Measurement method for controlling condensate and contamination

Abstract

A method for controlling flow of air in a chamber during a glass manufacturing process wherein the chamber includes at least a first port disposed at a first height of a sidewall of the chamber and a second port disposed at a second height of the sidewall of the chamber, and the first port and the second port are configured to discharge air from the chamber, the method includes: (a) obtaining a total exhaust air volume rate of the chamber when the first port and the second port are fully open; (b) closing the first port; (c) measuring a local exhaust air volume rate; (d) opening the first port; (e) calculating an evaluation value by subtracting the local exhaust air volume rate from the total exhaust air volume rate; (f) judging whether the evaluation value is within a range or not; and (g) if the evaluation value is not within the range, adjusting the second port and repeating steps (b) to (f).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a measurement method for condensate and inclusion control. Background Art

[0002] Inclusions and boron condensation performance are the main forming challenges of display glass, among which muffle pressurization is one of the solutions to the inclusion problem, and completely exhausting the boron air from the inside of the fusion drawing machine (FDM) is one of the solutions to the condensation. However, muffle pressurization and exhausting air on the restricted area of ​​​​the FDM act in opposite directions, and it is difficult to achieve the target performance of these two properties at the same time. Therefore, the inventor developed the measurement method of the present invention, and the measurement method of the present invention can be used to find a balance between these two properties to achieve the target performance of these two properties at the same time. Summary of the invention

[0003] The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some embodiments described in the detailed description.

[0004] According to some embodiments, a method for controlling the flow of air in a chamber during a glass manufacturing process is provided, wherein the chamber includes at least a first port disposed at a first height of a side wall of the chamber and a second port disposed at a second height of the side wall of the chamber, and the first port and the second port are configured to discharge air from the chamber, the method comprising the following steps: (a) obtaining a total exhaust air volume rate of the chamber when the first port and the second port are fully open; (b) closing the first port; (c) measuring a local exhaust air volume rate; (d) opening the first port; (e) calculating an evaluation value by subtracting the local exhaust air volume rate from the total exhaust air volume rate; (f) determining whether the evaluation value is within a range of one-quarter of the total exhaust air volume rate to one-third of the total exhaust air volume rate; and (g) if the evaluation value is not within the range of one-quarter of the total exhaust air volume rate to one-third of the total exhaust air volume rate, adjusting the second port and repeating steps (b) to (f).

[0005] According to some embodiments, a method for controlling the flow of air in a chamber during a glass manufacturing process is provided, wherein the chamber includes at least a first port and a third port disposed at a first height of a side wall of the chamber, and a second port disposed at a second height of the side wall of the chamber, and the first port, the second port, and the third port are configured to exhaust air from the chamber, the method comprising the following steps: (a) obtaining a total exhaust air volume rate of the chamber when the first port, the second port, and the third port are fully opened; (b) closing the first port; (c) measuring a first local exhaust air volume rate; (d) closing the first port; and (e) obtaining a first local exhaust air volume rate by subtracting the first port from the total exhaust air volume rate. (f) closing the third port; (g) measuring a second local exhaust air volume rate; (h) closing the third port; (i) calculating a second evaluation value by subtracting the second local exhaust air volume rate from the total exhaust air volume rate; (j) determining whether the sum of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value is within the range of one quarter of the total exhaust air volume rate to one third of the total exhaust air volume rate; and (k) if the sum of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value is not within the range of one quarter of the total exhaust air volume rate to one third of the total exhaust air volume rate, adjusting the second port and repeating steps (b) to (j).

[0006] According to some embodiments, a system for controlling the flow of air in a chamber during a glass manufacturing process is provided, wherein the chamber includes at least a first port disposed at a first height of a side wall of the chamber and a second port disposed at a second height of the side wall of the chamber, and the first port and the second port are configured to discharge air from the chamber, the system including: a processor, a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions, stored in the memory, and executable by the processor to cause the system to perform the following operations: (a) obtain a total exhaust air volume rate of the chamber when the first port and the second port are fully open; (b) close the first port; (c) measure a local exhaust air volume rate; (d) open the first port; (e) calculate an evaluation value by subtracting the local exhaust air volume rate from the total exhaust air volume rate; (f) determine whether the evaluation value is within a range of one-quarter of the total exhaust air volume rate to one-third of the total exhaust air volume rate; and (g) if the evaluation value is not within the range of one-quarter of the total exhaust air volume rate to one-third of the total exhaust air volume rate, adjust the second port and repeat operations (b) to (f).

[0007] According to some embodiments, a system for controlling the flow of air in a chamber during a glass manufacturing process is provided, wherein the chamber includes at least a first port and a third port disposed at a first height of a side wall of the chamber, and a second port disposed at a second height of the side wall of the chamber, and the first port, the second port, and the third port are configured to exhaust air from the chamber, the system comprising: a processor, a memory coupled to the processor; and instructions stored in the memory and executable by the processor to cause the system to perform the following operations: (a) obtain a total exhaust air volume rate of the chamber when the first port, the second port, and the third port are fully open; (b) close the first port; (c) measure a first local exhaust air volume rate; (d) close the first port; (e) calculating a first evaluation value by subtracting the first local exhaust air volume rate from the total exhaust air volume rate; (f) closing the third port; (g) measuring a second local exhaust air volume rate; (h) closing the third port; (i) calculating a second evaluation value by subtracting the second local exhaust air volume rate from the total exhaust air volume rate; (j) determining whether the sum of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value is within the range of one quarter of the total exhaust air volume rate to one third of the total exhaust air volume rate; and (k) if the sum of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value is not within the range of one quarter of the total exhaust air volume rate to one third of the total exhaust air volume rate, adjusting the second port and repeating operations (b) to (j).

[0008] According to some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided that stores code for controlling the flow of air in a chamber during a glass manufacturing process, wherein the chamber includes at least a first port disposed at a first height of a side wall of the chamber and a second port disposed at a second height of the side wall of the chamber, and the first port and the second port are configured to discharge air from the chamber, and the code includes instructions that can be executed by a processor to perform the following operations: (a) obtain a total exhaust air volume rate of the chamber when the first port and the second port are fully open; (b) close the first port; (c) measure a local exhaust air volume rate; (d) open the first port; (e) calculate an evaluation value by subtracting the local exhaust air volume rate from the total exhaust air volume rate; (f) determine whether the evaluation value is within a range of one-quarter of the total exhaust air volume rate to one-third of the total exhaust air volume rate; and (g) if the evaluation value is not within the range of one-quarter of the total exhaust air volume rate to one-third of the total exhaust air volume rate, adjust the second port and repeat operations (b) to (f).

[0009] According to some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided that stores code for controlling the flow of air in a chamber during a glass manufacturing process, wherein the chamber includes at least a first port and a third port disposed at a first height of a side wall of the chamber, and a second port disposed at a second height of the side wall of the chamber, and the first port, the second port, and the third port are configured to exhaust air from the chamber, the code including instructions executable by a processor to: (a) obtain a total exhaust air volume rate of the chamber when the first port, the second port, and the third port are fully open; (b) close the first port; (c) measure a first local exhaust air volume rate; (d) close the first port; (e) exhaust air by (a) calculating a first evaluation value by subtracting the first local exhaust air volume rate from the total exhaust air volume rate; (b) closing the third port; (c) measuring a second local exhaust air volume rate; (d) closing the third port; (e) calculating a second evaluation value by subtracting the second local exhaust air volume rate from the total exhaust air volume rate; (f) determining whether the sum of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value is within the range of one quarter of the total exhaust air volume rate to one third of the total exhaust air volume rate; and (k) if the sum of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value is not within the range of one quarter of the total exhaust air volume rate to one third of the total exhaust air volume rate, adjusting the second port and repeating operations (b) to (j).

[0010] In some embodiments, the total exhaust air volume rate can be in the range of 4000-4200 Scfh. In some embodiments, the first height can be lower than the second height. In some embodiments, the air exhausted from the chamber contains boron gas. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] These and other features, embodiments and advantages will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 Schematically illustrates a glass manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2 The glass manufacturing equipment according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is shown along Figure 1 A perspective cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG.

[0014] Figure 3 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a method of controlling the flow of air in a chamber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0015] Figure 4 An example embodiment of a method of controlling the flow of air in a chamber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings showing example embodiments. In all drawings, whenever possible, the same reference numerals are used to represent the same or similar parts. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0017] The present disclosure relates to glass manufacturing processes and can be employed in methods for manufacturing glass or glass-ceramic articles (e.g., glass ribbons, ribbons of molten material) from a quantity of molten material. For example, Figure 1-2A glass manufacturing apparatus is described that includes a down-draw apparatus (e.g., a fusion down-draw apparatus) for manufacturing a molten material strip that can be cooled into a glass strip. Unless otherwise indicated, the discussion of the features of the embodiments of the glass manufacturing apparatus is equally applicable to the corresponding features of other forming apparatuses for producing glass or glass ceramic products. Examples of glass forming apparatuses include trough pull apparatuses, float bath apparatuses, down-draw apparatuses, up-draw apparatuses, rolling apparatuses, or any other glass product manufacturing apparatus that can be used to form a glass product (e.g., a glass strip, a molten material strip) from a certain amount of molten material. In some embodiments, a glass product (e.g., a glass strip, a molten material strip) from any of these processes can be split to provide a plurality of glass products (e.g., separated glass strips, separated glass sheets) suitable for further processing into an application (e.g., a display application). For example, the separated glass strips can be used in a wide range of applications, including liquid crystal displays (LCDs), electrophoretic displays (EPDs), organic light emitting diode displays (OLEDs), plasma display panels (PDPs), touch sensors, photovoltaics, electrical appliances (e.g., stoves), and the like.

[0018] Figure 1-2 Describe the glass manufacturing equipment used in the method of manufacturing glass. Figure 1 Schematically illustrated, in some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a forming body 140 configured to produce a glass forming ribbon 103 from a quantity of molten material 121. As used herein, the term "molten material ribbon" refers to the molten material 121 after exiting from the forming body 140 but before the material reaches a glassy state (e.g., at or below its glass transition temperature). In some embodiments, Figure 1 As shown, the glass-forming strip 103 cools below a glass transition zone 167 schematically depicted as a line into a glass strip 106. In some embodiments, the glass-forming strip 103 includes a center portion 152 disposed between opposing thicker edge portions, wherein the edge portions are formed along a first outer edge 153 and a second outer edge 155 of the glass-forming strip 103. Additionally, in some embodiments, the glass sheet 104 can be separated from the glass strip 106 (e.g., the glass-forming strip 103 cooled to below its glass transition temperature) along a separation path 151 by a glass separator 149 (e.g., a scriber, a scoring wheel, a laser).

[0019] In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can provide the molten material 121 to the forming body 140 via an inlet conduit 141 of the forming body 140. In yet another embodiment, although not shown, the inlet conduit can feed the molten material from one or more of a melting vessel, a clarification vessel, a mixing chamber, and / or a conveying vessel. The melting vessel, the clarification vessel, the mixing chamber, and / or the conveying vessel can be arranged in sequence and / or connected by one or more conduits. For example, a conveying pipe (not shown) can be placed to convey the molten material to the inlet conduit 141 of the forming body 140.

[0020] According to features of the present disclosure, various embodiments of the forming body 140 may be provided, including a forming body having wedges for melt pulling of a molten material strip, a forming body having slots for slot pulling of a molten material strip, or a forming body equipped with a pressing roller to press a molten material strip from the forming body. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The illustrated forming body 140 is provided to melt pull the molten material 121 away from the bottom edge (e.g., root 145) of the forming wedge 209 to produce the glass forming ribbon 103. For example, in some embodiments, the molten material 121 can be delivered from the inlet conduit 141 to the forming body 140. The molten material 121 can then be formed into the glass forming ribbon 103 based at least in part on the structure of the forming body 140. For example, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the molten material 121 can exit the root 145 of the forming body 140 along a pulling path extending in a direction of travel 154 of the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 .

[0021] Figure 2 The glass manufacturing equipment according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is shown along Figure 1 2-2 of the perspective cross-sectional view. In some embodiments, the forming body 140 may include a flow channel 201 oriented to receive the molten material 121 from the inlet conduit 141. The forming body 140 may further include a forming wedge 209, the forming wedge 209 including a pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207a, 207b extending from opposite ends 165, 166 of the forming wedge 209 (see Figure 1). The pair of downwardly inclined converging surface portions 207a, 207b of the forming wedge 209 can converge along the travel direction 154 to intersect along the bottom edge of the forming wedge 209 to define a root 145 of the forming body 140. A travel plane 213 of the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can extend through the root 145 along the travel direction 154. In some embodiments, the glass forming strip 103 can be pulled in the travel direction 154 along the travel plane 213. As shown, the travel plane 213 can bisect the forming wedge 209 through the root 145, however, in some embodiments, the travel plane 213 can also extend in other orientations relative to the root 145.

[0022] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the molten material 121 also flows into the flow channel 201 forming the body 140 and then overflows from the flow channel 201 by simultaneously flowing over the weirs 203a, 203b and flowing downward over the outer surfaces 205a, 205b of the weirs 203a, 203b. The respective streams 211, 212 of the molten material 121 flow along the corresponding downwardly inclined convergent surface portions 207a, 207b of the forming wedge 209 to exit the root 145 forming the body 140. The streams 211, 212 of the molten material 121 then converge and fuse into the glass forming strip 103. The glass forming strip 103 can then exit the root 145 on the travel plane 213 along the travel direction 154.

[0023] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the glass-forming ribbon 103 exits from the root 145, wherein a first major surface 213a of the glass-forming ribbon 103 and a second major surface 213b of the glass-forming ribbon 103, the first major surface 213a and the second major surface 213b facing in opposite directions, and defining an average thickness 215 of the glass-forming ribbon 103. Exemplary molten materials (which may or may not contain lithium oxide) may include soda-lime molten materials, aluminosilicate molten materials, alkali aluminosilicate molten materials, borosilicate molten materials, alkali borosilicate molten materials, alkali aluminophosphosilicate molten materials, or alkali aluminoborosilicate glass molten materials.

[0024] In some embodiments, Figure 2As shown, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a muffle chamber 220, and the muffle chamber 220 includes a muffle chamber wall 223. In other embodiments, the muffle chamber wall can include a ceramic refractory material, such as zircon, zirconium oxide, mullite, aluminum oxide, or a combination of the above items. In other embodiments, as shown, at least a portion of the forming body 140 (e.g., the entire forming body 140) can be located in the muffle chamber 220. In other embodiments, as shown, the muffle chamber wall 223 includes an inner surface 225 facing the forming body 140. In yet other embodiments, as shown, the muffle chamber 220 defines a muffle chamber area 221. As used herein, the muffle chamber area 221 is an at least partially enclosed area at least partially defined by the muffle chamber wall 223, but the muffle chamber area 221 can also be further defined by the muffle chamber wall 223 and other structures extending into the muffle chamber. For example, as described below, the muffle region 221 may be further defined by a first muffle housing 230 and / or a second muffle housing 240. In yet other embodiments, as shown, at least a portion of the forming body 140 (e.g., the entire forming body 140) is located within the muffle region 221. In yet other embodiments, as shown, a portion of the travel plane 213 extending below the root 145 of the forming body 140 and / or a portion of the glass forming strip 103 may be located with the muffle region 221.

[0025] In some embodiments, Figure 2 As shown, the muffle chamber 220 may include a first gas source 239 and a second gas source 249. In some embodiments, the gas source may include a pump, a blower, a can, a barrel, a boiler, a compressor and / or a pressure vessel. In other embodiments, the gas source may store a gas phase gas to be emitted in a gas phase. In some embodiments, the gas source may store a gas in a liquid phase and / or a solid phase, which may be converted to be emitted in a gas phase. In other embodiments, the emitted gas may include an inert gas, such as air, nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, helium, hydrogen, nitrous oxide, neon, krypton, and / or a combination of the above items. In other embodiments, the gas may meet the air particulate cleanliness level 100 (M3.5) or cleaner measured by the U.S. Federal Standard 209E. Providing a gas source configured to emit gas can provide a pressurized gas flow, such as by an inlet conduit, to pressurize the muffle chamber region 221 and / or reduce the gas flow that may damage the quality of the glass forming ribbon and / or the glass ribbon relative to the pulling direction. Further, providing a clean (e.g., grade 100) air source can reduce particles and / or inclusions on the surface of the glass ribbon. Providing the emitted gas as an inert gas can prevent corrosion or other degradation of glassmaking equipment, which can reduce impurities in the glass ribbon from such byproducts.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first gas source 239 may include a first inlet conduit configured to allow gas to flow therethrough in a flow direction. The internal cross-sectional shape of the first inlet conduit may include a curved shape (e.g., elliptical, circular), a polygonal shape (e.g., triangular, quadrilateral (e.g., rectangular, square), hexagonal, octagonal), or a combination of the foregoing. The internal cross-sectional shape of the first inlet conduit may remain constant along the length of the first inlet conduit.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first inlet conduit may include a material that maintains its mechanical properties and dimensional stability at the operating temperature of the muffle chamber region 221. In some embodiments, the first inlet conduit may include aluminum oxide, barium titanate, boron nitride (BN), chromium disilicide (CrSi2), chrome lanthanum, molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2), silicon carbide (SiC), tungsten disilicide (WSi2), yttrium oxide, zirconium oxide (ZrO2), SiAlON (i.e., a combination of aluminum oxide and silicon nitride, and its chemical formula may be Si1 2-m-n Al m+n O n N1 6-n 、Si 6-n Al n O n N 8-n or Si 2-n Al n O 1+n N 2-n , where m, n, and subscripts resulting therefrom are all non-negative integers), aluminum nitride (AlN), graphite, aluminum oxide (Al2O3), silicon nitride (Si3N4), fused silica, mullite (i.e., a mineral comprising a combination of aluminum oxide and silicon dioxide), steel alloys (e.g., stainless steel), platinum, platinum alloys, rhodium, iridium, osmium, palladium, ruthenium, tungsten, molybdenum, gold, silver, chromium, high temperature stainless steel (e.g., 300 series SAE grade stainless steel), or a combination of two or more of the foregoing materials.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first inlet conduit can be in fluid communication with the first gas source 239, for example, directly connected to the first gas source. In other embodiments, the first inlet conduit can be in fluid communication with the first gas source 239 via an additional conduit that connects the first gas source 239 to the first inlet conduit. The additional conduit can be flexible (e.g., rubber, silicone, cross-linked polyethylene, plasticized polyvinyl chloride, hinged metal conduit). Providing an additional conduit with flexibility can enable relative movement between the gas source and the inlet conduit, which can allow the gas source to be mounted independently of the housing.

[0029] In some embodiments, Figure 2As shown, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include a first muffle housing 230 including a first muffle wall 233 located within the muffle chamber 220. As shown, the first muffle housing 230 can further define the muffle chamber region 221, for example, along a dashed line extending from a top of the first muffle wall 233, the first muffle wall 233, and a dashed line 226 extending from a bottom of the first muffle wall 233. In further embodiments, the first muffle housing 230 can enclose and / or define a first muffle interior region 231, for example, as a region within the first muffle wall 233 (e.g., a region defined by the first muffle wall 233 and the dashed line 226). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first inlet conduit can be located within the first muffle interior region 231. The first muffle interior region 231 can be in fluid communication with the muffle chamber region 221. The first muffle gate housing 230 may be configured to translate laterally to decrease or increase the distance of the first muffle gate housing 230 from the plane of travel 213 (eg, the glass-forming strip 103 ).

[0030] In some embodiments, the second gas source 239 may include a second inlet conduit configured to allow gas to flow therethrough in a flow direction. The second inlet conduit may include one or more of the materials discussed above for the first inlet conduit. The maximum internal dimension, minimum internal dimension, and / or internal cross-sectional area of ​​the second conduit may correspond to the first inlet conduit.

[0031] In some embodiments, Figure 2 As shown, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 can include a second muffle housing 240 including a second muffle wall 243 located within the muffle chamber 220. As shown, the second muffle housing 240 can further define the muffle chamber region 221, for example, along a dashed line extending from a top of the second muffle wall 243, the second muffle wall 243, and a dashed line 226 extending from a bottom of the second muffle wall 243. In further embodiments, the second muffle housing 240 can enclose and / or define a second muffle interior region 241, for example, as a region within the second muffle wall 243 (e.g., a region defined by the second muffle wall 243 and the dashed line 226). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second inlet conduit can be located within the second muffle interior region 241. The second muffle interior region 241 can be in fluid communication with the muffle chamber region 221. The second muffle gate housing 240 may be configured to translate laterally to decrease or increase the distance of the second muffle gate housing 240 from the plane of travel 213 (eg, the glass-forming strip 103 ).

[0032] In some embodiments, Figure 2As shown, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a plurality of ports 257, 267, 277, 287. The ports 257, 267, 277, 287 are disposed at different heights of the muffle chamber wall 223 and are used to exhaust gas from the muffle chamber 220. In the ports 257, 267, 277, 287, there are valves 259, 269, 279, 289 for controlling the flow of gas, respectively. In some embodiments, the upper ports 257, 267 may be disposed at a height of the muffle chamber wall 223 that is higher than the muffle housings 230, 240, and may optionally correspond to the height of the root 145. In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may include the upper ports 257, 267 and additional upper ports at a height higher than the muffle housings 230, 240. In some embodiments, the lower ports 277, 287 may be disposed at a height of the muffle chamber wall 223 that is lower than the muffle housings 230, 240. In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 may include lower ports 277, 287 and additional lower ports at a height below the muffle housings 230, 240. By controlling the valves 259, 269, 279, 289, the flow rate of the gas exhausted from the muffle chamber 220 can be controlled, thereby controlling the gas flow within the muffle chamber 220 to balance the muffle pressurization and exhaust gas, thereby reducing condensate and inclusions at the same time.

[0033] In some embodiments, the valves 259, 269 of the upper ports 257, 267 may be adjusted to reduce the gas flow rate through the valves 259, 269. As a result, the gas flow through the pair of muffle housings 230, 240 will increase, resulting in a change in the gas flow rate through the valves 279, 289 of the lower ports 277, 287. The applicant has found that by adjusting the valves 259, 269 of the upper ports 257, 267, the gas flow rate through the glass-forming strip 103 can be changed, and the amount of condensate and inclusions in the glass-forming strip 103 can be changed accordingly. The inventor has found that when the total exhaust air volume rate is in the range of about 4000-4200 Scfh, when the gas flow rate through the lower ports 277, 287 is in the range of about 1000-1500 Scfh, the amount of condensate and inclusions in the glass-forming strip 103 can be reduced to a desired target.

[0034] However, in the glass manufacturing apparatus 100, it is quite difficult to accurately measure the gas flow rates of the ports 257, 267, 277, and 287 respectively. Therefore, the applicant uses the total gas flow rate discharged from the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 to calculate the gas flow rates of the ports 257, 267, 277, and 287, and adjusts the valves 259 and 269 of the upper ports 257 and 267 according to the calculated value to achieve the purpose of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3 and Figure 4 An exemplary embodiment of a method of controlling the flow of air in a chamber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Flowchart and Figure 2 The method is discussed with reference to the perspective cross-sectional view shown.

[0036] against Figure 3 In the process, in step 301, the total exhaust air volume rate of the muffle chamber 220 when the upper port 257 and the lower port 277 are fully opened (the upper port 267 and the lower port 287 are in the closed state) is adjusted (for example, the total exhaust air volume rate is adjusted to about 4000-4200 Scfh), and then proceeds to step 303.

[0037] In step 303 , the lower port 277 is closed, the local exhaust air volume rate of the muffle chamber 220 is measured by a sensor (not shown), the lower port 277 is opened, and then the process proceeds to step 305 .

[0038] In step 305 , an estimated value of the exhaust air volume rate of the lower port 277 is calculated by subtracting the measured local exhaust air volume rate from the measured total exhaust air volume rate, and then proceeding to step 307 .

[0039] In step 307, it is determined whether the estimated value of the exhaust air volume rate of the lower port 277 is within a range of about one quarter to about one third of the total exhaust air volume rate (that is, the estimated value is within a range of about 1000-1500 Scfh). If the estimated value is within a range of one quarter to one third of the total exhaust air volume rate, the control flow is completed. If the estimated value is not within a range of one quarter to one third of the total exhaust air volume rate, the control flow proceeds to step 309.

[0040] In step 309 , the exhaust air volume rate of the upper port 257 is adjusted according to the ratio of the estimated value of the exhaust air volume rate of the lower port 277 and the total exhaust air volume rate, and the process returns to step 303 to re-evaluate the exhaust air volume rate of the lower port 277 .

[0041] According to the above method, the ratio of the exhaust air volume rate of the lower port 277 to the total exhaust air volume rate can be determined, and the air volume rate flowing through the glass forming ribbon 103 can be judged based on this ratio, thereby reducing the amount of condensate and inclusions in the glass forming ribbon 103 to the desired target at the same time.

[0042] against Figure 4In the process, in step 401, the total exhaust air volume rate of the muffle chamber 220 is adjusted when the upper port 257 and the lower ports 277 and 287 are fully opened (the upper port 267 is in a closed state) (for example, the total exhaust air volume rate is adjusted to about 4000-4200 Scfh), and then proceeds to step 403.

[0043] In step 403 , the lower port 277 is closed, the local exhaust air volume rate of the muffle chamber 220 is measured by a sensor (not shown), the lower port 277 is opened, and then the process proceeds to step 405 .

[0044] In step 405 , an estimate of the exhaust air volume rate of the lower port 277 is calculated by subtracting the measured local exhaust air volume rate from the measured total exhaust air volume rate, and then proceeding to step 407 .

[0045] In step 407 , the lower port 287 is closed, another local exhaust air volume rate of the muffle chamber 220 is measured by the same sensor, the lower port 287 is opened, and then the process proceeds to step 409 .

[0046] In step 409 , an estimated value of the exhaust air volume rate of the lower port 287 is calculated by subtracting the measured other local exhaust air volume rate from the measured total exhaust air volume rate, and then proceeding to step 407 .

[0047] In step 411, it is determined whether the sum of the estimated value of the exhaust air volume rate of the lower port 277 and the estimated value of the exhaust air volume rate of the lower port 287 is within the range of one quarter to one third of the total exhaust air volume rate (that is, the sum of the estimated values ​​is within the range of about 1000-1500 Scfh). If the sum of the estimated value of the exhaust air volume rate of the lower port 277 and the estimated value of the exhaust air volume rate of the lower port 287 is within the range of one quarter to one third of the total exhaust air volume rate, the control flow is completed. If the sum of the estimated value of the exhaust air volume rate of the lower port 277 and the estimated value of the exhaust air volume rate of the lower port 287 is not within the range of one quarter to one third of the total exhaust air volume rate, the control flow proceeds to step 413.

[0048] In step 413, the exhaust air volume rate of the upper port 257 is adjusted based on the ratio of the sum of the evaluated values ​​of the exhaust air volume rate of the lower port 277 and the evaluated values ​​of the exhaust air volume rate of the lower port 287 to the total exhaust air volume rate, and the process returns to step 403 to re-evaluate the exhaust air volume rates of the lower port 277 and the lower port 287.

[0049] According to the above method, the ratio of the sum of the exhaust air volume rates of the lower ports 277, 287 to the total exhaust air volume rate can be determined, and the air volume rate flowing through the glass-forming strip 103 can be determined based on this ratio, thereby reducing the amount of condensate and inclusions in the glass-forming strip 103 to the desired target at the same time.

[0050] although Figure 3 and Figure 4 The method of controlling the exhaust air volume rate of the upper port 257 by using the lower ports 277 and / or 287 is schematically shown respectively, but the exhaust air volume rate of the upper port 267 can also be controlled by using the lower ports 277 and / or 287. When the glass manufacturing apparatus 100 has a greater number of ports, it is also feasible to control the exhaust air volume rate of additional upper ports by using additional lower ports.

[0051] In addition, in the embodiment, although the total exhaust air volume rate is adjusted to about 4000-4200 Scfh, the total exhaust air volume rate may also be other suitable values. Under different conditions, the estimated value of the exhaust air volume rate of the lower port and the ratio to the total exhaust air volume rate may also be outside the range of one quarter to one third.

[0052] The embodiments and functional operations described herein may be implemented in digital circuits, or implemented in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or a combination of one or more thereof. The embodiments described herein may be implemented as one or more computer program products, that is, one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a physical program carrier to perform or control the operation of a data processing device. The physical program carrier may be a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium may be a machine readable storage device, a machine readable storage substrate, a memory device, or a combination of one or more thereof.

[0053] The term "processor" or "controller" may include all devices, means, and machines for processing data, including a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple processors or computers as embodiments. In addition to hardware, a processor may include code that establishes an execution environment for the computer program, such as code that constructs processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of one or more thereof.

[0054] A computer program (also referred to as a program, software, software application, script, or code) may be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, or declarative or procedural languages, and may be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to an archive in a file system. A program may be stored in a portion of an archive that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language file), in a single archive dedicated to the program, or in multiple collaborative archives (e.g., an archive that stores one or more modules, subroutines, or portions of code). A computer program may be deployed to execute on one computer or on multiple computers located at one location or distributed at multiple locations and interconnected by a communications network.

[0055] The processes described herein may be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data to generate output. The processes and logic flows may also be performed by special purpose logic circuitry, and the apparatus may also be implemented as special purpose logic circuitry such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), to name a few.

[0056] Processors suitable for executing computer programs include general and special purpose microprocessors as embodiments, and any one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Typically, the processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The basic components of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more data storage devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include one or more mass storage devices for storing data, or be operably coupled to receive data from one or more mass storage devices for storing data or to transmit data to one or more mass storage devices for storing data, or both, such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. However, a computer need not necessarily have such devices.

[0057] Computer readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of data storage, including non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices, including, as embodiments, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented by or incorporated in dedicated logic circuits.

[0058] As used herein, the term "about" means that quantities, sizes, formulations, parameters and other quantities and characteristics are not accurate or necessarily precise, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller as needed, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, etc., and other factors known to those skilled in the art. When the term "about" is used to describe a value or an endpoint of a range, it should be understood that the disclosure includes the specific value or endpoint referred to. If a value or range endpoint in this specification is recorded as "about", then the value or range endpoint is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "about" and one not modified by "about". It will be further understood that each endpoint of the range is significant, both in relation to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0059] As used herein, the terms "the," "a," or "an" mean "at least one" and should not be limited to "only one" unless clearly indicated to the contrary. Thus, for example, reference to "a component" includes embodiments having two or more such components unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0060] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "including," and "comprising," and variations thereof, unless otherwise indicated, should be interpreted as synonymous and open ended.

[0061] It should be understood that although the various embodiments have been described in detail with respect to certain illustrative and specific embodiments thereof, the present disclosure should not be considered limited thereto since various modifications and combinations of the disclosed features are possible without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the flow of air in a chamber during a glass manufacturing process, wherein the chamber comprises at least a first port disposed at a first height of a side wall of the chamber and a second port disposed at a second height of the side wall of the chamber, and the first port and the second port are configured to exhaust air from the chamber, the method comprising the following steps: (a) obtaining a total exhaust air volume rate of the chamber when the first port and the second port are fully open; (b) closing the first port; (c) measuring the local exhaust air volume velocity; (d) opening the first port; (e) calculating an estimate by subtracting the local exhaust air volume rate from the total exhaust air volume rate; (f) determining whether the evaluation value is within a range of one quarter of the total exhaust air volume rate to one third of the total exhaust air volume rate; and (g) If the estimated value is not within the range of one quarter of the total exhaust air volume rate to one third of the total exhaust air volume rate, adjusting the second port and repeating steps (b) to (f).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the total exhaust air volume rate is in the range of 4000-4200 Scfh. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first height is lower than the second height. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the air exhausted from the chamber comprises boron gas.

5. A method for controlling the flow of air in a chamber during a glass manufacturing process, wherein the chamber comprises at least a first port and a third port disposed at a first height of a side wall of the chamber, and a second port disposed at a second height of the side wall of the chamber, and the first port, the second port, and the third port are configured to exhaust air from the chamber, the method comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining a total exhaust air volume rate of the chamber when the first port, the second port, and the third port are fully open; (b) closing the first port; (c) measuring a first local exhaust air volume velocity; (d) closing the first port; (e) calculating a first estimate by subtracting the first local exhaust air volume rate from the total exhaust air volume rate; (f) closing the third port; (g) measuring a second local exhaust air volume velocity; (h) closing the third port; (i) calculating a second estimated value by subtracting the second local exhaust air volume rate from the total exhaust air volume rate; (j) determining whether the sum of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value is within a range of one quarter of the total exhaust air volume rate to one third of the total exhaust air volume rate; and (k) If the sum of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value is not within the range of one quarter of the total exhaust air volume rate to one third of the total exhaust air volume rate, adjusting the second port and repeating steps (b) to (j).

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the total exhaust air volume rate is in the range of 4000-4200 Scfh. The method of claim 5 , wherein the first height is lower than the second height. The method of claim 5 , wherein the air exhausted from the chamber comprises boron gas.

9. A system for controlling the flow of air in a chamber during a glass manufacturing process, wherein the chamber comprises at least a first port disposed at a first height of a sidewall of the chamber and a second port disposed at a second height of the sidewall of the chamber, and the first port and the second port are configured to exhaust air from the chamber, the system comprising: processor, a memory coupled to the processor; and Instructions, stored in the memory and executable by the processor, cause the system to perform the following operations: (a) obtaining a total exhaust air volume rate of the chamber when the first port and the second port are fully open; (b) closing the first port; (c) measuring the local exhaust air volume velocity; (d) opening the first port; (e) calculating an estimate by subtracting the local exhaust air volume rate from the total exhaust air volume rate; (f) determining whether the evaluation value is within a range of one quarter of the total exhaust air volume rate to one third of the total exhaust air volume rate; and (g) If the evaluation value is not within the range of one quarter of the total exhaust air volume rate to one third of the total exhaust air volume rate, adjusting the second port, and repeating operations (b) to (f).

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the total exhaust air volume rate is in the range of 4000-4200 Scfh. The system of claim 9 , wherein the first height is lower than the second height.

12. A system for controlling the flow of air in a chamber during a glass manufacturing process, wherein the chamber comprises at least a first port and a third port disposed at a first height of a side wall of the chamber, and a second port disposed at a second height of the side wall of the chamber, and the first port, the second port, and the third port are configured to exhaust air from the chamber, the system comprising: processor, a memory coupled to the processor; and Instructions, stored in the memory and executable by the processor, cause the system to perform the following operations: (a) obtaining a total exhaust air volume rate of the chamber when the first port, the second port, and the third port are fully open; (b) closing the first port; (c) measuring a first local exhaust air volume velocity; (d) closing the first port; (e) calculating a first estimate by subtracting the first local exhaust air volume rate from the total exhaust air volume rate; (f) closing the third port; (g) measuring a second local exhaust air volume velocity; (h) closing the third port; (i) calculating a second estimated value by subtracting the second local exhaust air volume rate from the total exhaust air volume rate; (j) determining whether the sum of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value is within a range of one quarter of the total exhaust air volume rate to one third of the total exhaust air volume rate; and (k) If the sum of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value is not within the range of one quarter of the total exhaust air volume rate to one third of the total exhaust air volume rate, adjusting the second port and repeating operations (b) to (j).

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the total exhaust air volume rate is in the range of 4000-4200 Scfh. The system of claim 12 , wherein the first height is lower than the second height.

15. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing code for controlling the flow of air in a chamber during a glass manufacturing process, wherein the chamber comprises at least a first port disposed at a first height of a sidewall of the chamber and a second port disposed at a second height of the sidewall of the chamber, and the first port and the second port are configured to exhaust air from the chamber, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to: (a) obtaining a total exhaust air volume rate of the chamber when the first port and the second port are fully open; (b) closing the first port; (c) measuring the local exhaust air volume velocity; (d) opening the first port; (e) calculating an estimate by subtracting the local exhaust air volume rate from the total exhaust air volume rate; (f) determining whether the evaluation value is within a range of one quarter of the total exhaust air volume rate to one third of the total exhaust air volume rate; and (g) If the evaluation value is not within the range of one quarter of the total exhaust air volume rate to one third of the total exhaust air volume rate, adjusting the second port, and repeating operations (b) to (f).

16. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, the total exhaust air volume rate being in the range of 4000-4200 Scfh. 17 . The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15 , wherein the first height is lower than the second height.

18. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing code for controlling the flow of air in a chamber during a glass manufacturing process, wherein the chamber comprises at least a first port and a third port disposed at a first height of a sidewall of the chamber, and a second port disposed at a second height of the sidewall of the chamber, and the first port, the second port, and the third port are configured to exhaust air from the chamber, the code comprising instructions executable by a processor to: (a) obtaining a total exhaust air volume rate of the chamber when the first port, the second port, and the third port are fully open; (b) closing the first port; (c) measuring a first local exhaust air volume velocity; (d) closing the first port; (e) calculating a first estimate by subtracting the first local exhaust air volume rate from the total exhaust air volume rate; (f) closing the third port; (g) measuring a second local exhaust air volume velocity; (h) closing the third port; (i) calculating a second estimated value by subtracting the second local exhaust air volume rate from the total exhaust air volume rate; (j) determining whether the sum of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value is within a range of one quarter of the total exhaust air volume rate to one third of the total exhaust air volume rate; and (k) If the sum of the first evaluation value and the second evaluation value is not within the range of one quarter of the total exhaust air volume rate to one third of the total exhaust air volume rate, adjusting the second port and repeating operations (b) to (j).

19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the total exhaust air volume rate is in the range of 4000-4200 Scfh.

20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the first height is lower than the second height.

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