Raw material powder supply apparatus and method, raw material powder preparation apparatus and method, and glass product manufacturing apparatus and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a raw material powder supply device and method, a raw material powder preparation device and method, and a glass product manufacturing device and method. The present invention provides a raw material powder supply device capable of reducing moisture absorption of a raw material powder. The raw material powder supply device of the present invention has: a raw material powder storage section that stores a raw material powder having moisture absorption; a metering section that meters the raw material powder supplied from the raw material powder storage section; a first supply path that connects the raw material powder storage section and the metering section and moves the raw material powder from the raw material powder storage section to the metering section; and a second supply path that is connected to the metering section and moves the raw material powder from the metering section to the outside, and has a heating section on at least one of the first supply path and the second supply path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a raw material powder supply device, a raw material powder mixing device, a glass product manufacturing device, a raw material powder supply method, a raw material powder mixing method, and a glass product manufacturing method. Background Technology

[0002] When mixing various raw material powders in a predetermined mixing ratio, a raw material powder supply device is used to transport the various raw material powders. The raw material powders are used, for example, as raw materials for molten glass. The mixed powder obtained by mixing the various raw material powders transported by the raw material powder supply device is melted in a melting furnace, and then the resulting molten glass is cooled while being shaped into a predetermined shape, thereby manufacturing various glass products such as glass substrates.

[0003] As a raw material powder supply device, for example, the following device is disclosed, which includes: a first storage container for storing broken glass, a second storage container for storing raw material batches, a metering device for quantitatively supplying the raw material batches in the second storage container to the first storage container, and a take-out device for transporting a mixture containing broken glass and raw material batches to a glass melting device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] In this device, the raw material batch falling from the second storage container into the metering device is transported by a screw to the take-out hopper of the first storage container, and the mixture of raw material batch and crushed glass in the first storage container is transported by a screw to the glass melting equipment.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-30721 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] However, the apparatus in Patent Document 1 does not control the humidity within the passageways for transporting raw material powders such as broken glass and raw material batches. Therefore, in the apparatus of Patent Document 1, if the raw material powder is hygroscopic, at least a portion of the powder may react with moisture in the air and dissolve within the metering and dispensing devices, causing the powder to clump together. When the powder clumps together, the following problems arise: the powder becomes fixed to the walls and screws within the metering and dispensing devices, making powder transport difficult and potentially leading to malfunctions.

[0010] One objective of this invention is to provide a raw material powder supply device that can reduce the moisture absorption of raw material powder.

[0011] means for solving problems

[0012] One embodiment of the raw material powder supply device of the present invention includes: a raw material powder storage section storing hygroscopic raw material powder; a metering section metering the raw material powder supplied from the raw material powder storage section; a first supply path connecting the raw material powder storage section and the metering section, and moving the raw material powder from the raw material powder storage section to the metering section; and a second supply path connecting the second supply path to the metering section, and moving the raw material powder from the metering section to the outside, and having a heating section on at least one of the first supply path and the second supply path.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] One aspect of the raw material powder supply device of the present invention is able to reduce the moisture absorption of the raw material powder. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the configuration of a raw material powder supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 To illustrate Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the raw material powder supply device.

[0017] Figure 3 An explanatory diagram showing the state of the baffle being open.

[0018] Figure 4 The figure shows an example of another configuration of the heating element.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a raw material powder supply method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 6 The figure shows an example of a raw material powder mixing apparatus.

[0021] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Floor plan.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the raw material powder preparation method in this embodiment.

[0023] Figure 9 A diagram illustrating an example of a glass manufacturing apparatus.

[0024] Figure 10 for Figure 9 Floor plan.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of the glass product manufacturing method according to this embodiment.

[0026] Label Explanation

[0027] 1. 1-N raw material powder supply device

[0028] 10 Raw Material Powder Input Section

[0029] 11 Preservation Department

[0030] 12 covers

[0031] 13 baffles

[0032] 14 Gas Inlet Holes

[0033] 20 Raw Material Powder Storage Section

[0034] 30 Metrology Department

[0035] 40A First Supply Path

[0036] 40B Second Supply Path

[0037] 50 Dry Gas Inlet Section

[0038] 51 Gas Supply Department

[0039] 52 Gas Inlet Pipeline

[0040] 60 heating section

[0041] 100 Raw Material Powder Mixing Device

[0042] 110 Dispatch Department

[0043] 200 Glassware Manufacturing Unit

[0044] 210 Melting Section

[0045] 220 forming part Detailed Implementation

[0046] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail. It should be noted that, for ease of understanding, the same symbols are used to denote the same constituent elements in the accompanying drawings, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, the scale of the components in the drawings may sometimes differ from the actual scale. In this specification, unless otherwise stated, the tilde “~” indicating a numerical range is used to mean the lower and upper limits of the values ​​described before and after it.

[0047] <Raw Material Powder Supply Device>

[0048] The raw material powder supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1A diagram illustrating the configuration of the raw material powder supply device according to this embodiment is provided. Figure 2 To illustrate Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the raw material powder supply device. It should be noted that... Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this design, a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system with three axes (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis) is used. The height direction of the raw material powder supply device is set as the Z-axis. In a plane orthogonal to the Z-axis, one of the two mutually orthogonal directions is set as the X-axis, and the other as the Y-axis. The upward direction of the raw material powder supply device is set as the +Z-axis, and its opposite direction is set as the -Z-axis. In the following description, the +Z-axis is sometimes referred to as "up" or "above," and the -Z-axis as "down" or "below," but this does not represent a universally accepted vertical relationship.

[0049] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the raw material powder supply device 1 of this embodiment includes a raw material powder input section 10, a raw material powder storage section 20, a metering section 30, a first supply path 40A, a second supply path 40B, a drying gas introduction section 50, a heating section 60, a thermometer and hygrometer 70, a pressure gauge 80, and a control section 90.

[0050] When the hygroscopic raw material powder P is moved from the raw material powder storage section 20 to the outside via the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B, the raw material powder supply device 1 heats the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B using the heating section 60. As a result, the raw material powder supply device 1 can reduce the humidity within the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B, thus suppressing moisture absorption by the raw material powder moving within the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B, and preventing the raw material powder from agglomerating.

[0051] It should be noted that the raw material powder P can be any powder with hygroscopic properties, such as gypsum dihydrate, calcium fluoride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, ammonium chloride, strontium chloride, boric acid, and food powders such as wheat flour.

[0052] Regarding the raw material powder P, among hygroscopic powders, deliquescent powders are preferred. Hygroscopicity includes deliquescence. Hygroscopicity refers to the property of a substance to absorb or adsorb water molecules, while deliquescence refers to the property of a substance to further transform into a solution or other state after absorbing or adsorbing water molecules. Compared to hygroscopic powders, deliquescent powders are more suitable for use in a raw material powder supply device 1 that can prevent the raw material powder moving within the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B from agglomerating with each other.

[0053] Deliquescent powders refer to powders whose saturated aqueous solution has a water vapor pressure lower than the partial pressure of water vapor in the atmosphere, preferably powders whose saturated aqueous solution has a water vapor pressure of 2.7 kPa or less at 20°C. Among the substances listed above as hygroscopic powders, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, ammonium chloride, and strontium chloride are examples of deliquescent powders.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, the raw material powder input section 10 is provided on the upper part of the raw material powder storage section 20, temporarily storing the raw material powder P input from the outside, and inputting at least a portion of the stored raw material powder P into the raw material powder storage section 20.

[0055] The raw material powder feeding section 10 has a storage section 11, a cover section 12, a baffle 13 and a gas inlet 14. The storage of raw material powder P and the feeding of the stored raw material powder P into the raw material powder storage section 20 are controlled by controlling the opening and closing of the baffle 13.

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, the storage section 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape and stores the raw material powder P inside. It should be noted that the cylindrical shape in the top view of the storage section 11 can be either circular or polygonal. In the top view of the storage section 11, the circular shape includes not only perfect circles but also ellipses. The storage section 11 is formed in a frustum-cone shape.

[0057] The storage section 11 has an opening (inlet) 11a and an opening (outlet) 11b at its upper and lower ends, respectively. The inlet 11a is a hole for feeding in the raw material powder P, and the outlet 11b is a hole for discharging the raw material powder P. The shapes of the inlet 11a and the outlet 11b can be any shape, such as circular or rectangular, depending on the shape of the storage section 11.

[0058] like Figure 2 As shown, a cover 12 is provided on the upper part of the storage section 11 and closes the inlet 11a of the storage section 11. The cover 12 isolates the inside of the storage section 11 from the external atmosphere by closing the inlet 11a of the storage section 11. By closing the inlet 11a of the storage section 11 with the cover 12, the raw material powder P inside the storage section 11 is prevented from scattering to the outside, and dust and other contaminants are reduced from entering the storage section 11.

[0059] like Figure 2 As shown, the baffle 13 is disposed in the middle of the passage within the storage section 11. The configuration of the baffle 13 is not particularly limited as long as the cross-sectional area of ​​the passage within the storage section 11 can be adjusted; a conventional baffle can be used. In this embodiment, the baffle 13 has a movable plate capable of rotating in the vertical direction. The storage and descent of the raw material powder P introduced into the storage section 11 are controlled by adjusting the baffle 13's tilt.

[0060] like Figure 2 As shown, when the baffle 13 is positioned substantially horizontally within the storage section 11, almost no gap is created between the baffle 13 and the inner wall of the storage section 11, thus closing the passageway of the storage section 11 through the baffle 13. Therefore, the raw material powder P is stored above the baffle 13 within the storage section 11.

[0061] like Figure 3 As shown, when the baffle 13 is arranged substantially vertically inside the storage section 11, a gap is created between the baffle 13 and the inner wall of the storage section 11, opening the passage of the storage section 11 through the baffle 13. Therefore, the raw material powder P stored in the storage section 11 falls downward (in the -Z axis direction) due to its own weight through the baffle 13.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, the gas inlet hole 14 is a through hole provided on the side of the storage section 11, and is connected to the gas inlet pipe 52A. From the drying gas inlet section 50 (see reference...) Figure 1 Dry gas CA flowing into the gas inlet pipe 52A is supplied to the interior of the storage section 11 through the gas inlet hole 14. It should be noted that the gas inlet hole 14 can be sized to maintain the gas inlet pipe 52A in a pluggable and insertable state.

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, in the raw material powder storage section 20, the lower end of the storage section 11 is connected to the upper end of the raw material powder storage section 20, and the first supply path 40A is connected to the lower end of the raw material powder storage section 20. The raw material powder storage section 20 stores the raw material powder P that falls from the storage section 11 and moves. The raw material powder storage section 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a space A inside for storing the raw material powder P that falls from the storage section 11.

[0064] The raw material powder storage section 20 can be made smaller in diameter from top to bottom when viewed from the front. It should be noted that the raw material powder storage section 20 can also be formed into a cylindrical shape and have the same diameter from top to bottom when viewed from the front.

[0065] The raw material powder storage section 20 has a powder inlet 20A at its upper part and a powder outlet 20B at its lower part. The raw material powder storage section 20 is connected such that the outlet 11b of the storage section 11 is located above the powder inlet 20A, and is connected such that the first supply path 40A is horizontally arranged below the powder outlet 20B.

[0066] The raw material powder P that falls from the storage section 11 into the raw material powder storage section 20 accumulates above the raw material powder storage section 20 from the first supply path 40A located below the powder discharge port 20B.

[0067] The relative humidity of space A within the raw material powder storage section 20 is preferably 30% or less, more preferably 15% or less, and even more preferably 10% or less. If the relative humidity is 30% or less, the moisture absorption of the raw material powder P can be suppressed even if it is stored in the raw material powder storage section 20 for several days (e.g., 1 to 7 days).

[0068] It should be noted that relative humidity (unit: %) is expressed by the following formula (1), which is the amount of water vapor in the air, m. w Divide by the saturated water vapor content m of that humidity max The value obtained is then multiplied by 100 to get the final value. Relative humidity RH (%) = m w / m max ×100……(1)

[0069] The relative humidity of space A within the raw material powder storage section 20 can be set by the amount of drying gas CA supplied to the storage section 11 by the drying gas inlet section 50. The drying gas CA is supplied to space A through the interior of the storage section 11 via a gas inlet pipe 52A connected to a gas inlet hole 14 located on the side of the storage section 11. By increasing the amount of drying gas CA supplied to space A, the relative humidity of space A can be set to a lower level.

[0070] like Figure 2 As shown, the metering unit 30 has a cylindrical container 31 and a metering device 32. The cylindrical container 31 has an internal space, and the metering device 32 is disposed on the side of the container 31. The metering unit 30 supplies raw material powder P from the raw material powder storage unit 20 into the container 31 through a first supply path 40A. The change in mass within the container 31 is measured by measuring the change in load applied to the metering device 32, thereby measuring the amount of raw material powder P supplied from the raw material powder storage unit 20. A weighing sensor or the like is used as the metering device 32. The metering device 32 is connected to the control unit 90 and transmits the measurement results.

[0071] It should be noted that the metering unit 30 can use a commonly used weighing machine. In addition to measuring the amount of raw material powder P in the container 31 by measuring the metering device 32, it can also measure the amount of raw material powder P in the container 31 by setting a probe (probe-type level sensor) 32 in the container 31 and measuring the change in the height of the raw material powder P.

[0072] There are no particular restrictions on the size of the measuring section 30; it can be designed to any appropriate size.

[0073] The metering unit 30 is connected to the first supply path 40A above one side (in the -Y-axis direction) and to the second supply path 40B below the other side (in the +Y-axis direction). The raw material powder P is supplied from the upper side of the inside of the metering unit 30 through the first supply path 40A and discharged to the outside of the metering unit 30 through the second supply path 40B.

[0074] The metering unit 30 may also have a gas inlet port 311 above the side of the container 31 (in the +Y axis direction), and be connected to a gas inlet pipe 52B. From the dry gas inlet unit 50 (see reference...) Figure 1 Dry gas CA flowing into the gas inlet pipe 52B is supplied to the interior of the storage section 11 through the gas inlet hole 311. It should be noted that the gas inlet hole 311 only needs to be sized to allow the gas inlet pipe 52B to be inserted and removed.

[0075] like Figure 2 As shown, the first supply path 40A is a tubular passage connecting the raw material powder storage section 20 and the metering section 30, and allowing the raw material powder P to move from the raw material powder storage section 20 to the metering section 30. The first supply path 40A can be rectangular or circular in the axial view. The first supply path 40A has an upper opening 401A at a position corresponding to the powder discharge port 20B of the raw material powder storage section 20, and is connected to the raw material powder storage section 20 substantially horizontally. One end of the first supply path 40A is connected to an inlet hole 312 provided on the side wall of the container 31 of the metering section 30.

[0076] In the top view, the upper opening 401A can be basically the same shape and size as the powder outlet 20B, or it can be the size that includes the powder outlet 20B, or it can be smaller than the powder outlet 20B.

[0077] The first supply path 40A has a first powder supply unit 41A inside. The first powder supply unit 41A only needs to have a mechanism capable of transporting the raw material powder P in a basically horizontal direction, and can be a screw feeder, rotary feeder, electromagnetic feeder, etc. In this embodiment, the first powder supply unit 41A can be composed of a screw feeder and has a transport screw 411A and a drive unit 412A for rotating and driving the transport screw 411A.

[0078] The conveying screw 411A conveys the raw material powder P in the first supply path 40A to the metering section 30 side in a basically horizontal direction.

[0079] As the drive unit 412A, an electric motor or the like is used.

[0080] The raw material powder P in the first supply path 40A is moved towards the metering unit 30 by the conveying screw 411A being driven by the drive unit 412A to rotate.

[0081] The first supply path 40A is preferably arranged substantially horizontally at the bottom of the raw material powder storage section 20. A heating section 60 is provided on the outer periphery of the first supply path 40A as described later. Therefore, by arranging the first supply path 40A substantially horizontally, the amount of movement of the raw material powder P through the first supply path 40A can be appropriately adjusted according to the heating status of the first supply path 40A, thereby reducing the moisture absorption of the raw material powder P.

[0082] like Figure 2 As shown, the second supply path 40B is connected to the outlet 313 of the container 31 of the metering unit 30, and allows the raw material powder P to flow from the metering unit 30 to the outside (e.g., Figure 6 and Figure 7 The dispensing section 110) has a tubular passage for movement. The second supply path 40B has an upper opening 401B at a position corresponding to the outlet 313 of the container 31, and is connected substantially horizontally to the metering section 30.

[0083] The second supply path 40B internally includes a second powder supply unit 41B. The second powder supply unit 41B can be configured similarly to the first powder supply unit 41A. That is, the second powder supply unit 41B, like the first powder supply unit 41A, only needs to have a mechanism capable of conveying the raw material powder P in a substantially horizontal direction; a screw feeder, rotary feeder, or electromagnetic feeder can be used. In this embodiment, the second powder supply unit 41B, like the first powder supply unit 41A, can be configured as a screw feeder and includes a conveying screw 411B and a drive unit 412B that rotates and drives the conveying screw 411B.

[0084] Like the first supply path 40A, the second supply path 40B is preferably arranged substantially horizontally at the bottom of the metering section 30. A heating section 60 is provided around the outer periphery of the second supply path 40B as described later. Therefore, by arranging the second supply path 40B substantially horizontally, the amount of material powder P moving through the second supply path 40B can be appropriately adjusted according to the heating status of the second supply path 40B, thereby reducing the moisture absorption of the material powder P.

[0085] like Figure 1 As shown, the drying gas inlet 50 and the gas inlet hole 14 provided on the side of the storage section 11 of the raw material powder input section 10 (see reference) Figure 2 The raw material powder feeding section 10 and the raw material powder storage section 20 are connected, and the drying gas CA is introduced into them.

[0086] As a drying gas (CA), dry air, nitrogen, oxygen, etc. are used.

[0087] The dry gas inlet unit 50 may include: a gas supply unit 51 for storing dry gas CA; and a gas inlet pipe 52, which connects the gas supply unit 51 to the storage unit 11 and the metering unit 30, and delivers dry gas CA into the storage unit 11 and the metering unit 30.

[0088] As part of the gas supply unit 51, a gas cylinder for storing dry gas CA is used.

[0089] The gas inlet pipe 52 may include a gas inlet pipe 52A connecting the gas supply unit 51 and the storage unit 11, and a gas inlet pipe 52B connecting the gas supply unit 51 and the container 31 of the metering unit 30. The gas inlet pipe 52A supplies dry gas G to the interior of the storage unit 11 from its front end, and the gas inlet pipe 52B supplies dry gas G to the interior of the container 31 from its front end. The gas inlet pipe 52 may also have a control valve (not shown) midway through the gas inlet pipes 52A and 52B to control the flow rate of the dry gas CA flowing in these pipes. It should be noted that the gas inlet pipe 52 may also only have a gas inlet pipe 52A, without the gas inlet pipe 52B.

[0090] The gas introduction pipe 52A can be installed with its front end positioned substantially at the same level as the inner wall of the storage section 11, or it can protrude into the space inside the storage section 11. The gas introduction pipe 52B is the same as the gas introduction pipe 52A; it can be installed with its front end positioned substantially at the same level as the inner wall of the container 31, or it can protrude into the space inside the container 31.

[0091] In this embodiment, the gas introduction pipe 52A in the drying gas introduction unit 50 is connected to the raw material powder feeding unit 10. However, a through hole can also be provided on the side of the raw material powder storage unit 20 and connected to the side of the raw material powder storage unit 20 to directly supply drying gas CA into the space A inside the raw material powder storage unit 20. In addition to the gas introduction pipes 52A and 52B, other gas introduction pipes can be further connected to the side of the raw material powder storage unit 20 in the drying gas introduction unit 50.

[0092] like Figure 1As shown, the heating unit 60 has two heating units 60A and 60B. Heating unit 60A is disposed on the outer periphery of the first supply path 40A and heats the first supply path 40A. Heating unit 60B is disposed on the outer periphery of the second supply path 40B and heats the second supply path 40B. It should be noted that the heating unit 60 may also have only one of heating units 60A or 60B, and be disposed only on the outer periphery of the first supply path 40A or the second supply path 40B.

[0093] Heating unit 60A has a heat transfer member 61A for heating the first supply path 40A and a thermometer 62A for measuring the temperature of the first supply path 40A. Heating unit 60B has a heat transfer member 61B for heating the second supply path 40B and a thermometer 62B for measuring the temperature of the second supply path 40B.

[0094] Heat transfer components 61A and 61B are disposed on the outer peripheries of the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B, respectively, in contact with the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B. As heat transfer components 61A and 61B, a strip heater integrally formed by sewing heating wires onto a heat-resistant fabric or tape can be used. Heating units 60A and 60B can also be replaced by a surface heater, a ceramic heater, or the like, integrally formed by sewing heating wires onto a heat-resistant fabric or tape.

[0095] Thermometer 62A is preferably positioned on the outer periphery of the first supply path 40A, between the first supply path 40A and the heat transfer member 61A, and thermometer 62B is preferably positioned on the outer periphery of the second supply path 40B, between the second supply path 40B and the heat transfer member 61B. Thermometers 62A and 62B can be thermometers commonly used as thermometers, such as thermocouples. Thermometers 62A and 62B are connected to the control unit 90 and transmit measurement results. Since the temperatures of the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B are measured using thermometers 62A and 62B respectively, the heating temperatures of the heat transfer members 61A and 61B can be appropriately adjusted to any desired temperature.

[0096] The heating unit 60 heats the outer peripheries of the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B, transferring heat to the air inside the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B, thus heating the air inside the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B. This increases the saturated water vapor pressure of the air inside the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B, thereby reducing the moisture content in the air inside the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B. As a result, it reduces the likelihood of the raw material powder P reacting with moisture in the air inside the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B to absorb moisture.

[0097] The heating element 60 can be provided along the entire length of the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B, or it can be provided only along a portion of the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B. For example, the heating element 60A may not be located directly below the raw material powder storage section 20, but rather between the upper opening 401A corresponding to the powder outlet 20B of the raw material powder storage section 20 and the wall of the metering section 30. The heating element 60B may not be located directly below the metering section 30, but rather at a position further outward than the upper opening 401B corresponding to the outlet 313 of the container 31 and the wall of the container 31. Because the contact area between the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B and the outside is increased, the area outside the direct lower part of the raw material powder storage section 20 and the metering section 30 is particularly susceptible to cooling by external gas, and there is a tendency for moisture to be generated. By placing the heating element 60A between the upper opening 401A and the wall of the metering section 30, and placing the heating element 60B further outward than the upper opening 401B and the wall of the container 31, the air inside the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B is heated, thereby increasing the saturated water vapor pressure of the air and effectively suppressing the generation of moisture in the air. Furthermore, the heating elements 60A and 60B can be easily installed and removed.

[0098] like Figure 4 As shown, heating section 60A may have insulation material 63A covering the area around heat transfer member 61A and thermometer 62A, and heating section 60B may have insulation material 63B covering the area around heat transfer member 61B and thermometer 62B. Insulation material 63A and insulation material 63B may be formed into sheets for use. By covering the area around heat transfer member 61A and thermometer 62A with insulation material 63A and covering the area around heat transfer member 61B and thermometer 62B with insulation material 63B, heat loss from heating section 60A and heating section 60B to the outside can be suppressed. Therefore, the heating efficiency of the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B is improved.

[0099] As insulation materials 63A and 63B, conventional insulation materials can be used, such as inorganic fibers, organic fibers, and resin foams. Regarding inorganic fibers, composite materials containing inorganic binders such as colloidal silica, alumina sol, and sodium silicate, such as glass fibers, ceramic fibers, and silica fibers, can be used as needed. As organic fibers, aromatic polyamides, polyamides, and polyimides can be used. As resin foams, polysiloxane resins and fluorinated resins can be used. The thickness of insulation materials 63A and 63B is not particularly limited, as long as they cover heat transfer components 61A and thermometer 62A, and heat transfer components 61B and thermometer 62B, respectively.

[0100] A temperature and humidity meter 70 is installed in space A within the raw material powder storage section 20. There are no particular limitations on the temperature and humidity meter 70; any measuring instrument capable of measuring the temperature and humidity within the raw material powder storage section 20 can be used. The temperature and humidity meter 70 is connected to the control unit 90 and transmits the measurement results.

[0101] There are no particular limitations on the pressure gauge 80; any pressure gauge capable of measuring the pressure within the raw material powder storage section 20 can be used. The pressure gauge 80 is connected to the control unit 90 and transmits the measurement results. Dry gas CA is supplied from the storage unit 11 into the raw material powder storage section 20, maintaining the air pressure within the raw material powder storage section 20 at a positive pressure. As the raw material powder P falls from the raw material powder storage section 20 into the first supply path 40A and moves, sometimes the dry air CA within the raw material powder storage section 20 is also drawn to the outside, causing the air pressure within the raw material powder storage section 20 to become negative. When the air pressure within the raw material powder storage section 20 becomes negative, sometimes the force pushing the raw material powder P back from the metering unit 30 towards the raw material powder storage section 20 takes effect, making it difficult to smoothly supply the raw material powder P from the first supply path 40A into the metering unit 30. By using pressure gauge 80 to measure the pressure inside the raw material powder storage section 20, and adjusting the supply amount of drying gas CA, the supply amount of raw material powder P from storage section 11, and the moving speed of raw material powder P in the first supply path 40A, the air pressure inside the raw material powder storage section 20 is made positive, thereby maintaining a state in which the raw material powder P can be smoothly supplied from the raw material powder storage section 20 to the metering section 30 through the first supply path 40A.

[0102] The control unit 90 is connected to each component of the raw material powder supply device 1, including the metering device 32, the drying gas inlet 50, the heat transfer components 61A and 61B, the thermometer and hygrometer 70, and the pressure gauge 80, in any manner and in a communicable manner. The control unit 90 is connected to the heat transfer components 61A and 61B in a way that allows it to control them. The control unit 90 includes a storage unit for storing control programs and various stored information, and an arithmetic unit for operating based on the control programs. The control unit 90 is implemented by the arithmetic unit reading and executing the control programs stored in the storage unit.

[0103] In this embodiment, when the raw material powder P is a molten glass raw material, the molten glass raw material is composed of molten glass. The composition of the molten glass is not particularly limited. The molten glass can be any of soda-lime glass, alkali-free glass, mixed alkali glass, borosilicate glass, and other glasses.

[0104] When the molten glass is soda-lime glass, such as sheet glass for building or vehicle applications, the molten glass preferably has the following composition by mass percentage based on oxides: SiO2: 65%–75%, Al2O3: 0%–3%, CaO: 5%–15%, MgO: 0%–15%, Na2O: 10%–20%, K2O: 0%–3%, Li2O: 0%–5%, Fe2O3: 0%–3%, TiO2: 0%–5%, CeO2: 0%–3%, BaO: 0%–5%, SrO: 0%–5%, B2O3: 0%–5%, ZnO: 0%–5%, ZrO2: 0%–5%, SnO2: 0%–3%, SO3: 0%–0.5%.

[0105] When the fused glass is an alkali-free glass used as a substrate for liquid crystal displays, etc., the fused glass preferably has the following composition based on the mass percentage of oxides: SiO2: 39% to 75%, Al2O3: 3% to 27%, B2O3: 0% to 20%, MgO: 0% to 13%, CaO: 0% to 17%, SrO: 0% to 20%, BaO: 0% to 30%.

[0106] When the fused glass is a mixed alkali glass used as a substrate for plasma displays, etc., the fused glass preferably has the following composition by mass percentage based on oxides: SiO2: 50% to 75%, Al2O3: 0% to 15%, MgO+CaO+SrO+BaO+ZnO: 6% to 24%, Na2O+K2O: 6% to 24%.

[0107] When the fused glass is borosilicate glass for use in heat-resistant containers or physicochemical appliances, the fused glass preferably has the following composition by mass percentage based on oxides: SiO2: 60% to 85%, Al2O3: 0% to 5%, B2O3: 5% to 20%, Na2O+K2O: 2% to 10%.

[0108] The raw material powder supply device 1 has a heating section 60 on the outer periphery of the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B. Thus, the raw material powder supply device 1 heats the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B via the heating section 60, thereby increasing the saturated water vapor pressure of the air within the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B, and reducing the relative humidity. Therefore, the raw material powder supply device 1 can prevent the raw material powder P from absorbing moisture from the air during its passage through the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B, thus reducing the moisture absorption of the raw material powder P.

[0109] In the raw material powder supply device 1, which comprises the raw material powder storage section 20, the metering section 30, the first supply path 40A, and the second supply path 40B, when the raw material powder P absorbs moisture, solid matter may adhere to it, causing abnormal supply of the raw material powder P to the outside. For example, there is a possibility that the conveying screws 411A of the first powder supply section 41A and the second powder supply section 41B in the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B may not be driven or may not be driven sufficiently to rotate, thus preventing the raw material powder P from moving. The raw material powder supply device 1 can reduce the absorption of moisture by the raw material powder P, thereby enabling a stable supply of the raw material powder P to the outside at a predetermined amount.

[0110] The raw material powder supply device 1 includes a raw material powder input section 10 and a drying gas inlet section 50, and the drying gas inlet section 50 can be connected to the raw material powder input section 10. The raw material powder supply device 1 introduces drying gas CA from the storage section 11 of the raw material powder input section 10 and supplies it into the raw material powder storage section 20, whereby the drying gas CA mixes with the air present in the raw material powder storage section 20. By reducing the concentration of the air in the raw material powder storage section 20 and increasing the concentration of the drying gas, the humidity of the air in the raw material powder storage section 20 decreases, thus reducing the contact between the raw material powder P in the raw material powder storage section 20 and moisture in the air. Therefore, the raw material powder supply device 1 can further reduce the moisture absorption of the raw material powder P in the raw material powder storage section 20.

[0111] The raw material powder supply device 1 can use dry air, nitrogen, oxygen, or the like as the drying gas. Since these gases are free of moisture and have low humidity, by using them as drying gases and mixing them with the air in the raw material powder storage section 20, the air concentration in the raw material powder storage section 20 can be reduced more reliably. Therefore, the raw material powder supply device 1 can reliably suppress contact between the raw material powder P and moisture in the air within the raw material powder storage section 20, thus more reliably reducing the moisture absorption of the raw material powder P within the raw material powder storage section 20.

[0112] In the raw material powder supply device 1, the raw material powder input section 10 may include a storage section 11, a cover section 12, a baffle 13, and a gas inlet 14. Therefore, the raw material powder supply device 1 can easily maintain the airtight state of the space within the raw material powder input section 10. Thus, during the movement of the raw material powder P, which has been input into the raw material powder input section 10, from the raw material powder input section 10 to the raw material powder storage section 20, the raw material powder supply device 1 can suppress contact between the raw material powder P and moisture in the air, thereby more stably reducing the moisture absorption of the raw material powder P. Furthermore, by closing the baffle 13, the raw material powder supply device 1 can store the raw material powder P in an airtight state within the storage section 11. In addition, a predetermined amount of raw material powder P can be dropped into the raw material powder storage section 20 at any time for use. Therefore, during the storage and use of the raw material powder P that is fed into the raw material powder feeding section 10, the raw material powder feeding device 1 can suppress the contact between the raw material powder P fed into the raw material powder feeding section 10 and the external gas, thereby reducing the occurrence of moisture absorption of the raw material powder P when stored in the raw material powder feeding section 10.

[0113] The raw material powder supply device 1 can regulate the relative humidity within the raw material powder storage section 20 to 30% or less. Therefore, even when raw material powder P is added to the raw material powder storage section 20, the absorption of moisture from the air by the raw material powder P can be suppressed. Thus, the raw material powder supply device 1 can more reliably reduce the occurrence of moisture absorption by the raw material powder P within the raw material powder storage section 20.

[0114] In the raw material powder supply device 1, the heating unit 60 may have a strip heater as a heat transfer member. The strip heater is wound around the outer periphery of the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B. Therefore, the raw material powder supply device 1 can be easily installed while maintaining contact between the strip heater and the outer periphery of the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B, and its length can be easily adjusted. As a result, the raw material powder supply device 1 can reliably heat the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B within a predetermined range in its axial direction. Therefore, the raw material powder supply device 1 can increase the saturated water vapor content of the air passing through the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B, thereby appropriately reducing the relative humidity in the air. Therefore, the raw material powder supply device 1 can suppress the absorption of moisture from the air by the raw material powder P during the passage of the raw material powder P through the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B, thus effectively suppressing the occurrence of moisture absorption by the raw material powder P.

[0115] The raw material powder supply device 1 can cover the heating section 60 with insulating material 61. This reduces heat leakage from the heating section 60 to the outside and maintains the heating section 60 in a fixed state of contact with the outer peripheries of the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B. Therefore, the raw material powder supply device 1 improves the heating efficiency of the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B, thus reliably reducing the relative humidity in the air. Consequently, the raw material powder supply device 1 more reliably suppresses the absorption of moisture from the air by the raw material powder P passing through the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B, thus more stably reducing the moisture absorption of the raw material powder P.

[0116] The raw material powder supply device 1 can use molten glass raw material as raw material powder P. Therefore, the raw material powder supply device 1 can reduce the moisture absorption of molten glass raw material during glass manufacturing, thus enabling stable manufacturing of glass products.

[0117] <Raw Material Powder Supply Method>

[0118] The raw material powder supply method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The raw material powder supply method of this embodiment is performed using the raw material powder supply device 1 of this embodiment. Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the raw material powder supply method according to this embodiment. Figure 5 As shown, in the raw material powder supply method of this embodiment, raw material powder P is fed into the storage section 11 with the cover 12 open and the baffle 13 closed, and stored above the baffle 13 in the storage section 11 (raw material powder storage process: step S11).

[0119] Next, the baffle 13 is opened, causing the raw material powder P stored in the storage section 11 to fall downwards due to its own weight, accumulating above the first supply path 40A located at the upper opening 401A, and stored in the first supply path 40A and the raw material powder storage section 20 (raw material powder storage process: step S12).

[0120] Next, the raw material powder P is moved from the raw material powder storage section 20 to the metering section 30 via the conveying screw 411A through the first supply path 40A (first supply process: step S13). At this time, the air in the first supply path 40A is heated by heating the first supply path 40A using the heating section 60A, thereby increasing the saturated water vapor pressure of the air and reducing the relative humidity in the air, thus suppressing the reaction between the raw material powder P and the moisture in the air.

[0121] Next, the raw material powder P supplied from the raw material powder storage unit 20 is metered using the metering unit 30 (metering process: step S13).

[0122] Next, the raw material powder P is moved from the metering unit 30 to the outside via the conveying screw 411B through the second supply path 40B (second supply process: step S14). At this time, the saturated water vapor pressure of the air in the second supply path 40B is increased by heating the second supply path 40B using the heating unit 60B, thereby suppressing the reaction between the raw material powder P and the moisture in the air.

[0123] In the raw material powder supply method of this embodiment, in the first supply step (step S13) and the second supply step (step S15), the heating unit 60 heats the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B, thereby increasing the saturated water vapor pressure of the dry air CA passing through the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B, and reducing the relative humidity. Therefore, the raw material powder supply method of this embodiment can suppress the absorption of moisture from the air by the raw material powder P during its passage through the first supply path 40A and the second supply path 40B, thus suppressing the moisture absorption of the raw material powder P.

[0124] <Raw Material Powder Mixing Device>

[0125] The raw material powder preparation device having the raw material powder supply device of this embodiment will be described.

[0126] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates an example of a raw material powder mixing apparatus. Figure 7 for Figure 6 A top view. (e.g.) Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the raw material powder mixing device 100 includes multiple raw material powder supply devices 1-1...1-N (N being an integer greater than or equal to 1) and a mixing unit 110. It should be noted that... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The raw material powder supply device 1-1……1-N (N is an integer greater than or equal to 1) although it represents Figure 1 and Figure 2 The raw material powder supply device 1 shown is in... Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a simplified representation.

[0127] like Figure 7 As shown, the raw material powder supply devices 1-1...1-N (N being an integer of 1 or more) are arranged side by side along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the mixing section 110. Each of the raw material powder supply devices 1-1...1-N (N being an integer of 1 or more) has a heating section 60B-1...60B-N on its respective second supply path 40B-1...40B-N. Each heating section 60B-1...60B-N has a heat transfer member 61B-1...61B-N and a thermometer 62B-1...62B-N. The raw material powder supply devices 1-1...1-N are the same as the aforementioned raw material powder supply device 1, therefore detailed descriptions are omitted. In the raw material powder supply devices 1-1...1-N, if the raw material powder being fed is a low-hygroscopicity raw material powder or a non-hygroscopic raw material powder, the heating section 60 (see reference 1) may not be used. Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).

[0128] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the mixing unit 110 is connected to the second supply path 40B-1...40B-N of the raw material powder supply devices 1-1...1-N, and mixes the various raw material powders P supplied by the raw material powder supply devices 1-1...1-N in a way that achieves their respective arbitrary mixing ratios, thereby obtaining the mixed powder P1.

[0129] The mixing unit 110 can be any device capable of mixing and blending multiple raw material powders P in any proportion of their respective components. It may include a mixing tank 111, a stirring device 112 disposed inside the mixing tank 111, and a drive unit 113 for rotating and driving the stirring device 112.

[0130] The raw material powder mixing device 100 can store the mixed powder P1 in the mixing tank 111 or in an external mixing powder storage tank (not shown).

[0131] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, any one of the raw material powder supply devices 1-1...1-N may not have a heating unit 60 (see reference). Figure 1 and Figure 2 (a typical raw material powder supply device.)

[0132] The raw material powder mixing apparatus 100, by having a mixing unit 110, can mix and blend various raw material powders P discharged from multiple raw material powder supply devices 1 in arbitrary proportions. Since the moisture absorption of the raw material powder P is suppressed in the multiple raw material powder supply devices 1, variations in the amount of raw material powder P discharged from each raw material powder supply device 1 are suppressed. Therefore, the raw material powder mixing apparatus 100 can appropriately supply arbitrary amounts of raw material powder P from each raw material powder supply device 1 to the mixing unit 110, and thus can produce a mixed powder P1 containing various raw material powders P in arbitrary proportions in the mixing unit 110. Therefore, the raw material powder mixing apparatus 100 can produce a mixed powder P1 of excellent quality.

[0133] <Raw Material Powder Preparation Method>

[0134] The raw material powder preparation method, which includes the raw material powder supply method of this embodiment, will be described. The raw material powder preparation method of this embodiment is performed using the raw material powder preparation apparatus 100 of this embodiment. Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the raw material powder preparation method according to this embodiment. Figure 8 As shown, in the raw material powder preparation method, various raw material powders are supplied to the preparation unit 110 from the raw material powder supply devices 1-1...1-N (various raw material powder supply process: step S21). Each raw material powder supply process (step S21) is the same as the raw material powder preparation method of this embodiment described above, except that the type of raw material powder P is changed, so detailed description is omitted.

[0135] Next, various raw material powders P are mixed in the mixing unit 110 to form a mixture (mixing process: step S22).

[0136] Next, by mixing various raw material powders in the mixing unit 110 in any mixing ratio, a mixed powder P1 containing various raw material powders in any ratio is obtained.

[0137] In the raw material powder preparation method of this embodiment, in the preparation step (step S22), multiple raw material powders P discharged from multiple raw material powder supply devices 1 in multiple raw material powder supply steps (step S21) can be mixed and prepared. Since the raw material powders P are supplied in multiple raw material powder supply steps (step S21) while suppressing moisture absorption, the variation in the amount of raw material powder P discharged from each raw material powder supply device 1 can be suppressed. Therefore, in the raw material powder preparation method of this embodiment, in the preparation step (step S22), an arbitrary amount of raw material powder P can be appropriately supplied from each raw material powder supply device 1 to the preparation unit 110, thus enabling the production of prepared powder P1 containing multiple raw material powders P in arbitrary proportions. Therefore, the raw material powder preparation method of this embodiment can produce prepared powder P1 of excellent quality.

[0138] <Glass Manufacturing Equipment>

[0139] A glass product manufacturing apparatus having the raw material powder mixing apparatus of this embodiment will be described. It should be noted that this description applies to the case where the mixing powder containing the raw material powder is glass raw material powder.

[0140] Figure 9 The diagram illustrates an example of a glass manufacturing apparatus. Figure 10 for Figure 9 A top view. (e.g.) Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the glass manufacturing apparatus 200 includes a raw material powder mixing device 100, a melting section 210, and a forming section 220. It should be noted that the raw material powder mixing device 100 is similar to the one described above. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The raw material powder mixing device 100 shown is the same, therefore detailed description is omitted. Additionally, Figure 9 and Figure 10 The raw material powder supply device 1-1……1-N (N is an integer greater than or equal to 1) although it represents Figure 1 and Figure 2 The raw material powder supply device 1 shown is different from the one shown. Figure 6 and Figure 7 Same in Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is a simplified representation.

[0141] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the melting section 210 produces molten glass (glass melt) G1 by melting the prepared powder P1 obtained from the raw material powder preparation device 100. The melting section 210 can be a conventional glass melting device and has a melting tank 211 and a burner 212.

[0142] The melting tank 211 is formed of heat-resistant materials such as refractory bricks and has a hollow structure. The powder P1 is transported into the interior of the melting tank 211.

[0143] The melting tank 211 has a raw material inlet 211A and a raw material outlet 211B on its side.

[0144] The heat from the flame of burner 212 heats the powder P1, which is fed into the melting tank 211 through the raw material inlet 211A, and gradually melts it into the molten glass G1 contained in the melting tank 211. The molten glass G1 is discharged from the raw material outlet 211B and moves to the forming section 220.

[0145] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the forming section 220 forms the molten glass G1 produced in the melting section 210 into a plate shape. The forming section 300 can be a conventional device, such as a float forming device or a fusion forming device. The float forming device forms the molten glass G1 into a strip by continuously supplying the molten glass G1 to the surface of the molten tin in the bath. The fusion forming device forms the strip by continuously supplying the molten glass G1 into the interior of a groove with an approximately V-shaped cross-section and causing the molten glass G1 overflowing from the groove to the left and right sides to converge at the lower edge of the groove.

[0146] The formed glass in the forming section 300 is slowly cooled and then cut into specified sizes to obtain glass products such as glass sheets.

[0147] The glass product manufacturing apparatus 200, having a melting section 210 and a forming section 220, is capable of manufacturing glass products using the blended powder P1 obtained in the raw material powder mixing apparatus 100. Since the raw material powder mixing apparatus 100 can produce blended powder P1 containing various raw material powders P in arbitrary proportions, the glass product manufacturing apparatus 200, by using the blended powder P1 in the melting section 210 and the forming section 220, can manufacture glass products of excellent quality.

[0148] <Methods for Manufacturing Glass Products>

[0149] A method for manufacturing glass products incorporating the raw material powder preparation method of this embodiment will be described. This method for manufacturing glass products is performed using the glass product manufacturing apparatus 200 of this embodiment. Figure 11 This is a flowchart of the glass article manufacturing method according to this embodiment. Figure 11 As shown, in the glass product manufacturing method, various raw material powders are prepared (preparation step: step S31). The preparation step (step S31) uses the raw material powder preparation method of this embodiment, therefore detailed description is omitted.

[0150] Next, the powder obtained in the raw material powder preparation process (step S31) is supplied into the melting tank 211 through the raw material inlet 211A to obtain molten glass G1 (melting process: step S32).

[0151] Next, the molten glass obtained in the melting process (step S32) is discharged from the raw material outlet 211B of the melting tank 211 and transported to the forming section 220, where it is formed into the target specified shape (forming process: step S33).

[0152] Next, the molded body is slowly cooled (slow cooling process: step S34) and cut into the specified length (cutting process: step S35).

[0153] This allows for the production of glass products of the desired dimensions.

[0154] The glass manufacturing method of this embodiment can use the blended powder P1 obtained in the mixing process (step S31) to manufacture glass products in the melting process (step S32) and the forming process (step S22). In the mixing process (step S31), it is possible to manufacture blended powder P1 containing various raw material powders P in arbitrary proportions. Therefore, by using the blended powder P1 in the melting process (step S32) and the forming process (step S22), the glass manufacturing method of this embodiment can manufacture glass products of excellent quality.

[0155] As described above, the embodiments have been illustrated, but these embodiments are provided as examples, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The above embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various combinations, omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc., can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the present invention, and are also included within the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A raw material powder supply device, wherein, The raw material powder supply device has the following features: A raw material powder storage section stores hygroscopic raw material powder. A metering unit that measures the raw material powder supplied from the raw material powder storage unit; A first supply path connects the raw material powder storage unit and the metering unit, and moves the raw material powder from the raw material powder storage unit to the metering unit; and A second supply path, connected to the metering unit, moves the raw material powder from the metering unit to the outside. A heating element is provided in at least one of the first supply path and the second supply path. The heating section has a heat transfer member disposed on the outer periphery of the first supply path and / or the second supply path in a state of contact with the first supply path and / or the second supply path.

2. A raw material powder supply device, wherein, The raw material powder supply device has the following features: A raw material powder storage section stores hygroscopic raw material powder. A metering unit that measures the raw material powder supplied from the raw material powder storage unit; A first supply path connects the raw material powder storage unit and the metering unit, and moves the raw material powder from the raw material powder storage unit to the metering unit; and A second supply path, connected to the metering unit, moves the raw material powder from the metering unit to the outside. A heating element is provided in at least one of the first supply path and the second supply path. The heating element includes a strip heater.

3. The raw material powder supply apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The raw material powder supply device has the following features: The raw material powder feeding unit feeds the raw material powder into the raw material powder storage unit; and A drying gas inlet is provided, which is connected to the raw material powder storage unit or the raw material powder input unit, and introduces drying gas into the raw material powder storage unit.

4. The raw material powder supply apparatus according to claim 3, wherein The drying gas includes at least one of dry air, nitrogen, and oxygen.

5. The raw material powder supply apparatus according to claim 3, wherein The raw material powder feeding section has: A storage section, which is formed in a cylindrical shape, is used to store the raw material powder; A cover that closes the opening at the upper end of the storage section; A baffle, disposed within the storage section, adjusts the amount of raw material powder falling; and A gas inlet is provided on the side of the storage section and supplies dry gas into the interior of the storage section.

6. The raw material powder supply apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein The relative humidity in the raw material powder storage section is below 30%.

7. The raw material powder supply apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein The raw material powder supply device has an insulating material covering the heating section.

8. The raw material powder supply apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein The raw material powder is molten glass raw material.

9. The raw material powder supply apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein The metering unit has a cylindrical container with internal space. The container of the metering unit is connected to the first supply path above one side and to the second supply path below the other side.

10. A raw material powder preparation device, wherein, The raw material powder mixing device has the following features: Multiple raw material powder supply units, which supply raw material powder; and The mixing unit mixes and blends various raw material powders supplied by multiple raw material powder supply units to obtain a blended powder. At least one of the plurality of raw material powder supply units is a raw material powder supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A glass article manufacturing apparatus, comprising: The glass product manufacturing apparatus has the following features: The raw material powder mixing device according to claim 10, The melting section, wherein the melting section uses the powder obtained from the raw material powder mixing device to melt and produce molten glass; and A forming section, which shapes the molten glass to obtain a glass article.

12. A raw material powder supply method in which, The raw material powder supply method includes the following steps: The raw material powder storage process includes storing hygroscopic raw material powder in a raw material powder storage section; A metering process, wherein the raw material powder supplied from the raw material powder storage unit is metered using a metering unit; In a first supply process, the raw material powder is moved from the raw material powder storage unit to the metering unit via a first supply path connecting the raw material powder storage unit and the metering unit; and In the second feeding process, the raw material powder is moved from the metering unit to the outside via a second feeding path connected to the metering unit, and In at least one of the first supply path and the second supply path, the raw material powder is heated using a heating unit. The heating section has a heat transfer member disposed on the outer periphery of the first supply path and / or the second supply path in a state of contact with the first supply path and / or the second supply path.

13. A raw material powder supply method in which, The raw material powder supply method includes the following steps: The raw material powder storage process includes storing hygroscopic raw material powder in a raw material powder storage section; A metering process, wherein the raw material powder supplied from the raw material powder storage unit is metered using a metering unit; In a first supply process, the raw material powder is moved from the raw material powder storage unit to the metering unit via a first supply path connecting the raw material powder storage unit and the metering unit; and In the second feeding process, the raw material powder is moved from the metering unit to the outside via a second feeding path connected to the metering unit, and In at least one of the first supply path and the second supply path, the raw material powder is heated using a heating unit. The heating element includes a strip heater.

14. A raw material powder formulation method, wherein, The raw material powder preparation method includes the following steps: Multiple raw material powder supply processes, wherein multiple raw material powders are supplied through multiple raw material powder supply sections; and The mixing process involves mixing and blending various raw material powders supplied by multiple raw material powder supply units in a mixing unit to obtain a mixed powder. At least one of the plurality of raw material powder supply steps uses the raw material powder supply method of claim 12 or 13.

15. A method of glass article manufacturing, wherein, The glass product manufacturing method includes the following steps: A melting process, wherein molten glass is produced by melting the powder prepared using the raw material powder preparation method of claim 14; and A forming process in which the molten glass is formed to obtain a glass product.

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