Components used to support electrical flanges in glass manufacturing equipment

Abstract

An apparatus for conveying molten glass is disclosed, the apparatus comprising an electrical flange attached to a metal container and an electrode portion coupled to the electrical flange and configured to prevent deformation of the metal container and misalignment between the metal container and adjacent metal containers. A support assembly is also disclosed.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is a divisional application of Chinese national phase application 201980076408.8 of PCT international application PCT / US2019 / 052075, filed on September 20, 2019, entitled "Component for supporting electrical flanges in glass manufacturing equipment".

[0003] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 737,498, filed September 27, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 846,900, filed May 13, 2019, the contents of which form the basis of this application and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, as set forth below. Technical Field

[0004] This disclosure relates to an apparatus for forming glass articles, and more specifically to an assembly for supporting an electrical flange configured to supply current to a metal container. Background Technology

[0005] It is known to heat a metal container by supplying an electric current to it via two or more electrical flanges attached to and electrically connected to the metal container, particularly for containers used to hold and transport molten glass, such as conveying molten glass to glass forming equipment. The electric current heats the metal container via Joule heating, which in turn heats the molten glass within the metal container. This Joule heating can be used, for example, to control the viscosity of the molten glass to be formed.

[0006] The walls of the metal container may be thinner than the electrical flange; therefore, they must be able to adequately support the greater weight of the electrical flange to prevent damage to the metal container. Furthermore, since the metal container may expand and contract with temperature changes, for example during heating or cooling cycles, the electrical flange support, which is securely attached to and moves with the metal container, should be able to accommodate the flange's movement. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to this disclosure, a glass manufacturing apparatus is described, comprising a metal container configured to convey molten glass and a housing surrounding the metal container. An electrical flange may be attached to the metal container, the electrical flange including an electrode portion extending away from the metal container and through the housing. An electrical flange support device may be coupled to the electrode portion of the electrical flange.

[0008] In some embodiments, the electrical flange support device may include a support bracket assembly mounted to the housing and coupled to the electrode portion. For example, in some embodiments, the support bracket assembly may include opposing attachment plates and a clamping member disposed between and engaging the opposing attachment plates, the clamping member being coupled to the electrode portion. The support bracket assembly may be configured to be movable while the glass manufacturing equipment is being heated, such as during startup of the glass manufacturing equipment, allowing movement of the bracket assembly and reducing stress on the electrical flange during startup. Upon completion of startup, such as when the glass manufacturing equipment has reached its steady-state operating temperature, the support bracket assembly may be secured to the electrical flange using fasteners.

[0009] The clamping member may include tabs extending from its end that engage with openings defined by an attachment plate. The clamping member may be further coupled to the attachment plate by fasteners extending through the clamping member and the attachment plate, allowing the clamping member to be attached to each attachment plate at individual, spaced-apart locations. The clamping member assists in supporting the electrical flange and prevents the flange from falling off via the tabs, thus limiting downward movement of the clamping member.

[0010] The electrical flange support device may further include an adjustment assembly for adjusting the position of the support bracket assembly, the adjustment assembly including an adjustment base mounted to the housing and coupled to the support bracket assembly via an adjustment member.

[0011] In some embodiments, the adjusting member may be rotatably engaged with the adjusting base. For example, the adjusting member may be a bolt or threaded rod extending between the adjusting base and the support bracket assembly, wherein turning the bolt or threaded rod, or another fastener assembly (e.g., a nut) coupled to the bolt or threaded rod, will move the support bracket assembly away from or toward the adjusting base when the fasteners used to mount the support bracket assembly to the housing are loosened. When the final position is reached, the fasteners may be tightened, for example, to install the fasteners or the adjusting member.

[0012] In some embodiments, the electrical flange support device may further include an electrode support assembly coupled to the electrode portion and engaged with the support member.

[0013] The electrode support assembly may include, for example, a support rod extending between the electrode portion and a support member. The support member is any suitable, stable structure capable of resisting deformations such as bending caused by pressure applied through the electrode portion. The support rod may be configured to maintain a predetermined interval between the electrode portion and the support member. For example, the support rod may include a nut or other fastener component that helps to extend or shorten the effective length of the support rod between the electrode portion and the support member.

[0014] In some embodiments, the support rod may include an electrically isolating spacer. For example, in some embodiments, the electrically isolating spacer may be disposed at one end of the support rod and contact the support member.

[0015] In other embodiments, the support rod may include a first portion and a second portion, which engage with and are separated from an electrically insulating spacer. In yet another embodiment, the electrically insulating spacer may be disposed at one end of the support rod and contact the electrode portion of the electrical flange. In each embodiment, the electrically insulating spacer provides electrical isolation between the electrode portion, which can carry a large current, and the support member.

[0016] In other embodiments, a glass manufacturing apparatus is disclosed, comprising a metal container configured to convey molten glass and an electrical flange attached to the metal container, the electrical flange including an electrode portion extending away from the metal container. An electrode support assembly couples the electrode portion to a support member.

[0017] The electrode support assembly may include a support rod extending between the electrode portion and the support member, the support rod being configured to maintain a predetermined interval between the electrode portion and the support member.

[0018] In some embodiments, the support rod may include an electrically isolating spacer that electrically isolates the electrode portion from the support member. For example, the electrically isolating spacer may be positioned on an end of the support rod and in contact with the support member or the electrode portion.

[0019] In some embodiments, the support rod may include a first portion and a second portion, which engage with and are separated from an electrically isolating spacer.

[0020] The glass manufacturing equipment may further include a housing surrounding a metal container, wherein an electrode portion extends through the housing, and a support bracket assembly may be mounted to the housing and coupled to the electrode portion.

[0021] In some embodiments, the support bracket assembly may include opposing attachment plates, wherein a clamping member is disposed between and engages with the opposing attachment plates, the clamping member being coupled to the electrode portion.

[0022] In various embodiments, the clamping member may include tabs extending from its ends, the tabs engaging with openings defined by an attachment plate.

[0023] In some implementations, the clamping member may be further coupled to the attachment plate by fasteners extending through the clamping member and the attachment plate.

[0024] The glass manufacturing equipment may further include an adjustment assembly, which includes an adjustment base mounted to the housing and coupled to the support bracket assembly via an adjustment member.

[0025] The adjusting member can be rotatably engaged with the adjusting base. For example, the adjusting member can be a bolt or screw extending between the adjusting base and the support bracket assembly, wherein when the fasteners used to mount the support bracket assembly to the cabinet are loosened, turning the bolt or screw, or other fastening components (e.g., nuts) coupled to the bolt or screw, moves the support bracket assembly away from or toward the adjusting base. When the final position is reached, the fasteners can be tightened.

[0026] In other embodiments, a method for starting a glass manufacturing apparatus is disclosed, comprising placing a first end of a first metal conduit adjacent to a second end of a second metal conduit in a first alignment position such that the longitudinal axis of the first metal conduit is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the second metal conduit, the first end including a first electrical flange attached to the first end, and the second end including a mating flange attached to the second end, the first end and the second end being spaced apart by a first predetermined gap. The mating flange may be, for example, a second electrical flange. According to an embodiment, the first metal conduit may be heated to an operating temperature, wherein, during heating, the first metal conduit expands, resulting in the first longitudinal axis being non-coaxial with the second metal conduit. To correct the misalignment, an electrical flange support device coupled to the first electrical flange may be adjusted during heating to realign the first longitudinal axis with the second longitudinal axis. Thus, the support assembly may be configured to be movable during heating of the glass manufacturing apparatus, such as during startup of the glass manufacturing apparatus, allowing the support assembly to move and reducing stress on the electrical flange during startup. Upon completion of startup, such as when the glass manufacturing equipment has reached a steady-state operating temperature, the support bracket assembly can be secured using fasteners or similar means to fix the electrical flange.

[0027] The electric flange support device can be coupled to the electrode portion of the electric flange.

[0028] In some embodiments, the electrode portion may include an angled portion extending at an angle greater than zero and less than 90 degrees relative to a horizontal plane and a nominally vertical portion, and the electrical flange support device includes a support bracket assembly coupled to the nominally vertical portion. During adjustment, the support bracket assembly may apply a force to the nominally vertical portion at an angle relative to the horizontal plane equal to the angle of the angled portion.

[0029] In some embodiments, a first metal conduit may be coupled to a clarifying vessel. In some embodiments, a second metal conduit may be coupled to a melting vessel.

[0030] In various embodiments, heating reduces the predetermined gap. At the end of heating, when the first connecting conduit reaches its operating temperature, molten glass can flow through the first and second metal conduits, filling the reduced gap. The molten glass in the reduced gap cools and solidifies, sealing the first metal conduit to the second metal conduit.

[0031] In some embodiments, the electrical flange support device further includes an electrode portion support assembly that supports the electrode portion.

[0032] Further features and advantages of embodiments of this disclosure will be set forth in the following detailed description, including the following embodiments, claims and accompanying drawings, and some other features and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of the embodiments, or will be recognized by practicing the embodiments described in this disclosure.

[0033] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the embodiments presented thereafter are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and characteristics of the embodiments disclosed herein. This specification includes accompanying drawings to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate different embodiments of this disclosure and, together with the description, explain the principles and operation of these embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 2A A front view of an exemplary electrical flange including an annular central disk;

[0036] Figure 2B A front view of another electrical flange comprising multiple rings, including an innermost ring and an outermost ring;

[0037] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of a portion of a glass manufacturing apparatus, illustrating the glass seal between metal container sections.

[0038] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A partial side view, illustrating the possible misalignment between container sections during heating in a glass-making apparatus due to the weight of improperly supported electrical flanges;

[0039] Figure 5 A side view of an exemplary electrical flange support assembly as seen from one side of the support assembly;

[0040] Figure 6 Viewed from the opposite side of the support assembly. Figure 5 Side view of the electrical flange support assembly;

[0041] Figure 7 for Figure 5 and Figure 6 A top view of a portion of the electrical flange support assembly;

[0042] Figure 8 for Figures 5 to 7 A top view of an optional portion of the electrical flange support assembly;

[0043] Figure 9 for Figures 5 to 7 A top view of another optional part of the electrical flange support assembly;

[0044] Figure 10 for Figures 5 to 7 A top view of another optional part of the electrical flange support assembly;

[0045] Figure 11 for Figures 5 to 7 A top view of another optional portion of the electrical flange support assembly; and

[0046] Figures 12A to 12C A schematic diagram of an electric flange during heating in an associated glass manufacturing apparatus and the forces applied to the electric flange are depicted. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The embodiments described herein will now be referenced in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used in all the drawings to denote the same or similar parts. However, this disclosure may be embodied in several different forms and should not be construed as limiting it to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0048] As used herein, the term “about” means that quantities, dimensions, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be precise, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller as desired, thereby reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, and other factors known to those skilled in the art.

[0049] In this document, a range can be expressed as “about” a specific value and / or “about” another specific value. When such a range is expressed, another implementation includes a range from one specific value to another. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximation using the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that this specific value forms another implementation. It will be further understood that each endpoint of a range is significant relative to the other endpoint and independent of the other endpoint.

[0050] The directional terms used in this document—such as up, down, right, left, front, back, top, bottom—are for reference only with respect to the accompanying drawings and are not intended to imply absolute orientation.

[0051] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is not intended to interpret any method described herein as requiring steps to be performed in a particular order, nor that the device requires any particular orientation. Therefore, where a method claim does not actually describe the order in which its steps should be followed, or where any device claim does not actually describe the order or orientation of the individual components, or where the claims or specification do not specifically state that the steps will be limited to a particular order, or where a particular order or orientation of the device components is not stated, this is not intended to infer any order or orientation. This applies to any interpretation not based on expression, including: logical questions relating to the arrangement of steps, operational flow, order of components, or orientation of components; deriving simple and clear meaning from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.

[0052] As used herein, unless the context explicitly specifies otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references. Thus, for example, unless the context explicitly states otherwise, a reference to “an” component includes two or more such components.

[0053] The words “exemplary,” “example,” or their various forms are used herein to mean something used as an example, instance, or illustration. No aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” or “example” should be construed as superior or more advantageous than any other aspect or design. Furthermore, examples are provided solely for clarity and understanding and are not intended to limit or restrict the disclosed objectives or relevant portions of this disclosure in any way.

[0054] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the terms “including” and “comprise” and their variations shall be interpreted as synonymous and open-ended. The list of elements following the transitional word “including” or “comprise” is a non-exclusive list, such that other elements may exist in addition to those specifically listed.

[0055] As used herein, the terms “substantial,” “substantively,” and variations thereof are intended to indicate that the described feature is equal to or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a “substantively planar” surface is intended to mean a planar or approximately planar surface. Furthermore, “substantively” is intended to mean that two values ​​are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, “substantively” may mean values ​​within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other or within about 2% of each other.

[0056] As used herein, the term "electrical connection," "electrical connection," and variations thereof refer to a connection via an electrical conductor that does not contain molten material (e.g., molten glass). A first component electrically connected to a second component may include an additional component between the first and second components, such that the additional component is also electrically connected to both the first and second components. That is, a first component electrically connected to a second component should not be construed as excluding the presence of additional conductive components in the connection. Generally, these electrical conductors may include, but are not limited to, metallic wiring or cables, busbars, and the like. An electrical connection may further include other components, including but not limited to electrical connectors (e.g., plugs, tabs, protrusions, bolts, etc.) that facilitate connection between components (such as electrical controllers for current and / or voltage control, current and / or voltage measuring devices, or the like).

[0057] As used in this article, "refractory material" refers to non-metallic materials with chemical and physical properties that make them suitable for use in structural or system components exposed to environments above 538°C.

[0058] Figure 1 The figure illustrates an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 10. In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 may include a glass furnace 12, which includes a melting vessel 14. In addition to the melting vessel 14, the glass furnace 12 may optionally include one or more additional components, such as heating elements (e.g., burners and / or electrodes) configured to heat the raw material and convert it into molten glass. For example, the melting vessel 14 may be an electrically enhanced melting vessel, in which energy is added to the raw material via two burners and by direct heating, wherein an electric current flows through the raw material, and this current thus adds energy to the raw material via Joule heating.

[0059] In a further embodiment, the glass furnace 12 may include other thermal management devices (e.g., insulation components) that reduce heat loss from the molten vessel. In yet another embodiment, the glass furnace 12 may include electronic and / or motor devices that facilitate melting raw materials into molten glass. The glass furnace 12 may include support structures (e.g., support chassis, support members, etc.) or other components.

[0060] The melting container 14 may be formed of a refractory material, such as a refractory ceramic material, for example, a refractory ceramic material comprising alumina or zirconium oxide, but this refractory ceramic material may include other refractory materials, such as yttrium (e.g., yttrium oxide, yttrium oxide-zirconia, yttrium phosphate), zircon (ZrSiO4), or alumina-zirconia-silica, or even chromium oxide, which may be used alternately or in any combination. In some examples, the melting container 14 may be constructed from refractory ceramic bricks.

[0061] In some embodiments, the glass furnace 12 may be incorporated into a glass manufacturing apparatus as part of a glass manufacturing apparatus configured to manufacture glass articles (e.g., glass ribbons), although in further embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus may be configured to form other glass articles, non-limitingly such as glass rods, glass tubes, glass housings (e.g., glass housings for lighting devices, such as light bulbs), and glass lenses, but many other glass articles are also considered. In some examples, the melting furnace may be included in a glass manufacturing apparatus that includes slit drawing equipment, float bath equipment, down-drawing equipment (e.g., fusion down-drawing equipment), up-drawing equipment, pressing equipment, rolling equipment, tube drawing equipment, or any other glass manufacturing equipment that would benefit from this disclosure. For example, Figure 1 A glass furnace 12 is schematically illustrated as a component of a fusion-draw glass manufacturing apparatus 10, used to fuse and draw glass strips for subsequent processing into individual glass sheets or to roll the glass strips onto a spool. As used herein, fusion drawing involves causing molten glass to flow on both sides of a forming body, wherein the resulting two streams of molten material join or “fuse” at the bottom of the forming body.

[0062] Glass manufacturing apparatus 10 may optionally include upstream glass manufacturing apparatus 16 located upstream of melting vessel 14. In some examples, a portion or the entire upstream glass manufacturing apparatus 16 may be incorporated into glass furnace 12.

[0063] like Figure 1As illustrated in the embodiment, the upstream glass manufacturing equipment 16 may include a raw material storage tank 18, a raw material conveying device 20, and a motor 22 connected to the raw material conveying device 20. The raw material storage tank 18 may be configured to store a predetermined amount of raw material 24, which may be fed into the melting vessel 14 of the glass furnace 12 through one or more feed ports, as indicated by arrow 26. The raw material 24 typically comprises one or more glass-forming metal oxides and one or more modifiers. In some examples, the raw material conveying device 20 may be powered by the motor 22 to convey a predetermined amount of raw material 24 from the raw material storage tank 18 to the melting vessel 14. In a further example, the motor 22 may power the raw material conveying device 20 to introduce the raw material 24 at a controlled rate based on the level of the molten glass sensed downstream of the melting vessel 14 relative to the flow direction of the molten glass. The raw material 24 within the melting vessel 14 may then be heated to form molten glass 28. Typically, in the initial melting step, the raw material is added to the melting vessel in granular form (e.g., in various forms of "sand"). Raw material 24 may also include glass chips (i.e., shards of glass) from previous melting and / or forming operations. A burner is typically used to initiate the melting process. In electro-melting, once the resistance of the raw material is sufficiently reduced, electro-enhancement can be initiated by generating a potential between electrodes in contact with the raw material, thereby establishing a current through the raw material, which typically enters or is in a molten state. As used herein, the resulting molten material will be referred to as molten glass.

[0064] The glass manufacturing apparatus 10 may optionally include a downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30, which is located downstream of the glass furnace 12 relative to the flow direction of the molten glass 28. In some examples, a portion of the downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may be incorporated into the glass furnace 12. However, in some cases, the first connecting conduit 32 mentioned below, or other portions of the downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30, may be incorporated into the glass furnace 12.

[0065] Downstream glass manufacturing equipment 30 may include a first conditioning (i.e., processing) chamber, such as a fining container 34, located downstream of the molten container 14 and coupled to the molten container 14 via the aforementioned first connecting conduit 32. In some examples, molten glass 28 may be supplied by gravity from the molten container 14 to the fining container 34 via the first connecting conduit 32. For example, gravity may drive the molten glass 28 from the molten container 14 through an internal path of the first connecting conduit 32 to the fining container 34. Thus, the first connecting conduit 32 provides a flow path for the molten glass 28 from the molten container 14 to the fining container 34. However, it should be understood that other conditioning chambers may be located downstream of the molten container 14, for example, between the molten container 14 and the fining container 34. In some embodiments, a conditioning chamber may be used between the molten container and the fining chamber. For example, molten glass from the primary molten container may be further heated in a secondary molten (conditioning) container or cooled in the secondary molten container to a temperature lower than that of the molten glass in the primary molten container before entering the fining chamber.

[0066] As described above, bubbles can be removed from the molten glass 28 using various techniques. For example, the raw material 24 may include a multivalent compound (i.e., a clarifying agent), such as tin oxide, which undergoes a chemical reduction reaction and releases oxygen when heated. Other suitable clarifying agents include, but are not limited to, arsenic, antimony, iron, and cerium, although the use of arsenic and antimony may be discouraged for environmental reasons in some applications. The clarifying container 34 is heated to a temperature, such as above the temperature of the molten container, thereby heating the clarifying agent. Oxygen rising through the molten glass within the clarifying container due to the temperature-sensitive chemical reduction of one or more clarifying agents included in the molten glass will coalesce or diffuse into the bubbles generated during the melting process. The enlarged bubbles, with increased buoyancy, can rise to the free surface of the molten glass in the clarifying container and subsequently escape from the clarifying container.

[0067] The downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may further include another conditioning chamber, such as a mixing device 36, for mixing the molten glass flowing downstream from the refining vessel 34. The mixing device 36 can be used to provide a homogeneous glass melt composition, thereby reducing chemical or thermal inhomogeneities that might otherwise be present within the molten glass leaving the refining vessel. As shown, the refining vessel 34 may be coupled to the mixing device 36 via a second connecting conduit 38. In some embodiments, the molten glass 28 may be gravity-fed from the refining vessel 34 to the mixing device 36 via the second connecting conduit 38. For example, gravity may drive the molten glass 28 from the refining vessel 34 through an internal path of the second connecting conduit 38 to the mixing device 36. Typically, the molten glass within the mixing device 36 includes a free surface with a free volume extending between the free surface and the top of the mixing device. Although the illustration shows the mixing device 36 downstream of the refining vessel 34 relative to the flow direction of the molten glass, in other embodiments, the mixing device 36 may be located upstream of the refining vessel 34. In some embodiments, the downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may include multiple mixing devices, such as a mixing device upstream of the clarifying vessel 34 and a mixing device downstream of the clarifying vessel 34. These mixing devices may have the same design or may have different designs from each other. In some embodiments, one or more containers and / or conduits may include static mixing blades located within the containers and / or conduits to facilitate mixing and subsequent homogenization of the molten material.

[0068] Downstream glass manufacturing equipment 30 may further include another regulating chamber, such as a delivery container 40, located downstream of mixing equipment 36. Delivery container 40 regulates the molten glass 28 to be supplied into a downstream forming apparatus. For example, delivery container 40 may act as an accumulator and / or flow controller to regulate the molten glass 28 and provide a consistent flow rate to forming body 42 via outlet conduit 44. In some embodiments, the molten glass within delivery container 40 may include a free surface from which a free volume extends upward to the top of the delivery chamber. As shown, mixing equipment 36 may be coupled to delivery container 40 via a third connecting conduit 46. In some examples, molten glass 28 may be gravity-fed from mixing equipment 36 to delivery container 40 via the third connecting conduit 46. For example, gravity may drive molten glass 28 from mixing equipment 36 to delivery container 40 through an internal path of the third connecting conduit 46.

[0069] The downstream glass manufacturing equipment 30 may further include a forming device 48, which includes the aforementioned forming body 42 and an inlet conduit 50. An outlet conduit 44 may be positioned to convey molten glass 28 from the conveying container 40 to the inlet conduit 50 of the forming device 48. The forming body 42 in the fusion pull-down glass manufacturing equipment may include a groove 52 and a converging forming surface 54 (only one surface is shown), the groove 52 being located within the upper surface of the forming body, and the converging forming surface 54 converging in the stretching direction along a bottom edge (root) 56 of the forming body. Molten glass conveyed via the conveying container 40 to the forming body groove 52, the outlet conduit 44 of the groove 52, and the inlet conduit 50 overflows the wall of the groove 52 and becomes a separated stream of molten glass descending along the converging forming surface 54. The separated flow of molten glass is fed below and along the root 56 to produce a single strip 58 of molten glass. The molten glass strip is stretched from the root 56 along the stretching plane 60 by applying downward tension, such as by gravity and / or a roller assembly (not shown), to control the size of the glass strip as the molten glass cools and the viscosity of the material increases. Thus, the glass strip 58 undergoes a viscoelastic transition to an elastic state and acquires mechanical properties that impart stable dimensional characteristics to the glass strip 58. In some embodiments, the glass strip 58 can be separated into individual glass sheets 62 by a glass separation device (not shown), while in other embodiments, the glass strip can be wound onto a reel and stored for further processing.

[0070] Components of the downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30, including any one or more of the connecting conduits 32, 38, and 46, the refining vessel 34, the mixing device 36, the conveying vessel 40, the outlet conduit 44, or the inlet conduit 50, may be formed of precious metals. Suitable precious metals include platinum group metals selected from platinum, iridium, rhodium, ruthenium, and palladium, or alloys thereof. For example, downstream components of the glass manufacturing apparatus may be formed of a platinum-rhodium alloy comprising about 70% to about 90% by weight of platinum and about 10% to about 30% by weight of rhodium. However, other suitable metals for forming downstream components of the glass manufacturing apparatus may include molybdenum, rhenium, tantalum, titanium, tungsten, and alloys thereof.

[0071] Although the components of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 are illustrated and described as fusion-draw glass manufacturing components, the principles of this disclosure can be applied to a variety of glass manufacturing processes. For example, the melting vessel according to embodiments of this disclosure can be used in various glass manufacturing processes such as fusion processes, slot drawing processes, rolling processes, pressing processes, float processes, and tube drawing processes.

[0072] To provide a suitable molten glass viscosity as it flows through downstream glassmaking equipment 30 to forming equipment 48, various components of the downstream glassmaking equipment can control the temperature, for example, by heating and / or cooling the molten glass. For instance, refractory insulating material can be placed around various metal containers including the downstream glassmaking equipment to control heat loss from the metal containers. In some embodiments, for example, the metal containers can be heated using heating components located near them. In some embodiments, an electric current can be established via one or more metal containers to heat the metal containers by direct resistance heating (hereinafter referred to as "direct" or "directly heated"). Such a directly heated container may include a first connecting conduit 32, a refining container 34, a mixing device 36, a second connecting conduit 38 extending between the refining container 34 and the mixing device 36, a delivery container 40, a third connecting conduit 46 extending between the mixing device 36 and the delivery container 40, and an outlet conduit 44. The directly heated container may further include a container inlet conduit 50.

[0073] To facilitate the delivery of current to the directly heated container, the container may be equipped with current delivery devices configured to provide a current path between a cable or busbar electrically connected to a power source (not shown) and one or more directly heated containers. In various embodiments, these current delivery devices are configured to reduce circumferential non-uniformity of the current delivered to the metal container. Therefore, in various embodiments, these current delivery devices may extend around the outer periphery of the metal container and are hereinafter referred to as an "electric flange" 80, and, as... Figure 1 As shown, electrical flanges 80 can be deployed at various locations throughout the downstream glass manufacturing equipment 30. It should be noted that pairs of electrical flanges 80 can be electrically connected to different phases of a multiphase power supply, thereby allowing independent control of the temperature of different areas of the metal container to produce one or more heating zones at the same or different temperatures. Therefore, the number and location of the electrical flanges depend at least on the number of heating zones required and the physical structure of the container to which the electrical flanges are attached. Figure 1 The number and location of the electrical flanges shown are for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes.

[0074] Figure 2A This is a front view of an exemplary electrical flange 80, which includes a body portion 82 and an electrode portion 84 extending outwardly from the body portion 82. As shown, the body portion 82 may be circular, but other shapes are also possible, such as elliptical, egg-shaped, etc. The body portion 82 may be configured to extend around the outer periphery of an exemplary metal container, such as a conduit 86. Although the exemplary conduit 86 is illustrated as a cylindrical conduit with a circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conduit, the conduit 86 may have other cross-sectional shapes, such as rectangular, elliptical, or combinations of circular, rectangular, and / or elliptical shapes.

[0075] The electrode portion 84 of the electrical flange 80 provides a connection point 88 for an electrical conductor 90 (e.g., cable, busbar, etc.) extending between a power source (not shown) and the electrical flange 80. Although in Figure 2A The diagram shows that the electrode portion 84 extends vertically upward from the body portion 82, but the electrode portion 84 may extend in other directions, such as horizontally outward or at any other angle between vertical and horizontal.

[0076] In some embodiments, the body portion 82 may include a ring 92 extending around the outer periphery of the conduit 86, such as Figure 2A As shown. Ring 92 may be generally disk-shaped, for example, a disk-shaped ring. In some embodiments, such as Figure 2B As shown, ring 92 may include multiple rings. For example, body portion 82 may include an outermost ring 92a and an innermost ring 92b. In various embodiments, the innermost ring 92b may be formed of the same or similar metal as the metal container to which it is attached. For example, exemplary conduit 86 may include platinum, in which case the innermost ring 92b may also include platinum, such that the innermost ring can resist the high temperature of exemplary conduit 86 when heated by an electric current. Since the outermost ring 92a is radially spaced from conduit 86 and separated by at least the innermost ring 92b, the outermost ring 92a may be made of a less expensive metal that is less likely to withstand the high temperature of conduit 86. For example, the outermost ring 92a and electrode portion 84 may include nickel. Body portion 82 may further include an additional intermediate ring radially positioned between the outermost ring 92a and the innermost ring 92b. Such an intermediate ring may include nickel or platinum, if desired. For example, the intermediate ring positioned between the outermost ring 92a and the innermost ring 92b may include platinum. This intermediate ring may have a thickness equal to that of the innermost ring 92b, or it may have a different thickness than the innermost ring 92b. In some embodiments, the thickness of the ring may increase according to the radial distance from the conduit 86. Furthermore, since the outermost ring 92a is spaced apart from the conduit 86 and may be formed of a metal less expensive than the innermost ring 92b, the outermost ring 92a may be thicker than the innermost ring 92b and / or the platinum-containing intermediate ring positioned between these rings. The added mass of the outermost ring 92a can provide greater heat resistance to the outermost ring 92a, but it also increases the weight of the electrical flange 80.

[0077] In various embodiments, the electrical flange 80 may be equipped with a cooling device 94, such as a cooling pipe extending around the outer periphery of the body portion 82 and / or the electrode portion 84. A coolant, such as water, may flow through channels in the cooling pipe to absorb heat from the electrical flange and prevent thermal damage to the electrical flange.

[0078] Figure 3A portion of a glass manufacturing apparatus 10 is illustrated, which includes an exemplary melting vessel 14, a first connecting conduit 32, and at least a portion of a second connecting conduit 38. According to this embodiment, the glass manufacturing apparatus may further include an outlet pipe 64 extending through a refractory wall, such as the front wall 66 of the melting vessel 14, in a direction toward a clarifying vessel 34. The outlet pipe 64 includes a channel for conveying molten glass 28 from inside the melting vessel 14. The first connecting conduit 32 may extend from a first end 68 of the clarifying vessel 34 in a direction toward the melting vessel 14. Figure 3 In one embodiment, the first connecting conduit 32 and the clarifying container 34 can be securely joined, for example, welded together, so that the first connecting conduit 32 is physically and electrically connected to the clarifying container 34.

[0079] The clarifying container 34 may further include a tail portion 70 extending in the direction toward the mixing device 36. A second connecting conduit 38 may be securely joined to and electrically connected to the mixing device 36 by means of welding, and extends from the mixing device 36 in the direction toward the clarifying container 34. According to different embodiments, the first connecting conduit 32 and the outlet pipe 64 may be separated by a gap, but sealed with a glass seal, as will be described in more detail below. Similarly, the tail portion 70 and the second connecting conduit 38 may be separated by a gap and sealed within the gap with a glass seal.

[0080] During heating of the glass-making apparatus 10, such as during the initial start-up of the glass-making apparatus, the metal containers of the glass-making apparatus may expand, for example, in an expansion direction consistent with the longitudinal axis of each container. For example, the clarifying container 34 may be an elongated tube extending along its longitudinal axis. Thus, the clarifying container may expand along an expansion direction corresponding to, for example, a direction generally parallel to, the longitudinal axis of the clarifying container. Similarly, various other containers (e.g., conduits) may also expand along their respective longitudinal axes. If the various metal containers of the glass-making apparatus are securely connected by means such as welding or bolting, considerable stress may be applied to these metal containers. Because many of the metal containers of the glass-making apparatus 10 are made of precious metals such as platinum or the aforementioned alloys, and thus represent a considerable cost, the walls of the containers are made very thin, but therefore cannot withstand large pressures without damage, such as shearing, buckling, or other deformations. To avoid stresses associated with the thermal expansion of the metal containers, some metal containers or groups of metal containers may not be securely joined together. Instead, adjacent containers or components of containers may be aligned and positioned close to each other, but separated by gaps to accommodate thermal expansion.

[0081] Once the glass-making equipment has finished heating, adjacent containers or loosely connected container assemblies can be further moved, such as by rolling them on tracks, to eliminate virtually all remaining gaps, leaving a small gap, for example, equal to or less than one-quarter of a centimeter. After the batch is melted in the molten container to form molten glass and the molten glass begins to flow through the metal containers, the molten glass seeps out from the remaining gaps between adjacent metal containers. Cooling of the molten glass in the gaps between adjacent containers or container assemblies, for example by exposure to the surrounding environment, causes the gaps to fill and clog, thereby restricting the continuous flow of molten glass from the gaps.

[0082] exist Figure 3 In some embodiments, the first connecting conduit 32 and the clarifying container 34 (including the tail portion 70) may be securely and electrically connected to form a metal container assembly 100, which includes a continuous channel passing through it. In some embodiments, the metal container assembly 100 may be contained within a housing 102 (e.g., within a metal housing). In some embodiments, the housing 102 may be configured to control the atmosphere between the walls of the metal container assembly 100 and the walls of the housing 102. For example, in some embodiments, the housing 102 may be in fluid communication with a hydrogen source to control the partial pressure of hydrogen in the atmosphere. Hydrogen permeation can be controlled by maintaining the partial pressure of hydrogen within the metal housing at or within a predetermined concentration. Hydrogen permeation refers to the decomposition of water contained in molten glass and the subsequent flow of hydrogen from the molten glass flowing in the metal container assembly through the walls of the metal container assembly to the atmosphere outside the walls of the metal container assembly. Oxygen remaining in the molten glass can form small bubbles (e.g., water bubbles) within the molten glass, which can be detrimental to the subsequently formed glass product. A fire-resistant insulating material may be disposed between the metal container assembly 100 and the outer shell 102 to control heat loss from the walls of the metal container assembly and to provide support for the thin-walled metal container assembly. Although not shown, the outer shell 102 may further include a skeleton or frame for supporting the outer shell 102 and its contents.

[0083] As described above, the metal container assembly 100 may further include a plurality of electrical flanges 80, which are arranged and configured to heat the metal container assembly 100 by conducting current through the metal container assembly. For convenience, in Figure 3 The flanges 80 along the flow direction of the molten glass 28 are designated as flanges 80a to 80d from left to right. Although four electrical flanges are illustrated, more or fewer electrical flanges may be attached to the metal container assembly 100 as needed, for example, depending on the number of desired temperature zones.

[0084] Before heating the glass manufacturing equipment, the metal container assembly 100 can be moved to a suitable position such that the first connecting conduit 32 is aligned with the outlet pipe 64. That is, the central longitudinal axis of the first connecting conduit 32 closest to the outlet pipe 64 is located parallel and coaxial with the central longitudinal axis of the outlet pipe 64. Similarly, the tail portion 70 can be aligned with the second connecting conduit 38, which may have a sealing flange 72 configured to oppose the electrical flange 80d. The metal container assembly 100 can then be positioned such that gaps G1 and G2 are formed between the free ends of the first connecting conduit 32 and the outlet pipe 64, and between the free ends of the second connecting conduit 38 and the tail portion 70 (e.g., between the electrical flange 80d and the sealing flange 72), respectively. In some embodiments, the sealing flange 72 at the free end of the second connecting conduit 38 may be an electrical flange. When the metal container assembly 100 is heated via the electrical flange 80, the metal container assembly 100 expands in the length direction, thereby reducing but not eliminating G1 and G2. Subsequently, molten glass from the melting vessel 14 is permeated into gaps G1 and G2 via the metal container assembly 100, forming glass seals 74 and 76 in gaps G1 and G2 respectively. This seals the first connecting conduit 32 to the outlet pipe 64 and the second connecting conduit 38 to the tail portion 70. More generally, the metal container assembly 100 is not rigidly connected to the outlet pipe 64 and the second connecting conduit 38, but is separated from them by gaps, thus allowing space for thermal expansion of the components during the heating process of the glass manufacturing equipment. After heating, the molten glass flows in and solidifies, forming glass seals in the gaps to prevent further leakage.

[0085] To ensure a robust glass seal, the distal end 110 of the outlet pipe 64 may be fitted with a sealing flange 114. In some embodiments, the sealing flange 114 may be an electrical flange, such as an electrical flange 80. In some embodiments, the electrical flange 80 (e.g., electrical flange 80a) may be located at the distal (free) end 112 of the first connecting conduit 32, and this electrical flange serves both as an electrical conductor for conducting current to the metal container assembly 100 and as a sealing flange, such that a glass seal 74 is formed in the gap G1 between the sealing flange 114 and the electrical flange 80a of the outlet pipe 64.

[0086] As should be noted from the foregoing, during the expansion of the metal container assembly 100, the electrical flanges 80a to 80d, which are firmly attached to the wall of the metal container assembly 100, move uniformly. More specifically, the various body portions 82 move as the metal container assembly 100 expands. However, the movement of the electrical flanges is hindered by their connections to the electrical conductors 90 (e.g., cables, busbars, etc.) that provide current from the power source to the electrical flanges. Therefore, when the body portions of the electrical flanges 80a-80d move together with the metal container assembly 100 to which the body portions 82 are attached, the electrode portions 84 may be constrained by the electrical conductors to which the electrode portions are attached, and thus they may not move or move very little compared to the corresponding body portions.

[0087] The partially constrained electrode portion 84 may cause problems for the electrical flange that also serves as a sealing flange. For example, see reference... Figure 4 The expansion of the metal container assembly 100 along the longitudinal axis 116 of the outlet pipe 64 in direction 118 moves the main body portion 82a of the electrical flange 80a toward the outlet pipe 64. However, the bulky, rigid electrical conductor attached to the connection point 88a of the electrode portion 34a at least partially restricts the movement of the electrode portion, causing the electrical flange to tilt and resulting in a misalignment of the longitudinal axis 120 of the first connecting conduit 32 relative to the longitudinal axis 116. Because the electrical flange 80a is firmly attached to the first connecting conduit 32, the tilting of the electrical flange 80a applies mechanical stress to the metal container assembly 100, which can twist, wrinkle, or damage the metal container assembly. Additionally, the misalignment of the electrical flange 80a relative to the sealing flange 114 (causing the sealing flange 114 to no longer be parallel to the electrical flange 80a) can lead to an incomplete glass seal, which can cause molten glass leakage. Furthermore, corrosive gases emitted from the molten glass 28 can escape from the imperfect glass seal and damage surrounding equipment, including but not limited to the outlet pipe 64 and the first connecting conduit 32.

[0088] In various embodiments, the electrical conductor electrically connected to the electrical flange 80 may be supported by slings, supports, or other means configured to support the weight of the conductor and provide limited movement of the conductor. Several exemplary means are described and illustrated, for example, in U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 635080, filed February 26, 2018. However, even when limited movement is provided, the significant rigidity of the electrical conductor configured to conduct large currents may still impede movement of the electrical flange. This impeded movement may continue to cause the electrical flange to tilt.

[0089] therefore, Figures 5 to 7An exemplary electrical flange support device 200 is depicted, configured to minimize or prevent tilting of the electrical flange engaged with the electrical flange support device 200. The following description will be presented in association with the electrical flange 80a electrically connected to the first connecting conduit 32, and it should be understood that the electrical flange support device or variations thereof may be used in other locations within the glass manufacturing apparatus 10.

[0090] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a side view of an exemplary electrical flange support device 200, which includes a support bracket assembly 202. The support bracket assembly 202 includes a first bracket 204 and a second bracket 206, configured for mounting to a robust support member. In some embodiments, the first bracket 204 and the second bracket 206 may be similar. For example, in some embodiments, the first bracket 204 and the second bracket 206 may be mirror images of each other. In further embodiments, the first bracket 204 and the second bracket 206 may be integrally formed, for example, as the ends of a suitably bent plate.

[0091] The first bracket 204 and the second bracket 206 may each include a first attachment plate 208 and a second attachment plate 210. The first bracket 204 and the second bracket 206 may further include a first mounting base 212 and a second mounting base 214 for mounting the first bracket 204 and the second bracket 206 to a support body. For example, in various embodiments, the first bracket 204 and the second bracket 206 may be mounted to the housing 102 via the first mounting base 212 and the second mounting base 214, but any robust support body that will not significantly move during the heating process of the glass manufacturing equipment is suitable.

[0092] The first attachment plate 208 may define a first opening 216 and a second opening 218. The first opening 216 may be an elongated slit, while the second opening 218 may be a circular opening or an elongated slit. As described above, the first bracket 204 may include a first mounting base 212. For example, in some embodiments, the first mounting base 212 may be a portion of the first attachment plate 208 bent at an angle (e.g., at 90 degrees) relative to the plane of the first attachment plate 208, such that the plane of the first mounting base 212 is orthogonal to the plane of the first attachment plate 208. In various embodiments, the first mounting base 212 defines at least one mounting slit 220. The mounting slit 220 may be oriented along the length of the first mounting base 212, for example, extending along a first mounting axis 222. In some embodiments, the first mounting base 212 may include a plurality of mounting slits 220 arranged along the first mounting axis 222.

[0093] Similar to the first attachment plate 208 and the second attachment plate 210 (see...) Figure 6 The first opening 224 and the second opening 226 may be defined. The first opening 224 may be an elongated slit, while the second opening 226 may be a circular opening or an elongated slit. As described above, the second bracket 206 may include a second mounting base 214. For example, in some embodiments, the second mounting base 214 may be a portion of the second attachment plate 210 that has been bent at an angle (e.g., at a 90-degree angle) relative to the plane of the second attachment plate 210 so that the second mounting base 214 is orthogonal to the second attachment plate 210. In various embodiments, the second mounting base 214 may define at least one elongated mounting slit 230. The mounting slit 230 may be oriented along the longitudinal direction of the second mounting base 214, for example, extending along the second mounting axis 232. In some embodiments, the second mounting base 214 may include a plurality of mounting slots 230 arranged along the second mounting axis 232. In various embodiments, the second mounting axis 232 may be parallel to the first mounting axis 222.

[0094] The electrical flange support device 200 may further include a first adjustment assembly 234, which includes a first adjustment base 236 and a first adjustment member 238 extending between the first adjustment base 236 and a first support 204 (e.g., a first attachment plate 208). The first adjustment member 238 may be a rod, such as a screw or bolt. The first adjustment member 238 may be coupled to the first adjustment base 236 and the first support 204 using suitable fastening members (e.g., nuts) and configured such that rotation of the fastening member depends on the direction of rotation of the fastening member to increase or decrease the distance between the first adjustment base 236 and the first support 204. In other words, the first adjustment member 238 may include a bolt or other screw and include a nut that engages with the bolt or other screw, such that turning one or more nuts increases or decreases the length of the adjustment member extending between the first adjustment base 236 and the first support 204, thereby moving the first support 204 relative to the first adjustment base 236. Additionally, the first adjustment member 238 can be locked (e.g., by tightening with one or more nuts) to securely connect the first adjustment base 236 and the first bracket 204.

[0095] Similarly, the electrical flange support device 200 may further include a second adjustment assembly 240, which includes a second adjustment base 242 and a second adjustment member 244 extending between the second adjustment base 242 and a second support 206 (e.g., a second attachment plate 210). The second adjustment member 244 may be a rod, such as a screw or bolt. The second adjustment member 244 may be coupled to the second adjustment base 242 and the second support 206 using suitable fastening members (e.g., nuts) and configured such that rotation of the fastening member depends on the direction of rotation of the fastening member to increase or decrease the distance between the second adjustment base 242 and the second support 206. In other words, the first adjustment member 238 may include a bolt or other screw and includes components that engage with the bolt or other screw and are configured such that rotating one or more nuts increases or decreases the length of the adjustment member extending between the second adjustment base 242 and the second support 206, thereby moving the second support 206 relative to the second adjustment base 242. Additionally, the second adjustment member 244 can be locked (e.g., by tightening with one or more nuts) to securely connect the second adjustment base 242 and the second bracket 206.

[0096] The first bracket 204 and the second bracket 206 are mounted to a suitable support body, such as housing 102, in a spaced-apart relationship, wherein the first attachment plate 208 and the second attachment plate 210 may be substantially parallel to each other. That is, the plane of the first attachment plate 208 may be substantially parallel to the plane of the second attachment plate 210. The first bracket 204 and the second bracket 206 may extend through the mounting slot 220 and be secured to the support body via one or more fasteners 280 (e.g., screws, nuts, and bolts). The mounting slots 220 and 230 allow the first bracket component assembly 204 and the second bracket component assembly 206 to be temporarily moved along the first mounting axis 222 and the second mounting axis 232 before the fasteners 280 are tightened.

[0097] Similarly, the first adjustment component 234 and the second adjustment component 240 can be mounted on the same support body as the first bracket 204 and the second bracket 206. Additionally, the first adjustment member 238 and the second adjustment member 244 can be arranged to extend between their respective adjustment bases and brackets at the same angle as the plane (e.g., relative to the horizontal direction) of the support base (e.g., housing 102) on which the first adjustment member 238 and the second adjustment member 244 are mounted.

[0098] In various embodiments, the support bracket assembly 202 may further include a first clamping member 260 and a second clamping member 262. In some embodiments, the first clamping member 260 may include a U-shaped bar comprising a central clamping portion 264 and leg portions 266, 268 extending from the central clamping portion 264 and respectively connected to the first attachment plate 208 and the second attachment plate 210. For example, the leg portions 266, 268 may extend orthogonally to the central clamping portion 264. The leg portions 266, 268 may further include tabs 270, 272 extending from the leg portions 266, 268 (e.g., from opposite ends of the first clamping member 260), the tabs 270, 272 being sized to fit within first openings 216, 224 defined by the first and second attachment plates 208, 210, respectively. Additionally, leg portions 266, 268 may further define additional corresponding openings, sized to accommodate fasteners 282 (such as combinations of nuts and bolts), which are configured to couple the first clamping member 260 to the first attachment plate 208 and the second attachment plate 210 and to position the first clamping member 260 between the first attachment plate 208 and the second attachment plate 210. The second clamping member 262 may be a linear (e.g., straight) rod, such as an elongated plate, wherein the length of the second clamping member 262 may be greater than the width of the electrode portion 34a. The second clamping member 262 may be coupled to the first clamping member 260 via fastener 284, such that the electrode portion 84a is firmly gripped between the first clamping member 260 and the second clamping member 262. In some embodiments, the electrode portion 84a may be electrically isolated from the first clamping member 260 and the second clamping member 262 by an insulating material 274 disposed between the electrode portion 84a and the respective first and second clamping members 260, 262. The first clamping member 260 and the second clamping member 262 assist in supporting the electrode portion 34a, and thus the electrical flange 80a. During heating in the glass manufacturing apparatus, the fasteners 282 coupling the first clamping member 260 to the attachment plates 208, 210 can be kept loose to accommodate some movement of the electrode portion 34a. However, the tabs 270, 272 positioned in the openings 216, 224 restrict this movement. That is, the tabs 270, 272 restrict downward movement of the electrode portion.

[0099] Still refer to Figures 5 to 7The first adjustment base 236 and the second adjustment base 242 can be coupled to a support body, such as housing 102, via suitable fasteners 286 (screws, nuts, bolts, etc.). The fasteners 286 can be tightened to the support body to provide a suitable and secure anchor point for the first adjustment base 236 and the second adjustment base 242. Loosening the fasteners 280 allows the first and second attachment plates to move relative to the support body, and the first adjustment member 238 and the second adjustment member 244 can be rotated, thereby moving the first bracket 204 and the second bracket 206 in a direction parallel to the first mounting axis 222 and the second mounting axis 232 and relative to the first adjustment base 236 and the second adjustment base 242. The fasteners 280 can be tightened when the first attachment plate 208 and the second attachment plate 210 have been positioned in the desired location. When the electrode portion 84a is clamped between the first clamping member 260 and the second clamping member 262, the movement of the first bracket 204 and the second bracket 206 can be used to move the electrical flange 80a to an upright direction aligned with the sealing flange 114 (e.g., parallel) (e.g., where the longitudinal axis 116 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis 120).

[0100] The support bracket assembly 202 may further include a third clamping member 300 and an optional fourth clamping member 302. The third clamping member 300 may include a central portion 304 and two opposing leg portions 306 and 308 extending from the central portion 304. For example, in some embodiments, the leg portions 306 and 308 may extend orthogonally to the central portion 304. In some embodiments, leg portion 306 may be located between leg portion 266 and the first attachment plate 208, and leg portion 308 may be located between leg portion 268 and the second attachment plate 210. For example, although not shown, leg portions 306 and 308 may define openings consistent with first openings 216 and 224 for receiving tabs 270 and 272, respectively. Leg portions 306 and 308 may further include additional openings, which may further include openings consistent with second openings 218 and 226, sized to receive fasteners 282. In some embodiments, the third clamping member 300 may be coupled to the support member 310, for example, by one or more fasteners 288. In some embodiments, the support member 310 may include a heat shield configured to shield the electric flange support device 200, for example, to prevent heat generated in the molten container 14.

[0101] In other embodiments, the electrical flange support device 200 may include an electrode support assembly 400, which includes a support rod 402 and an electrically insulating spacer 404 coupled thereto. In various embodiments, the support rod 402 may engage with the electrode portion 84a, for example, by extending through an opening defined by the electrode portion. For instance, a first end 406 of the support rod 402 may be threaded and extend through the opening, and may be coupled to the electrode portion 84a by a suitable fastener engaging the threaded first end 406. A second end 408 of the support rod 402 may be coupled to the electrically insulating spacer 404, wherein, as... Figure 8 As shown, the electrical isolation spacer 404 can engage with a support member 410, such as building or foundation steel, a support beam, or any other suitable stabilizing structure. Thus, the electrode portion 84a can maintain a predetermined distance from the support structure. The predetermined distance can be adjusted by adjusting the effective length of the support rod 402 extending through the electrode opening. For example, the threaded first end 406 may include a plurality of nuts engaging with the first end 406, at least one nut 412 located on one side of the electrode portion 84a and another nut 412 located on the other side of the electrode portion 84a, thereby securing the electrode portion 84a between the two nuts.

[0102] exist Figure 9 In other embodiments shown, Figure 8 The arrangement can be reversed, wherein the first end 406 of the support rod 402 extends through a hole in the support member 410, and the electrical isolation spacer 404 engages with the electrode portion 84a.

[0103] exist Figure 10 In another embodiment shown, the support rod 402 may include a first portion 402a and a second portion 402b, wherein the first portion 402a engages with one side of the electrically isolating spacer 404, and the second portion 402b engages with an opposite side of the electrically isolating spacer 404, and wherein the first portion 402a does not contact the second portion 402b. For example, the electrically isolating spacer 404 may include a recess on each side, and the respective ends of the first portion 402a and the second portion 402b may be threaded into the recess. Additionally, the opposite ends of the first portion 402a and the second portion 402b may extend through corresponding holes in the electrode portion 84a and the support member 410, and be coupled thereto by a nut 412.

[0104] In some implementations, such as Figure 11As preferably shown, the electrode support assembly 400 may include a plurality of support rods 402, each of the plurality of support rods 402 including an electrically insulating spacer 404, wherein a first end 406 of the support rod 402 is coupled to a clamping member 414 that engages with the electrode portion 84a. The clamping member 414 includes a first clamping plate 416 and a second clamping plate 418, the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate being arranged on opposite sides of the electrode portion 84a. Figure 11 In some embodiments, each support rod 402 engages with a clamping member 414. Specifically, in some embodiments, a first support rod 402 extends through a first opening in a first clamping plate 416 and is secured to the first clamping plate 416, such as by means of one or more fasteners 420 (e.g., nuts) threaded onto the first support rod. Similarly, a second support rod 402 extends through a second opening in the first clamping plate 416 and is secured to a second clamping plate, such as by means of one or more fasteners 422 (e.g., nuts) threaded onto the second support rod. A second clamping plate 418 is secured to the first clamping plate by additional fasteners 424 (e.g., nuts and bolts), with an electrode portion 84a located between the first and second clamping plates. The electrode portion 84a may be electrically isolated from the first clamping plate 416 and the second clamping plate 418 by an insulating material 426. As in previous embodiments, an electrically insulating spacer 404 is coupled to a second end 408, which in turn engages with a support member 410.

[0105] Referring to outlet pipe 64 and first connecting conduit 32, the heating of the glass manufacturing equipment and the arrangement of the electric flange support equipment are performed during heating in the following manner. In a first step, before heating, the angle α of the electrode portion 84a relative to the reference plane 436 is measured. The reference plane 436 may be a vertical plane. For example, in some embodiments, the angle α may be zero. If the reference plane 436 is a vertical plane, then zero angle α means that the measured electrode portion is vertical. The angle deviation δ is calculated by subtracting the angle β of the electrode portion 84a during heating from the angle α, for example, δ = α - β. For example, assuming the reference plane is vertical and the angle α of the electrode portion relative to the reference plane measured before heating is zero, then the angle β measured by the electrode portion during heating is a non-zero value, and the angle β represents the amount of movement of the electrode portion due to heating. If the electrode portion has a non-zero angle α, for example, 5 degrees, relative to the vertical reference plane 436 before heating, and has a non-zero angle β, for example, 10 degrees, relative to the reference plane after heating, then the angle deviation δ caused by heating is 10 degrees – 5 degrees = 5 degrees. The angle deviation δ can be compared with a predetermined angle deviation limit θ. In some embodiments, θ may be less than 0.25 degrees. For example, the angle deviation δ is determined during multiple heating cycles per day. The electrode angles α and β can be measured using an inclinometer. During heating, the support rod 402 can be kept slack. For example, fasteners 430a and 430b can be used to secure the support rod to one of the clamping plates 416 or 418. During heating, fastener 430a can be kept slack, and fastener 430b can be rotated to adjust the length of the support rod 402 between the support member 410 and one of the clamping plates 416 or 418, thereby adjusting the angle of the electrode portion 84a. During this adjustment, angle β should be adjusted until angle β equals angle α, for example, δ = 0. Therefore, it is not necessary to restore the electrode portion to verticality during heating, but rather to restore the angle of the electrode portion relative to the reference plane to the direction before heating. During heating, fastener 280 can be kept slack. If, during heating, the angle δ is found to be greater than the limit θ, the fastener 432 coupled to the adjusting members 238 and 244 can be adjusted to change the position of the attachment plates 208 and 210, while keeping the fastener 434 loose (not engaged with the attachment plates 208 and 210). After heating is complete, the fasteners 432 and 434 can be tightened onto the attachment plates 208 and 210, thereby fixing the position of the attachment plates 208 and 210 relative to the first adjusting base and the second adjusting base 236 and 242. The effect of these procedures can be achieved by... Figures 12A to 12C Visualization.

[0106] Figure 12AThe illustration shows an electrically aligned flange, such as flange 80a, nominally aligned with reference plane 436, as viewed from the side (accompanying structures, such as conduits, are not shown for clarity). In this respect, the illustrated flange 80a comprises three basic parts: a flange body portion 82a as previously identified, and an illustrated electrode portion 84a, which further includes an angled portion 462a and a nominally vertical portion 464a. As used herein, the nominally vertical portion 464a refers to the linear portion electrode portion that extends away from the associated electrically aligned flange to the corresponding conduit or container—extending within a vertical range of 0 to 20 degrees, for example, within 10 degrees, for example, within 5 degrees, and including all angles in between. Because the main body portion 82a of the electric flange can be positioned close to the molten vessel 14 and can form an angle (greater than zero to less than 90 degrees) relative to the horizontal plane 465, the angled portion 462a allows proximity to the nominally vertical portion 464a, including the connection point 88a. This allows the connection point 88a to be spaced further from the molten vessel 14 than the main body portion 82a. Insulation material can be placed around the molten vessel, which would otherwise make this connection difficult. Figure 12B As shown, during heating in the glass manufacturing apparatus, thermal expansion of the metal container assembly 100 causes it to elongate. Arrow 466 indicates the force from the expansion of the metal container assembly against the electrical flange body portion 82a, which includes a first connecting conduit 32 to which the electrical flange body portion 82a is attached. The expansion force 466 causes the electrical flange body portion 82a to move in the direction toward the molten container 14, thereby reducing the gap G1. Simultaneously, the resistance provided by the bulky, rigid cable attached to the connection point 88a causes the electrode portion 84a, including the nominally vertical portion 464a, to lag behind the movement of the body portion 82a. As a result, as indicated by angle Φ, this can lead to tilting of the electrical flange 80a and misalignment of the first connecting conduit 32 with the molten container outlet pipe 64 (e.g., where the longitudinal axis 120 of the first connecting conduit 32 is no longer coaxial with the longitudinal axis 116 of the outlet pipe 64). Similarly, the nominally vertical portion 464a may be offset by an angle β relative to the reference plane 436 (see...). Figure 4 In some embodiments, angle β may be different from angle Φ. Therefore, the support bracket assembly 202 and / or electrode support assembly 400 can be used to assist the electrode portion 84a in co-moving with the electrode body portion 82a. Figure 12CAs shown, the support bracket assembly 202 can be used to apply a force 470 to the nominally vertical portion 464a, which has the same angle σ with respect to the horizontal plane 465 and the angled portion 462a. The electrode support assembly 400 can be used to apply a force 468 to the nominally vertical portion 464a in the direction of local expansion (e.g., toward the molten container 14). In some embodiments, once the support bracket assembly 202 is adjusted, the electrode support assembly can be fixed (tightened) to maintain the position of the nominally vertical portion 464a; in other embodiments, the electrode support assembly 400 can be adjusted to move the nominally vertical portion 464a of the electrode portion 84a along the direction of local expansion of the first connecting conduit 32. Although other force directions may be used, the force 468 is typically applied in the horizontal direction. In some embodiments, the support bracket assembly 202 can be used alone or in combination with the support assembly 400; in other embodiments, the support assembly 400 can be used alone.

[0107] Although the foregoing description is presented in relation to the first connecting conduit 32 and the outlet conduit 64, this device and method can be applied to other conduit end locations, such as between the tail portion 70 and the second connecting conduit 38. For example, in some embodiments, the electrical flange coupled to the support assembly 202 may include an angled portion. Thus, the support assembly 202 can be configured to apply force to the corresponding electrode portion in a direction of local expansion, for example, in a generally horizontal direction.

[0108] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and variations, provided that they fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A glass manufacturing apparatus, comprising: Conduit, the conduit being configured to deliver molten glass; A metal housing, the metal housing being disposed around the conduit; An electrical flange, the electrical flange being attached to the conduit, the electrical flange including an electrode portion extending away from the conduit and through the metal housing; and An electrical flange support device, the electrical flange support device including a support bracket assembly, the support bracket assembly being mounted to the metal housing and coupled to the electrode portion.

2. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the conduit is located between the melting vessel and the refining vessel.

3. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 2, wherein the molten container includes an outlet pipe extending therefrom, and a first end of the conduit is coupled to the outlet pipe.

4. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first end of the conduit is coupled to the outlet pipe via a glass seal.

5. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the electrical flange is located at the first end of the conduit, and the glass seal includes the electrical flange.

6. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the second end of the conduit is coupled to the clarifying container.

7. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the electric flange support device further comprises an electrode support assembly coupled to the electrode portion and engaged with the support member.

8. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 7, wherein the electrode support assembly includes a support rod extending between the electrode portion and the support member, the support rod being configured to maintain a predetermined interval between the electrode portion and the support member.

9. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 8, wherein the length of the support rod between the electrode portion and the support member is adjustable.

10. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 9, wherein the support rod includes an electrically insulating spacer.

11. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 10, wherein the electrical isolation spacer contacts the support member.

12. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 10, wherein the support rod comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being engaged with and separated from the electrically isolating spacer by the electrically isolating spacer.

13. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the position of the support bracket assembly relative to the electrode portion is adjustable.

14. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 13, wherein the electrical flange support device further includes an adjustment assembly comprising an adjustment base mounted to the metal housing and an adjustment member extending between the adjustment base and the support bracket assembly.

15. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 14, wherein the support bracket assembly includes a first bracket and a second bracket, the first bracket and the second bracket being mounted to the metal housing by fasteners extending through an elongated slit in the support bracket assembly.

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