Platinum-free melting system and method for high refractive index glass

Abstract

A burner employed in a submerged combustion vessel for melting high index glass includes an arch positioned on the burner in the submerged combustion vessel. An amount of combustible gas flows through a first aperture disposed in a first haunch of the arch and through a second aperture disposed in a second haunch of the arch. Fuel is supplied through an end orifice in the fuel supply line. The end orifice is disposed below the arch. A quantity of glass is fed into the submerged combustion vessel and melted inside the submerged combustion vessel by igniting the burner. Some of the molten glass is at least partially solidified against a wall of the submerged combustion vessel such that the molten glass is contained in its own vessel.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] This application claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 468,943, filed May 25, 2023, the contents of which are relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] High refractive index glasses are beneficial for prescription lenses as well as augmented and virtual reality systems. High refractive index glass compositions can be sensitive to absorption of platinum and other contaminants that affect glass quality. Current methods for melting materials used in the production of high refractive index glasses require performing double melting of the glass material at lower temperatures, first in quartz and then in platinum, to reduce contamination. This method requires expensive quartz melter and double melting increases the overall time and cost of producing high refractive index glasses. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0003] Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0004] Figure 1 A diagram of an example submerged combustion melting vessel according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0005] Figure 2 An example of a burner configuration in a floor of a submerged combustion melting vessel according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1

[0006] Figure 3 An example of a burner configuration in a floor of a submerged combustion melting vessel according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1

[0007] Figure 4 An example of a burner configuration and cooling element of a submerged combustion melting vessel according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1

[0008] Figure 5A An example front view of a burner of a submerged combustion melting vessel according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1

[0009] Figure 5B An example side view of a burner of a submerged combustion melting vessel according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1

[0010] Figure 6A An example of a burner configuration of a submerged combustion melting vessel according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 ​​​​​Example perspective view of a burner of an submerged combustion melting vessel.

[0011] Figure 6B For various embodiments according to the present disclosure Figure 1 Example perspective view of a burner of an submerged combustion melting vessel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] High refractive index glasses, typically having a refractive index of 1.59 or greater, are used for single vision, solid bifocal and progressive prescription requirements, as well as for glasses for augmented or virtual reality systems. Higher refractive indices allow more wavelengths to occupy the same waveguide, and more importantly, higher refractive indices can increase the effective field of view for the user. However, the density of the optical material increases with refractive index, and the corresponding blue light transmission of the optical material decreases with increasing density. Thus, increasing the refractive index of the optical material increases the overall weight of the material, while decreasing the blue transmission. Using a base glass composition with a lower density is one way to address this issue. However, these compositions can be sensitive to absorption of platinum and other contaminants that affect the quality of the glass. For example, platinum crucibles result in very high absorption coefficients of dissolved platinum in the melt, which causes the glass to have a yellow tint. Similarly, melting in a crucible lined with refractory material can result in dissolved refractory contamination of the melt.

[0013] In the following discussion, a general description of the system and its components is provided, followed by a discussion of its operation.

[0014] Reference Figure 1 A submerged combustion melting (SCM) vessel 100 for melting glass is shown having one or more burners 103 according to various embodiments. While depicted as a cylindrical vessel, the SCM vessel 100 can also be rectangular, cubic, pyramidal, spherical, or any other similar shape as can be appreciated. It should also be noted that for the benefit of the observer, Figure 1 The SCM vessel 100 depicted in FIG. 1 is open on the top and forward side, and will be a closed vessel when in operation. Although not shown, it should be appreciated that an exhaust system is connected to the top of the SCM vessel 100.

[0015] In some embodiments, the one or more burners 103 are arranged in the SCM vessel 100 in a configuration such that heat generated by the burners 103 is distributed throughout the SCM vessel 100. In some embodiments, the one or more burners 103 are evenly spaced throughout the SCM vessel. In some embodiments, the one or more burners 103 can be arranged in the SCM vessel 100 such that heat rises from the burners 103 to the rest of the SCM vessel 100. In some embodiments, the burners 103 are arranged in a ring-like configuration, as depicted in FIG. 2. While Figure 1 Figure 1 ​Multiple burners 103 are depicted, but in some embodiments, only one burner 103 is present, placed in a central location in the SCM vessel 100.

[0016] In one embodiment, the SCM vessel 100 includes an outer shell 106 and a refractory material 109 lining the interior (walls and floor) of the SCM vessel 100. The refractory material 109 can include, for example, alumina, silica, magnesium, calcium, chromium, zirconium, or some other material that is resistant to temperatures in excess of 2000 °F and up to 3000 °F.

[0017] One or more burners 103 are partially embedded in the refractory material 109 of the SCM vessel 100. In one example, the burners 103 are embedded in a refractory floor 113 of the SCM vessel 100, as depicted in FIG. 1, where the refractory floor 113 is lined with the refractory material 109. In another example, the burners 103 can be embedded in the refractory material 109 lining the walls of the SCM vessel 100. Figure 1

[0018] The SCM vessel 100 is cooled by flowing water through water orifices 116 on the outer shell 106. In some embodiments, water flows between the outer shell 106 and the refractory material 109 of the SCM vessel 100. In addition, the walls of the SCM vessel 100 can be cooled by flowing a refrigerant, cold air, or other cooling medium between the outer shell 106 and the refractory material 109. In such examples, the cooling medium is free to flow between the outer shell 106 and the refractory material 109. In some embodiments, the cooling medium flows through a pipe or channel disposed between the outer shell 106 and the refractory material 109. By cooling the SMC vessel 100, the refractory material 109 is protected from the extreme temperatures of the molten glass. As such, a refractory material 109 having a lower melting point than the glass can be used in the SCM vessel 100 without contaminating the molten glass or otherwise affecting the quality of the molten glass.

[0019] The SCM vessel 100 includes a discharge 119 for removing the molten glass to be formed into a desired structure. In some embodiments, the discharge 119 is disposed in the refractory material 109 of the SCM vessel 100. In one embodiment, the discharge 119 is disposed in the refractory floor 113 of the SCM vessel 100. Alternatively, the discharge 119 can be disposed in the walls of the SCM vessel 100. As depicted in FIG. 1, the discharge 119 is disposed in a central location relative to the one or more burners 103. In one embodiment, the discharge 119 is positioned opposite an entry orifice of the glass batch material. The discharge 119 includes a material having extreme heat resistance, such as platinum or other suitable material. Figure 2

[0020] ​​Next, a general description of the operation of the various components of the SCM vessel 100 is provided. According to one embodiment, the SCM vessel 100 is used to melt glass to produce optical grade high refractive index glass. A quantity of glass material is fed in batches into the SCM vessel 100 to make titania-niobium pentoxide-phosphate glass or other types of glass material.

[0021] The exposed burners 103 in the SCM vessel 100 are ignited to produce a flame that directly heats and melts the glass material. As the glass material melts, the cooling medium flowing between the outer shell 106 and the refractory 109 cools the walls of the SCM vessel 100. As the molten glass contacts the cooled walls, the molten glass partially solidifies at the cooled walls, thereby forming a partially solidified glass crucible around the molten glass. Thus, the molten glass is advantageously contained within its own crucible.

[0022] This partially solidified glass crucible protects the refractory 109 from damage due to the extreme temperatures of the molten glass. Additionally, the partially solidified glass crucible prevents contamination of the molten glass from chemical species from the refractory 109.

[0023] As the molten glass is directly heated by the open flame of the burners 103, bubbles form. These bubbles rise through the molten glass, agitating the molten glass as the bubbles rise in a process known as fining. Glass with a relatively low viscosity (0.1 to 10 poise) allows for a faster fining process. According to one embodiment, the glass melted in the SCM vessel 100 has a low viscosity such that the bubbles will rise quickly through the molten glass, resulting in minimal or no trapped bubbles in the glass material. In one embodiment, the viscosity of the glass is less than 200 poise. In another embodiment, the viscosity of the glass is less than 100 poise. In yet another embodiment, the viscosity of the glass is less than 10 poise. In still another embodiment, the viscosity of the glass is less than 5 poise. In one embodiment, the viscosity of the glass is less than a threshold viscosity at which the glass will self-fine to an extent that produces optical quality. That is, the glass has optical quality and is suitable for use in producing optical quality glass components. This is necessary for some types of glass that require minimal or no glass bubbles in the final product in which the glass is formed. Once the glass has been fined, the molten glass is drained from the pot through the drain 119 for further processing. In some embodiments, the glass flows through the drain 119 to a fining vessel mounted below the SCM vessel 100.

[0024] Next moving to Figure 2This illustration shows an example of a configuration of burners 103 within the refractory base plate 113 of the SCM container 100. In some embodiments, three burners 103 are positioned within the refractory base plate 113, but more or fewer burners 103 may be used in addition to the number depicted. In some embodiments, the outlet 119 is centrally located relative to the configuration of the burners 103.

[0025] One or more burners 103 are disposed in a refractory base plate 113 such that only a portion of each burner 103 is exposed through the refractory base plate 113. In some embodiments, the portion of each burner 103 exposed through the refractory base plate 113 includes an arch 123. In one example, the arch 123 is made of a material with extreme heat resistance, such as platinum or other suitable materials. In some embodiments, the arch 123 connects the terminations of two or more supply lines 126.

[0026] The supply line 126 of the corresponding burner 103 is located on the outside of the refractory base plate 113 and extends through the body of the burner 103 (not shown) and through the refractory base plate 113 to form an arch 123. Figure 2 In this configuration, the supply line 126 is shown extending below the refractory base plate 113. In some embodiments, a fuel supply line 129 is positioned between the supply lines 126 below the arch 123. Although Figure 5A The supply lines 126 and 129 are shown with terminating ends below the refractory base plate 113, but it should be understood that supply lines 126 and 129 are connected to corresponding supply sources located outside the SCM container 100. According to various embodiments, supply lines 126 and 129 are made of platinum, steel, copper, aluminum, stainless steel, nickel, or some other material. The arch 123, supply lines 126, and fuel supply lines 129 are located within... Figure 5B , Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 3 The description will elaborate further.

[0027] Next reference Figure 3 This illustration shows an example configuration of burners 103 housed in a refractory base plate 113 of an SCM container 100. In one embodiment, six burners 103 are arranged around the refractory base plate 113. Each of the burners 103 includes one or more supply lines 126 that supply oxygen to the burner 103. Each of the burners 103 includes one or more fuel supply lines 129 that supply fuel to the burner 103. In some embodiments, the fuel supply lines 129 supply combustible gases (e.g., hydrogen, methane, propane, butane, ethylene, isobutane, natural gas, etc.) to the burner 103. AlthoughFigure 4 Supply lines 126 and fuel supply lines 129 are shown with terminating ends below refractory floor 113, but it should be understood that supply lines 126 and fuel supply lines 129 are connected to respective supplies located outside of SCM vessel 100.

[0028] According to one embodiment, exhaust ports 119 are disposed between burners 103 in refractory floor 113 and include orifices lined with refractory material. In some embodiments, exhaust ports 119 include passages of material with extreme heat resistance. The walls of exhaust ports 119 can be provided with appropriate cooling so that the molten glass material can at least partially solidify against the walls of exhaust ports 119. As such, the molten glass material is protected from contamination by the refractory material that makes up exhaust ports 119. Exhaust ports 119 provide a path for the molten glass to exit SCM vessel 100 for further processing.

[0029] Moving to Figure 4 , an example configuration of burners 103 and cooling elements 133 in SCM vessel 100 is shown. In some embodiments, individual burners 103 include arches 123 connecting first supply lines 126 to second supply lines 126 and fuel supply lines 129 disposed below arches 123. Individual ones of burners 103 also include bodies 136.

[0030] In one embodiment, bodies 136 are made of copper. Alternatively, bodies 136 can be constructed of other materials with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, silver, platinum, nickel, or other thermally conductive materials as can be appreciated. In one embodiment, bodies 136 encase at least a portion of supply lines 126 and fuel supply lines 129. Supply lines 126 extend beyond a top surface 139 of bodies 136 to form arches 123. In one embodiment, bodies 136 are in contact with cooling elements 133.

[0031] Figure 5A Cooling elements 133 are depicted as serpentine tubes through which a cooling medium flows. In one embodiment, cooling elements 133 are single serpents. Cooling elements 133 are made of thermally conductive materials, such as copper, aluminum, silver, or another thermally conductive material as can be appreciated. Cooling elements 133 provide a reservoir for a cooling medium, and bodies 136, supply lines 126, and fuel supply lines 129 are positioned in proximity to cooling elements 133. In some embodiments, the cooling medium in cooling elements 133 is water, refrigerant, cold air, or another cooling medium as can be appreciated.

[0032] Next turning to Figure 5B and Figure 5A , different views of an example of a burner 103 according to one embodiment are shown. Figure 5B is an example front view of a burner 103.Figure 5A is an example side view of the burner 103. In Figure 5B and Figure 5A the view, the burner 103 has a fuel supply line 129 disposed between the two supply lines 126. In one embodiment, the body 136 of the burner 103 encases the upper portions of the supply lines 126 and the fuel supply line 129, with the top surface 139 of the body 136 and the arch 123 being at least partially exposed by the refractory material 109 (either the walls of the SCM 100 or the refractory floor 113). In one embodiment, about ¾ of an inch of the body 136 protrudes through the refractory material 109, but the actual portion of the body 136 that protrudes through the refractory material 109 can vary. In another embodiment, the portion of the body 136 that protrudes above the refractory material 109 and is visible is just enough to ensure that the refractory material 109 does not affect the operation of the burner 103, or to minimize any effect the refractory material 109 has on the operation of the burner 103. In this regard, the refractory material 109 can be subjected to heat from the flame of the burner 103, which will degrade the integrity of the refractory material 109, and if the flame of the burner 103 is too close to the refractory material 109, can cause contamination of the glass material from the refractory material 109.

[0033] In Figure 5B and Figure 5A , the body 136 of the burner 103 has a sloped portion 143 that extends downward from the top surface 139 toward the distal end of the body 136. This sloped portion 143 of the body 136 reduces the surface area of the top surface 139 that is exposed to the molten glass material, in some embodiments, by the refractory material 109. In some embodiments, the body 136 includes a sloped portion 143 on the front and back of the body 136. In some embodiments, the body 136 has a sloped portion 143 on all sides, forming a tapered shape with the narrower end at the top surface 139. In some embodiments, the sloped portion 143 extends downward from the top surface 139 to the bottom of the body 136. In some embodiments, the sloped portion 143 extends only along a portion of the body 136. In some embodiments, the sloped portion 143 forms an angle of 225° or greater with the top surface 139.

[0034] Figure 5B and Figure 6AOne or more fillets 146 are shown disposed at the bottom of the body 136. For example, the body 136 can have at least one fillet 146 disposed at the distal end of the top surface 139. In one embodiment, the body 136 has a fillet 146 on one or both sides. In another embodiment, the fillet 146 is continuous around the bottom perimeter of the body 136. According to one aspect, each fillet 146 is designed to match the shape of the cooling element 133 in order to maximize surface-to-surface or surface area contact between the body 136 and the cooling element 133. In some embodiments, the inner radius of the fillet 146 corresponds to the outer radius of the cooling element 133.

[0035] The surface area contact between the body 136 and the cooling element 133 facilitates the conduction of heat from the body 136 to the cooling element 133. This allows the body 136 to maintain a cooler temperature compared to a situation where the body 136 is not in contact with the cooling element 133. In one embodiment, the fillet 146 is shaped such that the walls of the fillet 146 remain in contact with the curved ducts that make up the cooling element 133. In alternative embodiments, the cooling element 133 can include straight duct segments, where the inner profile of the fillet 146 will contact such straight duct segments.

[0036] Additionally, to provide further cooling to the body 136 of the burner 103, the combustible gas and fuel flowing through the supply line 126 and the fuel supply line 129, respectively, can be used to remove heat from the body 136. To this end, in the event that the temperature of the fuel or combustible gas flowing through the supply line 126 and the fuel supply line 129 is lower than the temperature of the burner 103, cooling of the burner 103 will result. In one embodiment, the combustible gas and fuel flowing through the supply line 126 and the fuel supply line 129 can be cooled to provide further cooling, but the temperature of the combustible gas and fuel flowing through the supply line 126 and the fuel supply line 129 cannot be set at a point where the effectiveness of the combustion is compromised.

[0037] Moving to FIG. 6, an example perspective view of the burner 103 is shown. In Figure 6B In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the supply line 126 and the fuel supply line 129 are partially encased by the body 136. The supply line 126 extends through the body 136 before turning and meeting to form the arch 123. In one embodiment, the terminal ends of the supply line 126 meet to form the arch 123. In some embodiments, the arch 123 is made of platinum, while the supply line 126 is made of another material, such as copper, steel, or other material.

[0038] The arch 123 is fused to the supply line 126 at the top surface 139 of the body 136. Alternatively, the arch 123 and the supply line 126 can be formed from a single pipe segment that is bent at one point to form the arch 123. In one embodiment, the arch 123 is formed as a semicircle. Alternatively, the arch 123 can be formed as a semicircle, a square, a horseshoe, or any other similar arched configuration as can be appreciated. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the arch 123 is formed as a square with rounded corners. The arch 123 can be hollow throughout, allowing the flow of combustible gas supplied through the supply line 126 to flow through the arch. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the arch 123 is solid, or otherwise sealed between the supply line 126 at one arch waist and the supply line 126 at the other arch waist.

[0039] In Figure 1 It is shown in FIG. 5 that the arch 123 includes at least one orifice 149. The arch 123 includes a first orifice 149 in a first arch waist and a second orifice 149 in a second arch waist. In one embodiment, the first orifice 149 faces the second orifice 149. The supply line 126 provides a quantity of combustible gas through each orifice 149. The orifice 149 is disposed above the top surface 139 of the body 136 in the arch waist of the arch 123.

[0040] In some embodiments, the terminal end of the fuel supply line 129 forms an end orifice 153 at the top surface 139 of the body 136. Fuel from the fuel supply line 129 exits through the end orifice 153, which in some embodiments faces the underside of the arch 123. The end orifice 153 of the fuel supply line 129 can be positioned flush with the top surface 139 of the body 136. The end orifice 153 of the fuel supply line 129 is exposed through the refractory material 109.

[0041] The fuel exiting the end orifice 153 and the combustible gas exiting the at least one orifice 149 of the supply line 126 meet at the center of the arch 123 and create a point of zero momentum. In at least this embodiment, the flame produced by igniting the fuel and combustible gas mixture is anchored at the point of zero momentum and shielded from the pressure of the molten glass by the arch 123. Additionally, the combustion of the gas mixture creates a protective bubble under at least the arch 123 that minimizes the amount of molten glass material that comes into contact with the top surface 139 of the body 136 and the interior of the arch 123. This minimizes the amount of material that can exit the surface of the body 136 and contaminate the glass mixture.

[0042] Referring ​ Turning to FIG. 6, in view of the foregoing discussion, the following is a description of various embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the following embodiments are not an exhaustive recitation of possible embodiments of the present disclosure, and other embodiments are described herein.

[0043] Example 1 is a burner for a submerged combustion melting vessel. The burner includes a dome and a first port disposed in a first skewback of the dome. A second port is disposed in a second skewback of the dome. A fuel supply line terminates in an end port, wherein the end port is disposed below the dome.

[0044] Example 2 is the burner of Example 1, wherein the first port faces the second port.

[0045] Example 3 is an apparatus including a vessel, a refractory material on an interior of the vessel, and a plurality of burners disposed in the vessel and partially exposed by the refractory material. Individual ones of the burners include a dome, a first port disposed in a first skewback of the dome, a second port disposed in a second skewback of the dome, and a fuel supply line terminating in an end port disposed below the dome.

[0046] Example 4 includes the apparatus set forth in Example 3, wherein the first port faces the second port.

[0047] Example 5 includes the apparatus set forth in Example 3 or 4, wherein an amount of fuel is provided to the burners by the fuel supply line and exits the fuel supply line through the end port.

[0048] Example 6 includes the apparatus set forth in Examples 3-5, wherein the dome is formed between a termination end of a first supply line and a termination end of a second supply line. The first supply line and the second supply line provide an amount of oxygen to the first port and the second port, respectively.

[0049] Example 7 includes the apparatus set forth in Examples 3-6, wherein individual ones of the burners further include a body that encases at least a portion of the first supply line and at least a portion of the second supply line. The dome, the first port, and the second port extend from a first surface of the body.

[0050] Example 8 includes the apparatus set forth in Example 7, wherein the refractory material covers at least a portion of the body.

[0051] Example 9 includes the apparatus set forth in Example 7 or 8, further comprising a cooling conduit disposed below a floor of the refractory material and in contact with the body of individual ones of the burners.

[0052] Example 10 includes the apparatus set forth in Example 9, wherein the body includes a fillet at a distal end, and the fillet has a radius that corresponds to a radius of the cooling conduit.

[0053] Example 11 includes the apparatus set forth in Examples 3-10, further comprising glass in the vessel, the glass having a viscosity below or equal to a viscosity threshold of at least 10 poise in a liquid form.

[0054] Example 12 includes the apparatus set forth in Example 11, wherein the amount of glass forms at least a partially solidified glass layer against the refractory of the vessel.

[0055] Example 13 is a method of melting glass, comprising positioning an arch over a burner in a submerged combustion vessel, and supplying oxygen through a first orifice disposed in a first spring of the arch and through a second orifice disposed in a second spring of the arch. The method further comprises supplying fuel through an end orifice in a fuel supply line, the end orifice disposed under the arch, feeding an amount of glass into the submerged combustion vessel, and melting the amount of glass inside the submerged combustion vessel by igniting the burner.

[0056] Example 14 includes the method set forth in Example 13, further comprising discharging the melted glass through a discharge port disposed in the submerged combustion vessel.

[0057] Example 15 includes the method set forth in Example 13 or 14, further comprising flowing water between an outer shell of the submerged combustion vessel and a refractory lining of the submerged combustion vessel.

[0058] Example 16 includes the method set forth in Example 15, further comprising partially solidifying at least a portion of the melted glass against the refractory lining of the submerged combustion vessel.

[0059] Example 17 is a burner disposed in a submerged combustion vessel, the burner comprising an arch, a first orifice disposed in a first spring of the arch, and a second orifice disposed in a second spring of the arch. The burner further comprises a fuel supply line terminating in an end orifice disposed under the arch, and a body overcoating at least a portion of the first spring of the arch and at least a portion of the second spring of the arch. The arch, the first orifice, and the second orifice extend from a first surface of the body.

[0060] Example 18 includes the burner of Example 17, wherein the first orifice faces the second orifice.

[0061] Example 19 includes the burner of Example 17 or 18, wherein an amount of fuel is provided to the burner through the fuel supply line and exits the fuel supply line through the end orifice.

[0062] Example 20 includes the burner of Examples 17-19, wherein the arch is formed between a termination end of a first supply line and a termination end of a second supply line, the first supply line and the second supply line providing an amount of oxygen to the first orifice and the second orifice, respectively.

[0063] Example 21 includes the burner of examples 17-20, wherein the body further comprises a fillet at the distal end having a radius corresponding to a radius of the cooling conduit.

[0064] Example 22 includes the burner of examples 17-21, wherein the body further comprises a beveled portion extending from the first surface toward the distal end.

[0065] Example 23 includes the apparatus recited in examples 3-10, further comprising glass in the vessel having a viscosity less than a threshold viscosity at which the glass will self-clear to an extent that produces optical quality.

[0066] Unless specifically stated otherwise, separate language used in the specification, such as "one of" or "at least one of," for example, is generally intended to convey that a item, term, or the like can be either one or more than one of the items, terms, etc. accordingly. Thus, such separate language is generally not intended to, and should not be construed to, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of a item, term, etc. to be present.

[0067] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations, set forth for clarity of understanding according to the principles of the present disclosure. Many changes and modifications can be made to one or more embodiments described above with substantially the same result. All such modifications and changes are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure and protected by the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: container; Refractory material, which is located on the inside of the container; as well as A plurality of burners, disposed within the container and partially exposed by the refractory material, wherein individual burners include: Arch; The first opening is located in the first arch waist of the arch; A second opening, which is located in the second arch waist of the arch; and A fuel supply line terminates in an end orifice located beneath the arch.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first orifice faces the second orifice.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the arch is formed between the end of the first supply line and the end of the second supply line, the first supply line and the second supply line respectively supplying a certain amount of oxygen to the first orifice and the second orifice.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein one of the burners further comprises a body covering at least a portion of the first supply line and at least a portion of the second supply line, wherein the arch, the first orifice and the second orifice extend from a first surface of the body.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the refractory material covers at least a portion of the body.

6. The device according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising a cooling conduit disposed below the refractory base plate and in contact with the body of the individual burners.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the body includes a rounded corner at a distal end, the rounded corner having a radius corresponding to the radius of the cooling conduit.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising glass in the container, the glass having a viscosity in liquid form less than or equal to a viscosity threshold of at least 10 poise.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein a certain amount of the glass abuts against the refractory material of the container to form at least a partially cured glass layer.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising glass in the container having a viscosity less than a threshold viscosity, at which the glass will self-clarify to the extent that optical quality is produced.

11. A method for melting glass, comprising: Position the arch on the burner submerged in the combustion container; Oxygen is supplied through a first orifice located in the first arch waist of the arch and through a second orifice located in the second arch waist of the arch; Fuel is supplied through an end port in a fuel supply line located below the arch. A certain amount of glass source material is fed into the immersion combustion container; as well as The amount of glass source material is melted inside the immersed combustion vessel by igniting the burner to form molten glass.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising discharging the molten glass through an outlet disposed in the immersion combustion vessel.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising flowing water between the outer shell of the submerged combustion vessel and the refractory lining of the submerged combustion vessel.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising partially solidifying at least a portion of the molten glass against the refractory lining of the immersion combustion vessel.

15. A burner disposed in an immersed combustion vessel, the burner comprising: Arch; The first opening is located in the first arch waist of the arch; The second opening is located in the second arch waist of the arch; A fuel supply line terminates in an end orifice located below the arch; as well as A body that covers at least a portion of the first arch waist of the arch and at least a portion of the second arch waist of the arch, wherein the arch, the first opening and the second opening extend from a first surface of the body.

16. The burner of claim 15, wherein the first orifice faces the second orifice.

17. The burner according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the arch is formed between the end of the first supply line and the end of the second supply line, the first supply line and the second supply line respectively supplying a certain amount of oxygen to the first orifice and the second orifice.

18. The burner according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the body further includes a rounded corner at a distal end, the rounded corner having a radius corresponding to the radius of the cooling duct.

19. The burner according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the body further comprises an inclined portion extending from the first surface toward the distal end.

20. The burner according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein a certain amount of fuel is supplied to the burner through the fuel supply line and exits the fuel supply line through the end orifice.

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