Safety devices, glass melting equipment and glass products

Abstract

This invention relates to a safety device for accommodating a glass melting tank suitable for preparing, processing, and / or storing molten glass. The invention also relates to glass melting apparatus comprising such a safety device and a glass melting tank for preparing, processing, and / or storing molten glass. Furthermore, the invention relates to glass articles manufactured or capable of being manufactured using such glass melting apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a safety device for accommodating a glass melting tank suitable for preparing, processing, and / or storing molten glass. The invention also relates to glass melting apparatus comprising such a safety device and a glass melting tank for preparing, processing, and / or storing molten glass. Furthermore, the invention relates to glass articles manufactured or capable of being manufactured using such glass melting apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In glass production, glass is melted in a suitable apparatus in the form of a glass melting tank. This tank can hold a certain volume of molten glass and is now primarily made of ceramic refractory materials. However, these materials undergo continuous corrosion upon contact with the hot molten glass, causing a sustained reduction in the thickness of the refractory material within the glass melting tank. Therefore, when the remaining material strength falls below a predetermined level, the entire equipment must be shut down and repaired, specifically by replacing the refractory material.

[0003] However, in the worst-case scenario, the correct time to stop the equipment is missed, and molten glass unintentionally overflows from the glass bath. This can cause significant damage to the surrounding area and production facilities, in addition to a serious fire risk, not to mention the potential for personal injury. Apart from intensive and continuous monitoring and control of the refractory material thickness, there are currently no known means in the art to reliably prevent the risk of molten glass overflow. Technical options to date have only worked selectively, and therefore cannot provide comprehensive protection, or provide imprecise and therefore ultimately unreliable results.

[0004] To at least partially address the aforementioned problems, the use of water-cooled walls (so-called "skulls") in glass melting equipment has been discussed in the prior art, thereby reducing corrosion of the glass melting bath. However, currently, for conductive heating of the glass melt, electrodes are introduced into the glass melt through the glass melting bath. However, until now, it has not been possible to combine the electrodes with a water-cooling system.

[0005] However, heating the purified stone above the glass melt using a burner is insufficient to compensate for the significant energy loss caused by water cooling. In this regard, a possible solution is to instead use electrodes, in which case high-frequency technology can be used to directly introduce energy into the glass melt.

[0006] However, the main problem is that only a small fraction of glass can actually be heated using high frequency, as many glasses are not sufficiently conductive for this purpose. Furthermore, high-frequency heating results in extremely complex structures, contradicting well-established and thoroughly tested electrode designs. Additionally, the extra energy loss from water-cooled glass baths makes the implementation of high frequency heating, along with water cooling, significantly more energy-intensive, leading to typically prohibitive energy costs.

[0007] Therefore, the object of this invention is to provide means that overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and can safely and reliably process molten glass and prevent its overflow. Furthermore, the object of this invention is to provide means that can improve the service life of the glass melting tank. A further object of this invention is to provide glass articles that can be manufactured safely, reliably, and at the same time with high quality. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This objective is achieved by means of a safety device for accommodating a glass bath suitable for preparing, processing, and / or storing molten glass, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the safety device comprising:

[0009] At least one wall portion,

[0010] The wall portion includes a plurality of wall elements and at least partially defines a volume in which the glass melting tank can be accommodated.

[0011] The wall elements each have at least one channel system through which at least one fluid can flow; and

[0012] At least one electrode feedthrough,

[0013] In this embodiment, at least one electrode feed passage is provided and / or formed at least partially by at least one of the wall elements;

[0014] With the aid of the electrode feed passage, at least one electrode can pass through the wall element from the outside into a volume at least partially defined by the wall.

[0015] The electrode feed passage further includes at least one first electrical insulator, which provides electrical insulation between the electrode passing through the electrode feed passage and the wall element, the channel system, and / or the fluid that can flow in the channel system.

[0016] Therefore, the present invention is based on the surprising realization that by introducing the molten glass bath into a safety device with its own cooled walls, the overflow of the molten glass bath can be particularly effectively limited. Any overflowing molten glass is then captured and prevented by the safety device. Furthermore, the water-cooled walls also cause the molten glass to solidify rapidly. Thus, it is generally possible to reliably prevent the molten glass from overflowing from the bath again, at least for a certain period of time.

[0017] Once a defect is discovered in the glass melting tank, the equipment can be safely stopped, brought to room temperature, and repaired.

[0018] By equipping the electrode feed section with a suitable electrical insulator, the present invention combines the known, easily understood, and controllable function of electrically heating the glass melt by means of an electrode extending into the glass melt with the safety-related advantages of a water-cooled wall. This surprisingly ensures that the electrode does not experience electrical interference with the wall elements or the cooling circuit. Therefore, even in the case of a metal wall and / or the presence of a cooling circuit, the current from the electrode acting on the wall or the cooling circuit can be effectively prevented.

[0019] For glass that must be melted by heating with electrodes during manufacturing, water cooling can be utilized due to its low electrical conductivity (or the low conductivity of the melt). For electrical conductivity, the content of alkali metal and alkaline earth metal ions in the glass material is particularly important. Even if these ions are below a certain proportion (e.g., RO less than 10 wt% and / or R'2O less than 20 wt%), melting can still be achieved using the proposed arrangement. In this specification, RO represents alkaline earth metal oxides and R'2O represents alkali metal oxides.

[0020] Furthermore, the water cooling can be separated from the glass melting tank both spatially and materially, thus overcoming, particularly advantageously, the problems that have existed in the electrode feed section to date.

[0021] Another highly advantageous aspect of this invention is the ability to implement the aforementioned schemes for different geometries of the glass bath to be secured. For example, the geometry of the safety device, particularly such as the wall portion, is thus implemented with a rectangular, circular, or polygonal cross-section. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the cross-section of the wall portion is at least partially implemented as a rectangle, circle, or polygon.

[0022] However, in principle, the wall portion can have a different geometry than the glass melt bath. Only the positions of the necessary mounting components, such as the wall portion and the feed passages of the electrodes in the glass melt bath, must match each other. This means that, for example, any existing glass melt bath can be well fitted with the safety device according to the invention. This is very economical.

[0023] Alternatively or supplementarily, the first electrical insulator may also include: a refractory material, preferably quartz and / or mica, or be composed of a refractory material, preferably quartz and / or mica, and / or have a transition resistance of at least 10 kΩ.

[0024] The first electrical insulating element includes at least one electrical insulating layer, which is preferably disposed at least partially between the electrode and the wall element in the installed state, and / or

[0025] The first electrical insulating element, together with the electrode passing through the electrode feed section, also serves as a barrier for the glass melt to flow out of the glass bath, particularly into at least one region between the wall and the glass bath.

[0026] The inventors also surprisingly discovered that, especially when the first electrical insulator is considered together with the electrodes present during equipment operation, the first electrical insulator can also be used as an overflow protection component.

[0027] Because the first electrical insulator acts as a barrier to the molten glass, the molten glass captured by the safety device does not overflow from the volume, for example, by introducing overflow through the electrodes into the volume. This improves the safety of the safety device.

[0028] Thus, the single feature of the safety device performs a dual function. This is particularly advantageous because it reduces the number of components while simultaneously increasing safety. Furthermore, it significantly simplifies and makes more efficient the construction, maintenance, and operation of the installation device.

[0029] It was also shown that, due to the electrical insulation in the area surrounding the electrodes, no corrosion of the wall elements occurred, or significantly less corrosion occurred. This also improves the safety and service life of the device. In conventional feedthroughs, it was observed that the released electrical energy in the area surrounding the electrodes exacerbates corrosion of the walls. Undesirable glass overflow then tends to occur more easily at these locations.

[0030] In other words, the combination of the water-cooled wall, the electrodes introduced through the wall element, and the first electrical insulator forms a structure impermeable to the molten glass. This effectively prevents the molten glass from overflowing from the safety device. Simultaneously, the wall element also prevents electrical short circuits or any other unwanted current.

[0031] Refractory materials satisfy the requirements of electrical insulation and providing a barrier for glass melt in a particularly good way.

[0032] Alternatively or supplementarily, the wall portion may include 5 or more, preferably 10 or more, more preferably 12, 16 or 20 wall elements.

[0033] At least one of the wall elements is a bottom element of the wall portion, and / or at least one of the wall elements is a side element of the wall portion. Preferably, the wall portion includes eight or more side elements and / or four or more bottom elements, and / or there are no gaps between the various wall elements of the wall portion through which the glass melt can pass.

[0034] In the context of this invention, the wall element can be, for example, a bottom element or a side element. Transitional elements connecting the bottom region of the wall to the side region or a portion thereof are also conceivable.

[0035] Complete impermeability relative to liquid glass is achieved when the wall elements are arranged so that no gaps are left between them.

[0036] Alternatively or supplementarily, the safety device may include a plurality of electrode feed passages, particularly at least two, preferably three, four or all of the wall elements, each of which at least partially includes and / or forms at least one electrode feed passage respectively provided with a first electrical insulator, and / or at least one of the electrode feed passages is provided and / or formed by two or more, preferably three, four or five of the wall elements, preferably side elements and / or bottom elements.

[0037] When a wall element has several electrode feed passages, several electrodes can be introduced into the volume from different directions. This makes it easier to control the glass melt.

[0038] For example, an electrode may extend into the volume from below, for example, through a bottom element, and one or more electrodes may extend into the volume from the side, for example, through one or more side elements.

[0039] Each wall element can also provide only a portion of the electrode feed passage. Thus, for example, a central feed passage can be implemented for a large surface area without using only a single, difficult-to-maneuver wall element. This makes it possible to construct devices simply and reliably.

[0040] Alternatively or supplementarily, at least one of the wall elements may include two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more channel systems, and / or the channel systems of each wall element may be formed at least partially in the thickness region of the respective wall element and / or at least partially include channels formed in or capable of being formed in the respective wall element through holes or milling portions.

[0041] When a wall element comprises several channel systems, different regions of the wall can be cooled differently. For example, different fluid volumetric flows can be used depending on the cooling system. Alternatively, the channel systems can be made to have different dimensions.

[0042] When the channel system is installed within the wall thickness, the cooling circuit can be compactly implemented because the wall element already provides all the necessary channels. Holes and milled sections can be specifically introduced into the wall element using known methods.

[0043] Alternatively or supplementarily, the channel system of each wall element may also have at least one inlet and / or outlet comprised of the respective wall element, in particular the respective fluid being able to flow through the channel system from the inlet to the outlet.

[0044] The inlet and outlet allow for particularly reliable and easy closure of the cooling circuits for each wall component, meaning that external peripheral devices, such as pumps, can be fluidly connected by known means.

[0045] Water, air, hot oil, or other fluids are preferred to be used here.

[0046] When a wall element has several channel systems, it preferably also has several inlets and outlets, wherein preferably, each channel system of the wall element has one or more separate inlets and one or more separate outlets. Preferably, each channel system of the wall element is fluidly separated from any other channel system of the wall element, which in particular excludes cases where two or more channel systems of the wall element are fluidly connected to each other via several wall elements.

[0047] Alternatively or supplementarily, the channel system of each wall element may also have a diameter of 1 to 11 cm. 2 Especially 2 to 3 cm 2 The flow cross section and / or the length provided by the associated wall elements on the contact surface with the glass melt, particularly between 0.1 and 10 m per square meter area.

[0048] Here, good dimensions of the flow cross section help to set a sufficiently high cooling capacity, thus helping to set good corrosion resistance of the wall, but on the other hand, it allows as little heat as possible to be drawn away from the glass melt.

[0049] By aligning the length of the channel system with the provided contact surfaces, a good trade-off can be achieved between reducing corrosion and removing heat from the molten glass (when the molten glass bath is in direct contact with the wall). Alternatively, the cooling capacity can be well-configured to address undesirable glass overflow.

[0050] Alternatively or supplementarily, the dimensions of the channel system of each wall element may be set such that when the fluid flows through the channel system, especially from the inlet to the outlet, and especially when the entire side surface of the wall element facing the defined volume is in direct or indirect contact with the glass melt having a temperature of at least 800°C, the fluid is heated to a maximum of 40K, especially between 5 and 15K.

[0051] By designing the channel system to limit the temperature rise of the fluid, a good trade-off can be achieved between reducing corrosion and removing heat from the molten glass (when the molten glass bath is in direct contact with the wall). Alternatively, the cooling capacity can be well-configured to address the possibility of unwanted glass overflow.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the maximum permissible pressure at the inlet may be 8 bar or lower, preferably a maximum of 6 bar, between 5 and 8 bar, between 4 and 6 bar, or lower than 5 bar.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the outlet can be made free. Thus, the outlet is not subject to any specific pressure restriction, and the fluid can flow out almost freely.

[0054] Alternatively or supplementarily, at least some of the channel systems in the wall elements may be fluidly connected to each other or be able to be fluidly connected to each other to form a common channel system, such that a common fluid can flow through the channel systems of the relevant wall elements, particularly from a common inlet to a common outlet.

[0055] Preferably, the dimensions of the common channel system are set such that when fluid flows through the common channel system, especially from the common inlet to the common outlet, particularly when all side surfaces of the wall elements facing the defined volume are in direct or indirect contact with the glass melt having a temperature of at least 800°C, the fluid is heated to a maximum of 40K, particularly between 5 and 15K.

[0056] When all or part of the channel systems are interconnected, the number of peripheral devices, such as pumps, is reduced. Furthermore, only a single cooling loop needs to be monitored, instead of multiple cooling loops.

[0057] For example, the outlet of a channel system can be connected to the inlet of an adjacent channel system, and only one inlet (of the first channel system) and one outlet (of the last channel system) can be connected to external devices and / or pipelines.

[0058] Preferably, the channel systems consisting only of bottom elements are fluidly connected to each other or can be connected to form a common channel system. Preferably, the channel systems consisting only of side elements are also fluidly connected to each other or can be connected to form a common channel system.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the maximum permissible pressure at the inlet may be 8 bar or less, preferably a maximum of 6 bar, between 5 and 8 bar, between 4 and 6 bar, or less than 5 bar. When several channel systems are fluidly connected to each other, the permissible pressure is preferably the pressure at the (unique) inlet of the interconnected channel system.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the outlet can be free. Thus, the outlet is not subject to any specific pressure restriction, and fluid can flow out almost freely. When several channel systems are fluidly connected to each other, the outlet is the (single) outlet of the interconnected channel systems.

[0061] Alternatively or supplementarily, adjacent wall elements may be electrically insulated from each other by means of at least one second electrical insulator, wherein preferably, the second electrical insulator comprises: (i) a refractory material, preferably quartz, at least one layered silicate, such as mica, or composed of a refractory material, preferably quartz, at least one layered silicate, such as mica, and / or having a transition resistance of at least 10 kΩ, and / or (ii) at least one electrical insulating layer preferably disposed at least partially between adjacent wall elements, the electrical insulating layer having a thickness between 2 and 30 mm, particularly between 5 and 15 mm.

[0062] Electrical insulation between adjacent wall elements results in greater safety because it locally limits or even completely eliminates any unwanted currents that might occur in water-cooled components, especially wall elements.

[0063] When the first insulator between the electrode and the wall element fails unexpectedly and the current from the electrode acts on the wall element, this reliably prevents current from flowing through multiple wall elements. This is especially reliably prevents current between two electrodes arranged in two wall elements.

[0064] Furthermore, especially in glass with low conductivity, and particularly at low temperatures of the glass or glass melt, the conductivity of the wall element is higher than that through the glass material, especially the glass melt. In this case, the second insulator prevents current from passing through the wall element (e.g., a metal), thus reliably preventing possible short circuits.

[0065] Alternatively or supplementarily, the safety device may have at least one electrode arranged at least partially in and / or through the electrode feed passage, wherein the electrode preferably has at least one support and / or at least one electrode material, particularly platinum, which is preferably supported by the support.

[0066] The electrodes can be particularly advantageously housed in safety devices.

[0067] The support makes it particularly easy to install and remove the electrodes. Furthermore, it ensures reliable retention of the electrodes or electrode materials.

[0068] Preferably, the support is made of or comprises stainless steel. Preferably, the support can be constructed as multi-walled, particularly having water guides disposed between the walls. Thus, the support can be advantageously arranged in and / or on the walls.

[0069] For example, fluid can flow into the inner shell in a direction from the outside toward the glass melt. Alternatively or additionally, the fluid can be deflected and / or flowed back outward to the fluid outlet at the deepest part of the support's extension into the wall.

[0070] Preferably, at least one, and preferably all, of the electrode feed passages may each have an electrode. The electrode material is held in place relative to the wall element and / or device by a support.

[0071] Preferably, the support is non-conductive, and in particular, the support has a transition resistance greater than 10kΩ.

[0072] Those skilled in the art will understand that the electrodes can also be installed independently, i.e., without the need for safety devices.

[0073] Alternatively or supplementarily, the support may also have (i) at least another channel system, wherein preferably, (a) fluid is thus able to be drawn from the inlet to the outlet of the other channel system within the support, preferably the support including the inlet and outlet, (b) another cooling system having at least one first section and / or at least one second section, and in particular (aa) the two sections are at least partially arranged concentrically with each other, especially the first section is at least partially arranged within the second section, (bb) the first section and / or the second section each have an annular cross section in a cross plane perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow, and / or (cc) the first section and the second section are fluidly connected to each other via a transition region, and in particular the fluid is at least partially in direct or indirect contact with the electrode material in the transition region, and / or (c) (ii) The support has at least one, particularly annular, stop and / or locking element, which preferably works in conjunction with the electrode feed and / or associated wall element; (iii) The electrode has at least one thermocouple, which is preferably at least partially disposed within the electrode material, and wherein, preferably, the electrode also has at least one protective element, particularly in the form of a tube, which at least partially surrounds the thermocouple and / or is located inside the thermocouple, the electrical interface of the thermocouple being directed to the outside of the electrode; and / or (iv) The electrode has at least one connecting element for supplying electrical energy to the electrode, particularly the electrode material, particularly for applying voltage and / or current to the electrode material.

[0074] Another channel system can effectively handle the heating of the support. This ensures the reliable operation of the safety devices. Consequently, corrosion of the wall material can be reliably reduced or even completely avoided, especially in the area of ​​the electrode feed passage.

[0075] Dividing another channel system into several sections allows for a particularly compact implementation of the channel system. Especially when the different sections are arranged concentrically, cooling can be achieved even with very little available space.

[0076] Heat can be dissipated particularly effectively when the fluid in another channel system comes into contact with the electrode material. For example, indirect contact between the fluid and the electrode material can exist when the electrode material and the fluid are separated by another material layer. In other words, indirect contact between the fluid and the electrode material can exist when the fluid comes into contact with another material and that other material in turn comes into contact with the electrode material.

[0077] The stop element ensures that no excessive electrode is introduced, thus ensuring reliable operation. The locking element allows the electrode to be reliably and safely positioned within the electrode feed passage.

[0078] Thermocouples can monitor the temperature of electrodes, especially the electrode material. They can disconnect the electrodes in case of overheating. Of course, instead of thermocouples, other elements that at least locally measure the temperature of the electrodes, especially the electrode material, can preferably be used.

[0079] Thermocouples can be protected from damage by a protective element. Preferably, the protective element does not actually affect the thermocouple during temperature measurement.

[0080] Preferably, the first and / or second sections of the other channel system can be extended in a spiral shape. This also achieves a particularly advantageous cooling effect on the support.

[0081] Preferably, the support has a cylindrical body. Preferably, the other channel system is designed at least partially and / or in the form of a planar labyrinth in cross-section. The location of surface cooling and the transition to the thermal insulation area are preferably coordinated.

[0082] Those skilled in the art will understand that electrodes can also be installed independently, i.e., without the need for safety devices. This is because the advantages of fluid-cooled, especially water-cooled, electrodes can also be well insulated and / or installed using other devices.

[0083] Alternatively or supplementarily, the safety device may include a control unit configured to: in each case of the individual channel system or the common channel system, monitor the cooling circuit provided through the individual channel system or the cooling circuit provided through the common channel system based on the inflow temperature and return temperature and / or using the corresponding fluid volume flow; and / or the control unit may be configured to: detect at least one fault current flowing through at least one wall element.

[0084] What is irrelevant here is whether there is only one common cooling circuit and / or one or more individual cooling circuits. In all three cases, the control unit can, for example, determine whether the relevant temperature of the fluid exceeds a maximum value. This enables reliable operation.

[0085] For example, the difference between the forward operating temperature and the return operating temperature can be set to an acceptable maximum value for a single cooling circuit (which may be a single wall element or a common wall element). If this value is exceeded, the control unit can perform an emergency operation, such as triggering an alarm. This allows for the reliable identification of unacceptable heating to safety devices, such as due to molten glass overflowing from the glass bath (Austritts).

[0086] For example, the fluid volume flow rate can be set to an acceptable range for a single cooling circuit (which may be a single wall element or a shared wall element). If the flow rate falls below or exceeds this range, the control unit can perform emergency actions, such as triggering an alarm. This allows for the rapid and reliable identification of blockages or leaks in the channel system.

[0087] Alternatively or supplementally, the wall element may also include (i) at least one metal, particularly aluminum or at least one metal alloy as material or be composed of at least one metal, particularly aluminum or at least one metal alloy, and / or (ii) have a melting temperature greater than 600°C and / or the fluid includes water.

[0088] This objective is achieved by the invention according to the second aspect in that the glass melting apparatus includes at least one safety device according to the first aspect of the invention and at least one glass melting tank for preparing, processing and / or storing molten glass.

[0089] The glass melting tank is housed within a volume at least partially defined by the wall of the safety device.

[0090] The glass melt has at least one hole for passing an electrode through it, and the hole is coaxially aligned with respect to at least one electrode feed section of the safety device.

[0091] The glass melting equipment also includes at least one electrode, which extends from the outside into the volume surrounded by the glass melting tank through an electrode feed section and a hole.

[0092] Since the glass melting tank is protected by the safety device according to the first aspect of the invention, all the advantages described for the safety device can be directly applied when using the glass melting equipment according to the invention.

[0093] In particular, all conventional glass melt baths can be used without problems with the safety device according to the invention. Only the electrode feed passages and holes need to be properly arranged and / or aligned so that the electrodes can be positioned within the volume surrounded by the glass melt bath.

[0094] Alternatively or supplementally, the glass melt may include at least part of one or more refractory materials or be composed of one or more refractory materials, especially the material of the glass melt may be applied to or be able to be applied to the wall by spraying, sputtering, slurrying or manual coating, and preferably thereby forming or being able to form a glass melt.

[0095] When a glass melting tank is made of or includes refractory or non-corrosive materials, the melt volume of the glass melting tank can remain constant because the melt volume does not change or changes significantly less over a certain operating time.

[0096] As a result, constant process conditions mean that a uniformly high-quality glass melt can be obtained. This makes the process more economical, although it may be more energy-intensive, because it is more stable and the equipment has a significantly longer lifespan than previously used equipment.

[0097] Energy loss can be significantly reduced by installing additional refractory material within the structure of the water-cooled wall.

[0098] In a preferred embodiment, an additional material, particularly such as a refractory or non-corrosive material, may be introduced between the glass melt (especially when the glass melt is constructed of or includes refractory or non-corrosive materials) and the walls. For example, this additional material may at least partially differ from the material of the glass melt and / or the walls. This additional material advantageously improves the stability of the entire assembly, and especially the glass melt, when the geometries of the walls and the glass melt differ from each other, and thus enhances overall safety. Therefore, water cooling is applicable to glass melts with different geometries, such as cross-sections. In a preferred embodiment, the refractory material is applied to the walls, at least partially, by bonding. This can be easily achieved because, in other words, the water-cooled walls are covered with refractory material.

[0099] Additionally, the construction of bonded refractory materials, especially quartz plates, achieves significantly lower energy loss than “bare” water-cooled walls.

[0100] Here, the glass melting tank can be advantageously constructed as described below, by directly coating the material onto the walls. This allows for the integration and construction of safety devices, for example, with the glass melting tank. This is highly effective.

[0101] Alternatively or supplementarily, (i) the wall may be at least partially spaced from the glass melt, and / or (ii) at least a portion of the wall may be in direct or indirect contact with at least a portion of the glass melt, particularly of a refractory material, especially by providing a thermally conductive paste or adhesive, particularly such as an inorganic adhesive, between the wall and the glass melt, and / or by having a non-destructive, non-removable connection between the wall and the glass melt.

[0102] The inventors have surprisingly discovered that by bringing the glass melt into direct contact with the wall, the corrosivity of the glass melt can be significantly reduced. This is because heat is directly dissipated from the glass melt, thus resisting corrosion within the core.

[0103] Because this invention reduces both corrosivity and impurities in the glass melt, it enables the manufacture of impurity-free sensitive glasses, such as optical glasses or glasses for biological or medical applications. Furthermore, it allows the melting and manufacture of corrosive glasses without significantly increasing wear and tear on refractory materials, such as, in particular, quartz ("fused silica," sintered quartz glass, quartz materials), or resulting in a significant increase in impurities or a decrease in refractive index in the glass melt. Corrosive glasses are characterized, for example, by a high B₂O₃ or P₂O₅ content. Here, the B₂O₃ content is greater than 4% by weight or greater than 6% by weight. Therefore, in phosphate-containing glasses, the browning of the glass due to redox reactions between phosphates and metals (Nb, Ti) is particularly avoided.

[0104] Especially in remelting processes with altered glass composition and / or altered melting temperatures, the present invention reliably avoids corrosion and related subsequent problems.

[0105] In addition to typical defects such as bubbles or inclusions, it can also effectively address undesirable and intolerable changes in the product characteristics of the final glass product.

[0106] In any case, the release of SiO2 into the glass melt can be prevented by reducing corrosivity. This typically occurs due to the corrosion of quartz in the glass melt. Thus, with the help of this invention, the refractive index of the glass is no longer affected by SiO2, and specific areas of the glass can be reliably protected.

[0107] Of particular advantage, the inventors also discovered that by reducing corrosivity, a constant thickness of the molten glass bath is ensured during operation. Consequently, the volume used for the molten glass also remains substantially constant. Therefore, the process settings only need to be determined once at the outset. The constant and continuously known volume of the molten glass bath offers significant advantages in design and process management, as there is virtually no need to readjust the process settings.

[0108] Therefore, in summary, the present invention can prevent or at least reduce corrosion of the glass melting tank particularly easily by water cooling. Simultaneously, the glass melt can be heated via electrodes inserted into it, particularly by means of fossil heating and conduction heating. This correspondingly results in a long-lasting glass melting tank and a reduction in impurities in the glass melt. Therefore, it can also melt highly corrosive and / or impurity-sensitive glasses better than in conventional tanks.

[0109] Furthermore, there are no limitations on the materials used for the glass melting bath (or portions thereof). All common materials can be used, such as metallic or ceramic materials, including refractory materials, particularly oxidized ceramics such as "high zirconia cast" (HZFC) materials (cast ZrO2), AZS (cast or ceramic-bonded mixtures of Al2O3, ZrO2, and SiO2), quartz ("fused silica," sintered silica glass, fused silica), SiO2, Al2O3, ZrO2, and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the oxidized ceramic contains at least 50% by weight, particularly at least 70% by weight, or at least 90% by weight of SiO2.

[0110] In the context of this invention, the refractory material is any metal and ceramic material with a temperature resistance of at least 600°C and / or an application temperature above 600°C.

[0111] Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the glass melt may be made at least partially composed of or include at least one ceramic material, preferably a refractory material, especially such as HZFC, AZS, aluminates, zirconates, silicates, alumina, zirconium oxide, silicon oxide, quartz, silica or alumina or combinations thereof.

[0112] Contact and heat transfer between the wall and the glass melt can be improved with thermal paste or binder, thereby making cooling more efficient. This, in turn, achieves low corrosion with low energy consumption.

[0113] In other words, this design example allows the water-cooled wall element to have a flat and close contact with the (ceramic) material, especially the refractory material, of the glass melt. This technology, particularly when using appropriate thermal paste or binder, enables optimal heat flow between (ceramic) materials and water-cooled wall elements.

[0114] This can significantly reduce the wear of the glass melting tank.

[0115] By directly installing (ceramic) materials within the structure of the water-cooled wall, energy loss can be significantly reduced, preferably through the cooling of the wall portion.

[0116] Because the water-cooled wall elements increase the temperature gradient between the inside and outside of the glass melting equipment, the corrosivity to ceramic materials is reduced.

[0117] Preferably, the glass bath has a thinner wall than conventional equipment. Through the thinner wall and direct contact with it, the containment's water cooling can conduct heat away from the entire thickness of the glass bath. This completely prevents corrosion of the glass bath, thus preventing leakage and contamination of the molten glass. If the glass bath breaks under any worst-case scenario, the glass immediately solidifies on the water-cooled walls of the containment.

[0118] Alternatively or supplementarily, the material of the glass melt may have a preferred locally varying thickness that matches the cooling capacity or cooling circuit of the safety device and / or at least locally have an average thickness between 5 and 150 mm, particularly the side portions having an average thickness of 5 to 50 mm and / or the bottom portions having an average thickness of 50 to 150 mm.

[0119] The inventors were surprised to find that they had achieved an optimization of material layer thickness that matched the typical requirements of the corresponding equipment, as well as the lowest possible energy loss and the highest possible volumetric stability. This is particularly applicable when the glass melt tank is in indirect or direct contact with the wall of the safety device.

[0120] By coordinating or suitably selecting the thickness, the glass bath can be set as thick as desired (so as to provide sufficient stability and resistance to the glass melt) and as thin as possible (so as to achieve a cooling effect throughout the depth region and thus prevent corrosion).

[0121] Therefore, the strength of ceramic materials can be increased. Matching the "penetration depth" of the water-cooled walls, a glass melt bath with consistently stable volume is achieved. This is particularly surprising, as it typically results in a significant reduction in the material thickness of the glass melt bath. However, contrary to expectations, this does not compromise the safety of the glass melt bath, especially its leak-proof properties. Because corrosion of the glass melt bath is simultaneously stopped or significantly reduced, safety is sometimes even enhanced. Even in the undesirable event of a breakage at one point in the glass melt bath, the molten glass overflowing from the bath is contained by the water-cooled walls and can solidify on the water-cooled walls. This ensures highly effective spill protection.

[0122] To minimize corrosion of the ceramic material, it is advantageous to achieve a flat, tight bond between the water-cooled wall and the ceramic material. This can be achieved, for example, by using a special inorganic binder.

[0123] Therefore, the safe operation of glass melting equipment and the purity of glass melt can be achieved in the best way.

[0124] This objective is achieved by the invention according to the third aspect in such a way that glass articles at least partially manufactured or capable of being manufactured by means of a glass melting apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention are provided.

[0125] Because the glass melting bath has better corrosion resistance, glass articles manufactured / can be manufactured with the glass melting equipment according to the second aspect of the invention can be produced with higher purity. Furthermore, it is thus possible to easily manufacture glass articles with corrosive glass components.

[0126] Alternatively or supplementarily, the glass material of the glass article may have less than 300 ppm, preferably less than 100 ppm (m / m) of SiO2, less than 20 ppm, preferably less than 5 ppm (m / m) of iron, less than 20 ppm, preferably less than 5 ppm (m / m) of copper, less than 20 ppm, preferably less than 5 ppm (m / m) of cobalt, less than 20 ppm, preferably less than 5 ppm (m / m) of nickel, less than 20 ppm, preferably less than 5 ppm (m / m) of vanadium, less than 20 ppm, preferably less than 5 ppm (m / m) of manganese, less than 100 ppm (m / m) of zirconium, and / or less than 100 ppm, preferably less than 50 ppm (m / m) of hafnium.

[0127] Glass with little or no SiO2 content is particularly advantageous for various applications because of its exceptionally precise refractive index. Glass containing little or no coloring elements, such as iron, copper, cobalt, nickel, vanadium, or manganese, is highly advantageous for optical glass.

[0128] In this specification, when it is stated that the glass "does not" or "is free of" a certain component or does not contain a certain component, this means that the component is preferably permissible as an impurity in the glass. This means that it is not added in large quantities. According to the invention, amounts below 100 ppm, preferably below 50 ppm, and most preferably below 10 ppm (m / m) are not essential.

[0129] For other colored glasses, those containing little or no zirconium and hafnium are particularly advantageous.

[0130] Alternatively or supplementarily, the resistivity of the glass can be made to be at most 10 kΩcm, especially at 1200°C.

[0131] Glass articles made from glass materials with low electrical conductivity are particularly preferred because they are good insulators. In particular, such glass can be advantageously made using the apparatus according to the invention, since the glass with low electrical conductivity can also be melted together.

[0132] This objective is achieved by the present invention according to the fourth aspect in the following manner, providing glass articles particularly according to the third aspect of the invention, wherein the glass material of the glass article has a Pt content of less than 3 ppm, preferably less than 1 ppm, more preferably less than 100 ppb, even more preferably less than 50 ppb, and most preferably less than 15 ppm (m / m); and / or wherein the glass material of the glass article is proposed to have a F content of less than 10% by weight, preferably less than 5% by weight, and more preferably less than 2% by weight.

[0133] The inventors have discovered that the appropriate selection of glass materials yields exceptionally high-quality glass articles. It has thus been recognized that low platinum content results in exceptionally durable glass articles, particularly those with exceptionally high transmittance. Even for erosive glasses, low platinum content can be achieved using the methods described herein. Erosive glasses are particularly those containing more than 4% or 6% by weight of B₂O₃ and those containing P₂O₅. This invention provides for the first time a glass of this type with the purity described herein. If such erosive glasses are melted in a conventional pool with wall elements made of oxide ceramics, the amount of ceramic stripping is very large, and most of the ceramic enters the melt, thereby contaminating the melt with, for example, SiO₂, Al₂O₃, and / or ZrO₂. Therefore, melting these glasses in a platinum pool results in a large amount of platinum entering the melt.

[0134] In a preferred embodiment, the glass material used for the glass articles has a Pt content of less than 3 ppm, preferably less than 1 ppm, more preferably less than 100 ppb, even more preferably less than 50 ppb, and most preferably less than 15 ppm. Platinum can reduce transmittance, therefore platinum should be avoided whenever possible.

[0135] Alternatively or supplementally, the glass material of the glass article may have more than 4% by weight, preferably more than 8% by weight, more preferably more than 15% by weight of B2O3;

[0136] The glass material of the glass articles has P2O5 in a range of 0 to 10% by weight, preferably between 0 and 5% by weight, more preferably between 0 and 3% by weight, and most preferably 0% by weight.

[0137] The sum of RO and R'2O in the glass material of the glass article is less than 30% by weight, preferably less than 20% by weight, and more preferably less than 10% by weight;

[0138] The proportion of RO (R = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) in the glass material of glass products is less than 15% by weight, preferably less than 10% by weight, and most preferably less than 5% by weight;

[0139] and / or

[0140] The proportion of R'2O (R' = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) in the glass material of the glass article is less than 20% by weight, preferably less than 10% by weight, and more preferably less than 5% by weight.

[0141] The sum of RO and R'2O in the glass material of glass articles may be less than 15% by weight, preferably less than 10% by weight, more preferably less than 5% by weight, or the glass material of glass articles may be free of these oxides.

[0142] In one embodiment, the glass material of the glass article has more than 4% by weight of B2O3, 0 to 10% by weight of P2O5, and less than 3 ppm of platinum, wherein the sum of RO + R'2O in the glass material of the glass article is less than 15% by weight. The glass material of the glass article may be free of RO and / or R'2O.

[0143] In one embodiment, the glass material of the glass article has more than 4% by weight of B2O3, 0 to 10% by weight of P2O5, and less than 3 ppm of platinum, wherein the sum of RO and R'2O in the glass material of the glass article is 5 to 20% by weight, wherein the proportion of RO (R = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) in the glass material of the glass article is 0-10% by weight and the proportion of R'2O (R' = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) in the glass material of the glass article is less than 20% by weight. The glass material of the glass article may be without RO and / or R'2O.

[0144] The glass articles according to the invention are particularly suitable as optical or colored glass. It has been shown that optical and colored glass have particularly good properties when they have a high boron content and / or are substantially free of phosphates.

[0145] Alternatively or additionally, in one embodiment, the glass material of the glass article has more than 4% by weight, preferably more than 5.0% by weight, more preferably more than 15.0% by weight of B2O3.

[0146] Alternatively or supplementally, in one embodiment, the glass material of the glass article has P2O5 in the range of 0 to 10% by weight, preferably between 0 and 5% by weight, and more preferably between 0 and 3% by weight. Optionally, the glass material is free of P2O5.

[0147] It has also been shown that, based on conductivity, especially conductivity mediated by conductive (alkali / alkaline earth) ions, particularly good glasses can be obtained for different applications. Accordingly, in preferred embodiments, the glass material of the glass articles contains no or very little alkali (earth). In the prior art, these glasses are difficult to produce without platinum because they cannot be manufactured in a skulltiegel due to their poor conductivity.

[0148] Alternatively or additionally, in one embodiment, the sum of RO and R'2O in the glass material of the glass article is less than 15.0% by weight, preferably less than 10.0% by weight, more preferably less than 5.0% by weight, even more preferably less than 3.0% by weight, and most preferably less than 1.0% by weight. In one embodiment, the glass is substantially free of RO and / or R'2O.

[0149] Glassware that not only has a high boron content and / or is essentially free of phosphates and is free of alkali (earth) is particularly preferred for optical glass.

[0150] For glasses with high boron content and essentially free of P2O5 and RO, the two preferred alternative component ranges are defined by the range limits given in the table below. Glass materials for glass articles, particularly for optical glass, may include the following components (wt%).

[0151]

[0152]

[0153] Because it has been shown that particularly good glass can be obtained for different applications based on conductivity, especially conductivity mediated by conductive (alkali / alkaline earth) ions, accordingly in the preferred embodiment, the glass material of the glass article contains alkali (earth).

[0154] Alternatively or supplementally, in one embodiment, the sum of RO+R'2O in the glass material of the glass article is provided to be between 4 and 20% by weight, preferably between 10 and 18% by weight, and more preferably between 12 and 15% by weight.

[0155] Alternatively or supplementally, in one embodiment, the proportion of RO (R = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) in the glass material of the glass article is provided to be less than 15% by weight, preferably less than 10% by weight, more preferably less than 5% by weight, and most preferably less than 0.1% by weight. Optionally, the glass is free of RO.

[0156] Alternatively or additionally, in one embodiment, the proportion of R'2O (R' = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) in the glass material of the glass article is between 0 and 20% by weight, preferably between 5 and 15% by weight, or between 12 and 18% by weight.

[0157] Glass articles that not only have a high boron content and / or are essentially free of phosphates, but also have a relatively high proportion of alkali (earth) are particularly preferred for colored glass.

[0158] For glasses with high boron content and low RO content, the two preferred alternative component ranges are defined by the range limits given in the table below. Glass materials, especially for glass articles used in colored glass, may include the following components (wt%):

[0159]

[0160]

[0161] Alternatively or supplementarily, the glass material of the glass article may have B2O3 in the range of 0 to 12 wt%, preferably between 0 and 10 wt%, more preferably between 0 and 7 wt%; P2O5 in the glass material of the glass article having more than 10 wt%, preferably more than 15 wt%, more preferably more than 20 wt%; SiO2 in the glass material of the glass article having less than 1 wt%, preferably less than 0.5 wt%, more preferably more than 0.1 wt%, most preferably less than 0.01 wt%; and / or F in the glass material of the glass article having less than 8 wt%, preferably less than 5 wt%.

[0162] Alternatively or additionally, in one embodiment, the glass material of the glass article has more than 10% by weight, preferably more than 15% by weight, more preferably more than 20% by weight of P2O5.

[0163] Alternatively or additionally, in one embodiment, the glass material of the glass article has B2O3 in the range of 0 to 12% by weight, preferably between 0 and 10% by weight, and more preferably between 0 and 7% by weight.

[0164] Optionally, the RO content in the glass is from 15.00 to 60.00% by weight, particularly at least 18.00% by weight and / or up to 52.00% by weight.

[0165] Alternatively or supplementally, in the preferred first embodiment, the glass material of the glass article has less than 1% by weight, preferably less than 0.5% by weight, more preferably less than 0.1% by weight, and most preferably less than 0.01% by weight of SiO2. Optionally, the glass is SiO2-free.

[0166] It has been shown that glasses made from glass having high phosphate content and large amounts of boron and / or alkali / alkaline earth metal ions exhibit good properties. Preferably, these glasses contain little or no SiO2.

[0167] Glass articles having not only high boron content, low SiO2 content, and / or a high proportion of alkali (earth) but also high phosphate content are particularly preferred. Optionally, these glasses are fluorine-free.

[0168] Two preferred alternative component ranges for glasses with high P2O5 content at high B2O3 and / or RO content are defined by the range limits given in the table below. The glass material of this glass article may include the following components (wt%):

[0169] Element Minimum maximum Minimum maximum <![CDATA[P2O5]]> 10.00 45.00 20.00 36.00 <![CDATA[B2O3]]> 0.00 15.00 0.00 10.00 <![CDATA[Al2O3]]> 0.00 5.00 0.00 3.00 <![CDATA[K2O]]> 0.00 5.00 0.00 3.50 MgO 0.00 6.00 0.00 5.00 CaO 0.00 12.00 0.00 10.00 BaO 15.00 45.00 19.00 40.00 SrO 0.00 5.00 0.00 2.00 ZnO 0.00 5.00 0.00 2.00 <![CDATA[TiO2]]> 0.00 10.00 0.00 6.00 <![CDATA[Nb2O5]]> 0.00 60.00 >0.20 50.00 <![CDATA[As2O3]]> 0.00 1.00 0.00 0.50 <![CDATA[Sb2O3]]> 0.00 1.00 0.00 0.50

[0170] Two preferred alternative component ranges for glasses with high P2O5 content when B2O3 and / or R'2O / RO content are high are defined by the range limits given in the table below. Glass materials, particularly for glass articles used in blue glass, may include the following components (wt%):

[0171]

[0172]

[0173] Alternatively or supplementarily, the glass material of the glass article may have more than 4% by weight, preferably more than 8% by weight, more preferably more than 15% by weight of B2O3; the glass material of the glass article may have between 0 and 10% by weight, preferably between 0 and 5% by weight, more preferably between 0 and 3% by weight, and most preferably 0% by weight of P2O5; the sum of RO and R'2O in the glass material of the glass article may be 5 to 20% by weight, preferably 10 to 18% by weight, more preferably 12 to 15% by weight; the share of RO (R = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) in the glass material of the glass article may be less than 10% by weight, preferably less than 5% by weight, and most preferably 0% by weight; and / or the share of R'2O (R = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) in the glass material of the glass article may be less than 20% by weight, preferably 5 to 18% by weight, more preferably 12 to 15% by weight. Attached Figure Description

[0174] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to schematic diagrams.

[0175] As shown in the attached figure:

[0176] Figure 1A perspective view of a safety device according to a first aspect of the invention is shown;

[0177] Figure 2a It shows Figure 1 First cross-sectional view of the first wall element of the safety device in the middle;

[0178] Figure 2b A second sectional view of the first wall element is shown;

[0179] Figure 3a It shows Figure 1 First cross-sectional view of the second wall element of the safety device in the middle;

[0180] Figure 3b A second cross-sectional view of the second wall element is shown;

[0181] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the third wall element of the safety device in the structure;

[0182] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the first glass melting tank of the glass melting apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention is shown;

[0183] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a second glass melting tank of a glass melting apparatus according to a second aspect of the invention is shown;

[0184] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the electrode is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0185] Figure 1 A perspective view of a safety device 1 according to the first aspect of the present invention is shown.

[0186] Safety device 1 is capable of accommodating a glass bath suitable for preparing, processing and / or storing molten glass.

[0187] The safety device 1 includes a wall portion 3. The wall portion 3 includes a plurality of wall elements 5a, 5b, 5c and at least partially defines a volume 7 capable of accommodating a glass melting tank therein.

[0188] Wall portion 3 actually comprises eight wall elements 5a, 5b in the form of side elements and four in... Figure 1 The wall element 5c, which is only partially visible in the middle, is in the form of a bottom element. There are no gaps between the various wall elements 5a, 5b, and 5c in the wall portion 3 through which the glass melt can pass.

[0189] Each wall element has at least one channel system through which at least one fluid can flow. The channel system of each wall element has an inlet 9a and an outlet 9b surrounded by the respective wall element. Although in Figure 1 The central channel system is not visible, but in Figure 1 Some of the entrances 9a and exits 9b can be seen. See below for reference. Figure 2a , 2b The channel system is described in detail in sections 3a, 3b and 4.

[0190] exist Figure 1 It is not possible to specifically distinguish between inlets and outlets in the system. This is because, depending on the flow direction of the fluid within the channel system and the interconnections between them, each opening can serve as both an inlet and an outlet. An inlet is, for example, an opening where fluid flows into the channel system, and an outlet is, for example, an opening where fluid flows out of the channel system.

[0191] Therefore, wall section 3 can also be correctly described as a water-cooled wall. This is because the channel system allows fluid to flow through wall section 3 and thus removes heat from the wall. Thus, this wall section can be used, for example, to cool glass baths and / or molten glass.

[0192] Safety device 1 also includes four electrode feed passages 11.

[0193] Another opening is Figure 1 It is not visible in the middle. This other opening can be implemented similarly to the electrode feed section 11. A precious metal channel system can be flanged at this other opening to transport glass or glass melt for thermoforming.

[0194] exist Figure 1 The four electrode feed passages 11 shown are each provided and formed by one of the wall elements 5a.

[0195] With the help of the electrode feed section 11, each electrode (in) Figure 1 (Not shown) can be accessed from the outside through the corresponding wall element 5a into the volume 7, which is at least partially defined by the wall portion 3. See later. Figure 7 An exemplary electrode is described, which in a preferred embodiment may also be provided by the safety device itself.

[0196] Each of the electrode feed passages 11 also includes a first electrical insulator 13, by means of which the electrode passing through the respective electrode feed passage 11 is electrically insulated relative to the respective wall element 5a, channel system and / or fluid that may flow therein.

[0197] The first electrical insulation element 13 includes an intermediate layer of electrically insulating refractory material disposed between the electrode and the wall element 5a in the installed state.

[0198] Adjacent wall elements 5a, 5b, and 5c are each connected by at least one second electrical insulator (in... Figure 1 (not shown) are electrically insulated from each other, wherein the second electrical insulator includes an electrical insulating layer disposed between adjacent wall elements 5a, 5b, 5c.

[0199] Figure 2a It shows Figure 1 The first cross-sectional view of one of the wall elements 5a in the safety device is shown. The wall element 5a is therefore a side element with an electrode feed passage 11. Here, the channel system 15a with the wall element 5a having an inlet 9a and an outlet 9b can be seen.

[0200] Figure 2b It shows Figure 2a The second sectional view of the wall element 5a, the second sectional view along Figure 2a The dashed line drawn in the middle extends and is perpendicular to Figure 2a The drawing plane in the middle.

[0201] Figure 3a It shows Figure 1 The first cross-sectional view shows one of the wall elements 5b of the safety device. Therefore, this wall element 5b is a side element without an electrode feed passage. Here, the channel system 15b with the wall element 5b having an inlet 9a and an outlet 9b can be seen.

[0202] Figure 3b It shows Figure 3a A second cross-sectional view of wall element 5b, the cross-sectional view being perpendicular to... Figure 3a The drawing plane.

[0203] Wall elements 5a and 5b each have only one channel system 15a or 15b.

[0204] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A first cross-sectional view of one of the wall elements 5c of the safety device. Therefore, the wall element 5c is the bottom element.

[0205] Another opening 12 is provided in the bottom region of the wall portion 3, which may be in the form of a wall feed section, for example. This opening can be used as a removal opening for removing molten glass from the glass bath. Thus, this opening can be used to discharge glass from the safety device 1.

[0206] Here, opening 12 is only partially made by Figure 4 The opening 12 is provided or formed by four wall elements 5c. In fact, the opening 12 is provided or formed by four wall elements 5c. In other words, the entire opening 12 is provided or formed by four wall elements 5c.

[0207] However, in other embodiments, instead of opening 12, the bottom region of the wall 3 may also be provided as described above. Figure 1 The electrode feed section is described above. At this time, the four wall elements 5c can collectively provide or form the electrode feed section.

[0208] With the help of this electrode feed passage, the electrode can pass through the wall element 5c from the outside and enter the volume 7 defined by the wall 3 at least partially.

[0209] This electrode feed section may also include a first electrical insulator, as can be referred to in the corresponding description above regarding electrode feed section 11, since the electrode feed section can be constructed in a completely similar manner.

[0210] Wall element 5c, such as in Figure 4 The system 15c shown includes a channel system with an inlet 9a and an outlet 9b. Here, one opening is arbitrarily designated as inlet 9a and the other as outlet 9b, or vice versa. This is because which opening serves as the outlet and which as the inlet is related to the direction of fluid flow, and this can ultimately be determined by external wiring to peripheral devices, such as pumps. Figure 4 In the middle, the wall element 5c includes a channel system 15c.

[0211] Here, the channel systems 15a, 15b, 15c of each wall element 5a, 5b, 5c are respectively formed in the thickness region of the corresponding wall elements 5a, 5b, 5c, and especially include channels formed or that can be formed through holes or milled portions in the corresponding wall elements 5a, 5b, 5c.

[0212] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a first glass melting tank 17 of a glass melting apparatus according to a second aspect of the invention is shown. The glass melting tank 17 is suitable for preparing, processing, and / or storing molten glass.

[0213] The glass melting tank 17 can be accommodated in a volume at least partially defined by a safety device of the glass melting equipment, such as safety device 1. The glass melting tank 17 has five holes 19, in... Figure 5 Only four of them can be seen. Figure 5 Three of the holes 19 shown are used for guiding ( Figure 5 The electrode (not shown) passes through the glass melt tank. Holes in the bottom region of the glass melt tank 17 are used to discharge the molten glass.

[0214] Here, the wall of the safety device can be spaced apart from the glass melting tank 17.

[0215] In this regard, when the glass melt 17 is accommodated by the safety device, the opening 19 of the glass melt 17 should preferably be concentrically aligned with the electrode feed section 11 and the wall feed section 12 of the safety device.

[0216] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a second glass melting tank 21 of a glass melting apparatus according to a second aspect of the invention is shown. The glass melting tank 21 is suitable for preparing, processing, and / or storing molten glass.

[0217] The glass melting tank 21 can be accommodated in a volume at least partially defined by the wall of a safety device of the glass melting equipment, such as safety device 1. The glass melting tank 21 has five holes 23. Figure 6 Only four holes are visible. Figure 6 The three holes in hole 23 shown are used for guiding ( Figure 6 An electrode (not shown) passes through a glass melt bath. Holes in the bottom region of the glass melt bath 21 are used to discharge molten glass.

[0218] In this regard, when the glass melt 17 is accommodated by the safety device, the opening 19 of the glass melt 17 should preferably be concentrically aligned with the electrode feed section 11 and the wall feed section 12 of the safety device.

[0219] Here, the wall of the safety device can directly contact the glass melt 21. Due to this direct contact, the thickness of the glass melt 21 is reduced compared to the reference. Figure 5 The glass melting tank 17 is reduced in size so that the cooling capacity of the safety device is applied to all the material in the glass melting tank 21.

[0220] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of electrode 25 is shown, for example, the electrode may pass through each electrode feed passage 11.

[0221] Electrode 25 has a support 27 and an electrode material 29 supported by the support 27. The electrode material 29 comprises platinum. The support 27 itself has a channel system 31 through which fluid is guided from inlet 33 to outlet 35. The channel system 31 has a first section 37 and a second section 39. The two sections 37 and 39 are arranged concentrically. The first section 37 is disposed within the second section 39. Each section has an annular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the flow direction. The first section 37 is connected to the inlet and the second section 39 is connected to the outlet 35. Arrows within sections 37 and 39, as well as arrows at the inlet 33 and outlet 35, indicate the flow direction of the fluid. Opposite flow directions are possible in principle and are determined by external wiring.

[0222] The fluid flowing in the channel system 31 cools the support 27 and the electrode material 29. In the transition region 41, the fluid moves from the first section 37 to the second section 39. In this transition region, the flowing fluid is in direct contact with the electrode material 29, thereby selectively cooling the electrode material by removing heat from it. The support 27 extending within the cooling channel 31 is also cooled in the same manner.

[0223] The support 27 has an annular stop element 43. This allows the electrode to be reliably introduced into one of the electrode feed passages 11.

[0224] Electrode 25 also has a connecting element 45, through which current and voltage can be supplied to electrode 25, and especially electrode material 29.

[0225] Electrode 25 also has a thermocouple 47 disposed within electrode material 29. The thermocouple 47 is surrounded by a protective element in the form of a protective tube 49. The protective tube 49, extending along the central axis of electrode 25, allows the electrical interface of the thermocouple 47 to be guided outward from electrode material 29. Here, the voltage that can be intercepted at the electrical interface is converted into the temperature in the region of thermocouple 47 and therefore in the region of electrode material 29.

[0226] The channel system 31 of the support 27 can be connected to the channel system of the wall, for example, so that a common channel system can be realized. Thus, the entire fluid flow for cooling the wall and the electrode 27 can be guided from a single inlet to a single outlet.

[0227] Glass components

[0228] Exemplary glass compositions of the glass according to the present invention are given below:

[0229] The table below shows exemplary glass compositions that cannot be melted in a solidification furnace due to the absence of RO and R'2O or possibly low RO and R'2O content, and which, for the first time, can be presented in high purity by means of this invention. All of these glasses are platinum-free.

[0230]

[0231]

[0232] The table below shows exemplary glass compositions that can be classified as erosive glasses due to their relatively high boron content. None of these glasses contain platinum.

[0233] Element B6 B7 B8 B9 B10 B11 B12 B13 <![CDATA[SiO2]]> 53.46 56.3 57.12 57.72 55.82 54.99 58.21 59.02 <![CDATA[B2O3]]> 16.79 17.68 17.94 18.13 17.53 17.27 18.28 20.97 <![CDATA[Al2O3]]> 1.33 1.4 1.42 1.43 1.39 1.37 1.44 1.47 <![CDATA[Na2O]]> 0.47 0.49 0.5 0.51 0.49 0.48 0.51 0.52 <![CDATA[K2O]]> 13.29 14.0 14.2 14.35 13.87 13.67 14.47 11.75 ZnO 3.54 3.72 3.78 3.82 3.69 3.64 3.85 3.9 CoO 0.3840 0.0660 0.0440 0.0230 0.0940 0.1700 0.0096 0.0044 <![CDATA[Fe2O3]]> 9.1 4.61 3.25 2.25 5.39 6.72 1.44 0.45 F2-O 1.23 1.29 1.31 1.33 1.28 1.26 1.34 1.36 Cl2-O 0.42 0.44 0.44 0.45 0.43 0.43 0.45 0.46

[0234] The amount of F2 or Cl2 replacing O is indicated by the symbols "F2-O" or "Cl2-O," commonly used by technicians. The table below shows exemplary glass compositions that are classified as erosive glasses due to their relatively high phosphate content. None of these glasses contain platinum.

[0235]

[0236]

[0237] The table below shows exemplary glass compositions that are classified as erosive glasses due to their relatively high phosphate content. None of these glasses contain platinum.

[0238]

[0239]

[0240] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, claims, and drawings are important individually and in any combination for various embodiments of the invention.

[0241] List of reference numerals

[0242] 1 Safety device

[0243] 3. Wall

[0244] 5a, 5b, 5c wall components

[0245] 7. Volume

[0246] 9a Entrance

[0247] 9b Export

[0248] 11 Electrode Feedthrough

[0249] 12 Wall feedthrough

[0250] 13 Electrical insulation components

[0251] Channel systems 15a, 15b, and 15c

[0252] 17 Glass melting tank

[0253] 19 holes

[0254] 21 Glass melting tank

[0255] 23 holes

[0256] 25 electrodes

[0257] 27 stents

[0258] 29 Electrode Materials

[0259] 31-channel system

[0260] Entrance 33

[0261] 35 Exports

[0262] Section 37

[0263] Section 39

[0264] 41 Transition Zone

[0265] 43 Stopping elements

[0266] 45 Connecting elements

[0267] 47 Thermocouple

[0268] 49. Protective tube.

Claims

1. A safety device for accommodating a glass bath suitable for preparing, processing, and / or storing molten glass, the safety device comprising: At least one wall portion; The wall portion includes a plurality of wall elements and at least partially defines a volume in which the glass melting tank can be accommodated. Each of the wall elements has at least one channel system through which at least one fluid can flow. Wherein, at least one of the wall elements is a bottom element of the wall portion and at least one of the wall elements is a side element of the wall portion; and At least one electrode feedthrough, Wherein, the at least one electrode feed passage is at least partially provided and / or formed by at least one of the wall elements. The electrode feed passage allows at least one electrode to pass through the wall element and enter from the outside into the volume defined by the wall portion, at least partially. The electrode feed passage further includes at least one first electrical insulator, which enables the electrode passing through the electrode feed passage to be electrically insulated from the wall element, the channel system, and / or fluids capable of flowing in the channel system.

2. The safety device according to claim 1, in, The first electrical insulation component includes or is composed of refractory material, and / or the first electrical insulation component has a transition resistance of at least 10kΩ. The first electrical insulating component includes at least one electrical insulating layer. and / or The first electrical insulating component also serves as a barrier for the molten glass to flow out of the glass trough.

3. The safety device according to claim 1, in, The first electrical insulation component comprises quartz and / or mica as a material or is composed of quartz and / or mica, and / or the first electrical insulation component has a transition resistance of at least 10 kΩ. The first electrical insulating element includes at least one electrical insulating layer, which is at least partially disposed between the electrode and the wall element in the installed state. and / or The first electrical insulating element, together with the electrode passing through the electrode feed section, also serves as a barrier for the glass melt to flow out of the glass melt tank and into at least one region between the wall and the glass melt tank.

4. The safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The wall portion includes five or more wall elements. The wall portion includes eight or more side elements and / or four or more bottom elements. and / or There are no gaps between the wall elements of the wall portion through which the glass melt can pass.

5. The safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The wall portion includes 10 or more wall elements.

6. The safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The wall portion includes 12, 16, or 20 wall elements.

7. The safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The safety device includes several electrode feedthrough sections. and / or In this embodiment, at least one of the electrode feed passages is provided and / or formed by two or more of the wall elements.

8. The safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The safety device includes a plurality of electrode feed passages, and at least two of the wall elements respectively include and / or form at least one electrode feed passage respectively provided with a first electrical insulating element. and / or At least one of the electrode feed passages is provided and / or formed by three, four or five of the wall elements.

9. The safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The safety device includes a plurality of electrode feed passages, and three, four or all of the wall elements respectively include at least part of and / or form at least one electrode feed passage respectively provided with a first electrical insulator.

10. The safety device according to claim 7, in, The wall element is the side element and / or the bottom element.

11. The safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, At least one of the wall elements comprises two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more channel systems. and / or The channel system of each wall element is at least partially formed in the thickness region of the respective wall element and / or at least partially includes channels, which are formed in the respective wall element through holes or milled portions or can be formed in the respective wall element through holes or milled portions.

12. The safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The channel system of each wall element has at least one inlet and one outlet comprised of the respective wall element.

13. The safety device according to claim 12, in, The corresponding fluid can flow through the channel system from the inlet to the outlet.

14. The safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The channel system of each wall element has a diameter of 1 to 11 cm. 2 The flow cross section and / or the length provided by the associated wall elements on the contact surface with the glass melt, the length being between 0.1 and 10 m per square meter area.

15. The safety device according to claim 14, in, The flow cross-section is 2 to 3 cm. 2 .

16. The safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The dimensions of the channel system of each wall element are set such that the fluid is heated to a maximum of 40K when it flows through the channel system.

17. The safety device according to claim 12, in, The channel system of each wall element is sized such that when the fluid flows from the inlet to the outlet, the fluid is heated between 5 and 15 K, provided that all side surfaces of the wall element facing the defined volume are in direct or indirect contact with a glass melt having a temperature of at least 800°C.

18. The safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, At least some of the channel systems in the wall elements are fluidly connected to each other or are capable of being fluidly connected to each other to form a common channel system, such that a common fluid can flow through the channel system of the relevant wall element.

19. The safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, At least some of the channel systems in the wall elements are fluidly connected to each other or are capable of being fluidly connected to each other to form a common channel system, such that a common fluid can flow through the channel system of the relevant wall elements from a common inlet to a common outlet.

20. The safety device according to claim 18, in, The dimensions of the common channel system are set such that the fluid is heated to a maximum of 40K when it flows through the common channel system.

21. The safety device according to claim 19, in, The dimensions of the common channel system are set such that, as fluid flows through the common channel system from the common inlet to the common outlet, the fluid is heated between 5 and 15 K when all side surfaces of the wall element facing the defined volume are in direct or indirect contact with a glass melt having a temperature of at least 800°C.

22. The safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, Adjacent wall elements are electrically insulated from each other by at least one second electrical insulator.

23. The safety device according to claim 22, in, The second electrical insulation component includes: (i) a refractory material, at least one layered silicate as the material, or composed of a refractory material, at least one layered silicate, and / or having a transition resistance of at least 10 kΩ. and / or (ii) The second electrical insulation element includes at least one electrical insulation layer disposed at least partially between adjacent wall elements.

24. The safety device according to claim 23, in, The electrical insulation layer has a thickness between 2 and 30 mm.

25. The safety device according to claim 23, in, The electrical insulation layer has a thickness between 5 and 15 mm.

26. The safety device according to claim 23, in, The refractory material is quartz, and the layered silicate is mica.

27. The safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The safety device has at least one electrode, which is at least partially arranged in and / or through the electrode feed passage.

28. The safety device according to claim 27, in, The electrode has at least one support and / or at least one electrode material.

29. The safety device according to claim 28, in, The electrode material comprises platinum, and the electrode material is supported by the support.

30. The safety device according to claim 28, wherein: (i) The support has at least another channel system, (ii) The bracket has at least one stop element and / or locking element. (iii) The electrode has at least one thermocouple; and / or (iv) The electrode has at least one connection element for supplying electrical energy to the electrode.

31. The safety device according to claim 30, wherein: (a) Fluid can therefore be guided within the support from the inlet of the other channel system to the outlet of the other channel system; (b) The other channel system has at least one first segment and / or at least one second segment; and / or (c) The other channel system is fluidly connected to the channel system of the wall element.

32. The safety device according to claim 31, in, The support includes the inlet and the outlet.

33. The safety device according to claim 31, wherein: (aa) The first segment and / or the second segment are arranged at least partially concentrically with each other; (bb) The first section and / or the second section each have an annular cross-section in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the flow direction of the fluid; and / or (cc) The first segment and the second segment are fluidly connected to each other via a transition region.

34. The safety device according to claim 33, in, The first section is at least partially located within the second section.

35. The safety device according to claim 33, in, The fluid is in direct or indirect contact with the electrode material at least partially within the transition region.

36. The safety device according to claim 30, in, The stop element and / or locking element are of a ring design.

37. The safety device according to claim 30, in, The stop element or locking element works in conjunction with the electrode feed section and / or associated wall element.

38. The safety device according to claim 30, in, The thermocouple is at least partially disposed within the electrode material, and the electrode further has at least one protective element that at least partially surrounds the thermocouple and / or is located inside the protective element, wherein the electrical interface of the thermocouple is directed outside the electrode.

39. The safety device according to claim 38, in, The protective element is in the form of a tube.

40. The safety device according to claim 30, in, The connecting element is used to supply electrical energy to the electrode material and to apply voltage and / or current to the electrode material.

41. The safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The safety device includes a control unit configured to: in each case of the individual channel system or the common channel system, monitor the cooling circuit provided through the individual channel system or the cooling circuit provided through the common channel system based on the inflow temperature and return temperature and / or using the corresponding fluid volume flow; and / or the control unit is configured to: detect at least one fault current flowing through at least one wall element.

42. The safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The wall element (i) comprises at least one metal or at least one metal alloy as a material or is composed of at least one metal or at least one metal alloy, and / or (ii) has a melting temperature greater than 600°C and / or the fluid comprises water.

43. The safety device according to claim 42, in, The metal is aluminum.

44. A glass melting apparatus, said glass melting apparatus comprising at least one safety device according to any one of claims 1 to 43 and at least one glass melting tank for preparing, processing and / or storing molten glass, in, The glass melting tank is housed within a volume at least partially defined by the wall portion of the safety device. The glass melt has at least one hole for passing an electrode through it, and the hole is coaxially aligned with respect to at least one electrode feed portion of the safety device. The glass melting equipment further includes at least one electrode, which extends from the outside into the volume surrounded by the glass melting tank through the electrode feed section and the hole.

45. The glass melting apparatus according to claim 44, in, The glass melting tank at least partially comprises or is composed of one or more refractory materials.

46. ​​The glass melting apparatus according to claim 44, in, The material of the glass melt is applied to or can be applied to the wall by spraying, sputtering, slurrying or manual coating, thereby forming the glass melt or being able to form the glass melt.

47. The glass melting apparatus according to any one of claims 44 to 46, in, (i) the wall portion is at least partially spaced from the glass melt, and / or (ii) at least a portion of the wall portion is in direct or indirect contact with at least a portion of the glass melt.

48. The glass melting apparatus according to claim 47, in, At least a portion of the wall is in direct or indirect contact with at least a portion of the glass melt having refractory material, a thermally conductive paste or adhesive is provided between the wall and the glass melt, and / or there is a non-destructive, non-removable connection between the wall and the glass melt.

49. The glass melting apparatus according to claim 48, in, The adhesive is an inorganic adhesive.

50. The glass melting apparatus according to any one of claims 44 to 46, in, The material of the glass melt has a thickness that matches the cooling capacity or cooling circuit of the safety device and / or at least locally has an average thickness between 5 and 150 mm.

51. The glass melting apparatus according to claim 50, in, The thickness of the material in the glass melting tank varies locally.

52. The glass melting apparatus according to claim 50, in, The side portions have an average thickness of 5 to 50 mm and / or the bottom portions have an average thickness of 50 to 150 mm.

53. A glass article, said glass article being manufactured or capable of being manufactured at least in part by means of a glass melting apparatus according to any one of claims 44 to 52.

54. The glass article according to claim 53, in, The glass material of the glass product has less than 300 ppm SiO2, less than 20 ppm iron, less than 20 ppm copper, less than 20 ppm cobalt, less than 20 ppm nickel, less than 20 ppm vanadium, less than 20 ppm manganese, less than 100 ppm (m / m) zirconium, and / or less than 100 ppm hafnium.

55. The glass article according to claim 53, in, The glass material of the glass product has less than 100 ppm (m / m) of SiO2, less than 5 ppm (m / m) of iron, less than 5 ppm (m / m) of copper, less than 5 ppm (m / m) of cobalt, less than 5 ppm (m / m) of nickel, less than 5 ppm (m / m) of vanadium, less than 5 ppm (m / m) of manganese, less than 100 ppm (m / m) of zirconium, and / or less than 50 ppm (m / m) of hafnium.

56. The glass article according to any one of claims 53 to 55, in, The resistivity of glass is at most 10 kΩcm at 1200℃.

57. The glass article according to any one of claims 53 to 55, in, The glass material used in glass products has a Pt content of less than 3 ppm (m / m); and / or Among them, the glass material of glass products has less than 10% F by weight.

58. The glass article according to any one of claims 53 to 55, in, The glass material used in glass products has a Pt content of less than 1 ppm (m / m); and / or Among them, the glass material of glass products has less than 5% F by weight.

59. The glass article according to any one of claims 53 to 55, in, The glass material used in glass products has a Pt content of less than 100 ppb (m / m); and / or Among them, the glass material of glass products has less than 2% F by weight.

60. The glass article according to any one of claims 53 to 55, in, The glass material used in glass products has a Pt content of less than 50 ppb (m / m).

61. The glass article according to any one of claims 53 to 55, in, The glass material used in glass products has a Pt content of less than 15 ppm (m / m).

62. The glass article according to claim 57, in, The glass material of glass products contains more than 4% by weight of B2O3; Among them, the glass material of the glass products has P2O5 content between 0 and 10% by weight; Among them, the sum of RO + R'2O in the glass materials of glass products is less than 30% by weight. Among them, the proportion of RO (R=Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) in the glass materials of glass products is less than 15% by weight. and / or Among them, the proportion of R'2O (R' = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) in the glass materials of glass products is less than 20% by weight.

63. The glass article according to claim 57, in, The glass material of glass products contains more than 8% by weight of B2O3; Among them, the glass material of glass products has P2O5 content between 0 and 5% by weight; Among them, the sum of RO + R'2O in the glass material of glass products is less than 20% by weight. Among them, the proportion of RO (R=Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) in the glass materials of glass products is less than 10% by weight. and / or Among them, the proportion of R'2O (R' = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) in the glass materials of glass products is less than 10% by weight.

64. The glass article according to claim 57, in, The glass material of the glass products contains more than 15% by weight of B2O3; Among them, the glass material of glass products has P2O5 content between 0 and 3% by weight; Among them, the sum of RO + R'2O in the glass material of glass products is less than 10% by weight. Among them, the proportion of RO (R=Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) in the glass materials of glass products is less than 5% by weight. and / or Among them, the proportion of R'2O (R' = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) in the glass materials of glass products is less than 5% by weight.

65. The glass article according to claim 57, in, The glass material used in glass products contains 0% by weight of P2O5.

66. The glass article according to claim 57, in, The glass material of glass products contains between 0 and 12% by weight of B2O3; Among them, the glass material of glass products has more than 10% by weight of P2O5; Among them, the glass material of glass products has less than 1% by weight of SiO2; and / or Among them, the glass material of glass products has less than 8% F by weight.

67. The glass article according to claim 57, in, The glass material used in glass products contains between 0 and 10% by weight of B2O3; Among them, the glass material of glass products has more than 15% by weight of P2O5; Among them, the glass material of glass products has less than 0.5% by weight of SiO2; and / or Among them, the glass material of glass products has less than 5% F by weight.

68. The glass article according to claim 57, in, The glass material of glass products contains between 0 and 7% by weight of B2O3; Among them, the glass material of glass products has more than 20% by weight of P2O5; and / or Among them, the glass material of glass products has less than 0.1% by weight of SiO2.

69. The glass article according to claim 57, in, The glass material of the glass products contains less than 0.01% by weight of SiO2.

70. The glass article according to claim 57, in, The glass material of glass products contains more than 4% by weight of B2O3; Among them, the glass material of the glass products has P2O5 content between 0 and 10% by weight; The sum of RO and R'2O in the glass material of glass products is 5% to 20% by weight. Among them, the proportion of RO (R=Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) in the glass materials of glass products is less than 10% by weight. and / or The proportion of R'2O (R' = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) in the glass materials of glass products is less than 20% by weight.

71. The glass article according to claim 57, in, The glass material of glass products contains more than 8% by weight of B2O3; Among them, the glass material of glass products has P2O5 content between 0 and 5% by weight; The sum of RO and R'2O in the glass material of glass products is 10 to 18% by weight. Among them, the proportion of RO (R=Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) in the glass materials of glass products is less than 5% by weight. and / or The proportion of R'2O (R' = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) in the glass materials of glass products is 5 to 18 by weight.

72. The glass article according to claim 57, in, The glass material of the glass products contains more than 15% by weight of B2O3; Among them, the glass material of glass products has P2O5 content between 0 and 3% by weight; The sum of RO and R'2O in the glass material of glass products is 12 to 15% by weight. The proportion of RO (R = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) in the glass materials of glass products is 0% by weight. and / or The proportion of R'2O (R' = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) in the glass material of glass products is 12 to 15 by weight.

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