprises an inner structure defining a central opening, and the inner structure receives the glass transfer tube within the central opening so the inner structure is in contact with the glass transfer tube. The flange assembly includes an outer structure primarily comprised of material other than platinum, the outer structure is directly attached to the inner structure and is connectable to the electrical power source so that electrical current is conducted through to the glass transfer tube to heat it, thereby heating the molten glass flowing therein. A maximum electrical current density within the inner structure is no more than about

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