A glass kiln

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of glass preparation technology and discloses a glass furnace. The invention heats the surface area of ​​the molten glass by installing a first heating element at the top of the furnace body and spraying a high-temperature flame towards the molten pool; a second heating element is placed inside the molten pool to compensate for the internal heating of the molten glass, thus forming a composite heating mode. This avoids the localized heat concentration or insufficient coverage caused by relying solely on side / bottom firing. This glass furnace, through the rapid input of high-temperature heat to the surface of the molten glass by the first heating element and the precise compensation of the internal heating by the second heating element, can shorten the time to reach the target operating condition and reduce ineffective heat loss, thereby improving melting efficiency. Simultaneously, it can reduce fuel consumption or lower electricity consumption while ensuring quality, achieving better energy utilization and improving product qualification rate and yield.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of glass preparation technology, and more specifically to a glass furnace. Background Technology

[0002] Glass melting furnaces are the core thermal equipment in glass manufacturing production lines. Their main function is to melt, clarify, and homogenize the batch materials within the molten pool, providing molten glass with uniform temperature and composition for subsequent forming processes. The temperature and flow field distribution within the molten pool directly affects glass melting efficiency, the probability of streak defects, and the stability of the finished product. Therefore, obtaining adequately covered and uniformly distributed heat input is one of the key issues in the design and operation control of glass furnace combustion systems.

[0003] Existing glass furnaces mostly employ side-firing or bottom-firing combustion methods. In side-firing structures, the combustion flame is typically injected horizontally into the furnace from small furnaces on either side. In bottom-firing structures, the flame or high-temperature flue gas enters from the lower part of the molten pool or near the bottom and participates in heat transfer. These arrangements have advantages in engineering applications, such as mature structure and ease of arranging heat storage or heat exchange systems. However, in actual operation, uneven heat coverage is prone to occur. Especially in side-firing conditions, the flame jet is mainly concentrated in the areas near the sides, potentially creating a so-called "flame blank zone" or insufficient heat input zone in the central area of ​​the furnace. This increases the temperature gradient along the width of the molten pool, commonly manifesting as locally higher temperatures while the sides or localized areas are colder, resulting in a significant temperature difference in the molten glass.

[0004] Excessive temperature differences in the molten pool can restrict the melting and refining process of the batch material in the lower temperature areas, easily leading to defects such as unmelted particles, bubbles, and inclusions. Furthermore, uneven temperature distribution can cause abnormal flow patterns within the molten pool, resulting in prolonged glass homogenization time, reduced thermal efficiency, and consequently, uneven melt quality, decreased yield, and increased energy consumption. In addition, traditional kilns primarily use fossil fuels such as natural gas and heavy oil, which produce greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, as well as pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and dust during combustion. Environmental pressures and carbon reduction requirements necessitate cleaner and more efficient combustion and heating solutions for the glass industry. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a glass furnace to solve the problems of large temperature difference and uneven melting quality that exist in the prior art, which lead to a decrease in the yield of finished products.

[0006] The present invention provides a glass melting furnace, comprising: a furnace body, a first heating element and a second heating element; a molten pool is provided at the bottom of the furnace body for containing molten glass; the first heating element is installed at the top of the furnace body and sprays flames toward the molten pool to heat the surface of the molten glass in the molten pool; the second heating element is disposed in the molten pool for heating the molten glass.

[0007] Beneficial effects:

[0008] By installing a first heating element at the top of the furnace and spraying flames towards the molten pool, the surface area of ​​the molten glass is heated; a second heating element is placed inside the molten pool to compensate for the internal area of ​​the molten glass, thus forming a composite heating mode. This avoids the local heat concentration or insufficient coverage caused by relying solely on side / bottom heating. Top heating helps to form a larger coverage area of ​​the molten pool surface, while the second heating element inside the molten pool further compensates for the internal heat of the molten glass, reducing the temperature difference between the top and bottom and local cold spots, thereby making the overall temperature distribution of the molten pool more uniform. This glass melting furnace, through the rapid input of high-temperature heat to the surface of the molten glass by the first heating element and the precise compensation of the internal heat by the second heating element, can shorten the time to reach the target operating condition and reduce ineffective heat loss, thus improving melting efficiency. At the same time, it can reduce fuel consumption or power consumption while ensuring quality, achieving better energy utilization and improving product qualification rate and yield.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first heating element includes a spray gun and an adjustment mechanism. The spray gun is disposed on the top of the kiln body through an adjustment structure, and the adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the distance between the nozzle of the spray gun and the surface of the molten glass.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of first heating elements are provided, and the plurality of first heating elements are arranged in an array.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the top of the kiln body is provided with an arched structure, and the ratio of the arch height h to the arch span d is 1 / 10 to 1 / 9.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a lightweight insulation layer is provided on the top of the kiln body, and the material of the lightweight insulation layer includes aluminum silicate fiber cotton and / or expanded perlite.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second heating element is an electric heating element, and there are multiple electric heating elements arranged in an array within the molten pool.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the electric heating element is disposed on the bottom and / or sidewall of the molten pool.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the glass melting furnace further includes a fuel supply system connected to the spray gun for supplying fuel to the spray gun.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the fuel supply system includes: a hydrogen supply branch, a fossil fuel supply branch, and a mixing device; the mixing device is used to adjust the hydrogen blending ratio and output hydrogen-blended fuel to the spray gun.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the glass melting furnace further includes a control system for adjusting the fuel flow rate and / or hydrogen blending ratio of the lance, and adjusting the current and / or voltage of the second heating element, so as to achieve temperature control of different areas of the molten pool. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a front view of a glass furnace provided in some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a side view of a glass furnace provided in some embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Kiln body; 11. Melting pool; 2. First heating element; 3. Second heating element. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the present invention provides a glass melting furnace, comprising: a furnace body 1, a first heating element 2, and a second heating element 3; a molten pool 11 is provided at the bottom of the furnace body 1 for containing molten glass; the first heating element 2 is installed at the top of the furnace body 1 and sprays flames toward the molten pool 11 to heat the surface of the molten glass in the molten pool 11; the second heating element 3 is disposed in the molten pool 11 for heating the molten glass.

[0023] Specifically, by installing the first heating element 2 on the top of the furnace body 1 and spraying flames towards the molten pool 11, the surface area of ​​the molten glass is heated; the second heating element 3 is placed inside the molten pool 11 to compensate for the internal area of ​​the molten glass, thus forming a composite heating mode. This avoids the local heat concentration or insufficient coverage caused by relying solely on side / bottom heating. Top heating helps to form a larger coverage area on the surface of the molten pool 11, while the second heating element 3 inside the molten pool 11 further supplements the heat to the inside of the molten glass, reducing the temperature difference between the top and bottom and local cold spots, thereby making the overall temperature distribution of the molten pool 11 more uniform. This glass melting furnace, through the rapid input of high-temperature heat to the surface of the molten glass by the first heating element 2 and the precise compensation of the inside of the molten glass by the second heating element 3, can shorten the time to reach the target working condition and reduce ineffective heat loss, thus improving melting efficiency. At the same time, it can reduce fuel consumption or power consumption while ensuring quality, achieving better energy utilization and improving product qualification rate and yield.

[0024] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first heating element 2 includes a spray gun and an adjustment mechanism. The spray gun is disposed on the top of the kiln body 1 through the adjustment structure, and the adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the distance between the nozzle of the spray gun and the surface of the molten glass.

[0025] Specifically, by adjusting the distance between the nozzle and the surface of the molten glass, the intensity of radiative heat transfer and the effective coverage area of ​​the flame on the molten glass surface can be changed, achieving continuous and adjustable heating intensity of the molten pool 11 surface. This eliminates local overheating or underheating, reduces the lateral and longitudinal temperature difference of the molten pool 11, improves melting, clarification, and homogenization effects, and increases glass melting quality and yield. When temperature deviations exist in different areas of the molten pool 11, the spacing of the corresponding nozzles can be adjusted to achieve fine-tuning of the heat input in local areas, forming a more precise temperature control method that closely meets the requirements.

[0026] Understandably, by increasing the distance between the nozzle and the surface of the molten glass or optimizing the distance setting, the direct scouring intensity of the flame on the liquid surface can be reduced while ensuring heat input, thereby reducing the loss of volatile components and the resulting risk of compositional fluctuations, and improving the stability of product composition.

[0027] In some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of first heating elements 2 are provided, and the plurality of first heating elements 2 are arranged in an array.

[0028] Specifically, the arrangement of multiple spray guns in an array allows the flames from each gun to form a more continuous heat coverage on the surface of the molten pool 11. This significantly improves the problem of insufficient localized heating that often occurs with traditional side-spraying, resulting in more uniform heat input and improved glass melting uniformity. The nozzles of the spray guns are vertically downwards towards the molten glass, ensuring that the flames are vertically downwards and the heat acts directly on the surface of the molten glass.

[0029] Understandably, the distribution of the spray gun array allows for the adjustment of fuel quantity, hydrogen doping ratio, and spray gun height / spacing for individual spray guns according to the temperature requirements of different areas of the molten pool 11. This enables more precise zoned temperature control, reducing problems such as insufficient melting and incomplete clarification caused by local overheating or underheating, thereby improving the consistency of glass melt quality and yield.

[0030] The arrayed multi-sprayer structure allows for flexible configuration of the number, specifications, and arrangement of sprayers according to the scale of the glass melting furnace and the composition of the glass batch. Furthermore, the height / spacing of the sprayers can be adjusted in conjunction with the fuel pressure, thereby maintaining a stable heat distribution and melting effect under different production capacities, different glass types, and fluctuating fuel compositions.

[0031] In some embodiments of the present invention, the top of the kiln body 1 is set in an arched structure, and the ratio of the arch height h to the arch span d is 1 / 10 to 1 / 9.

[0032] Specifically, by setting the top of the kiln body 1 into a micro-arched structure and controlling the span ratio (f=h / d) between 1 / 10 and 1 / 9, the arch is kept gentle. This provides sufficient top space to form a high-temperature flame space and a more stable installation and working environment for the top heating elements, while avoiding the adverse stress trends caused by excessive arching. This is beneficial to the long-term stability and operational reliability of the kiln top structure. In addition, compared with traditional arched roofs, it helps to disperse heat and airflow, making the temperature distribution inside the kiln more uniform. This promotes uniform heating and melting of the molten glass, further reducing the temperature difference in the molten pool 11 and improving melting quality and finished product stability.

[0033] In some embodiments of the present invention, a lightweight insulation layer is provided on the top of the kiln body 1, and the material of the lightweight insulation layer includes aluminum silicate fiber cotton and / or expanded perlite.

[0034] Specifically, lightweight insulation materials used for kiln roof insulation can reduce weight while meeting insulation requirements, thereby reducing pressure on the arch and promoting long-term stable operation of the arch while reducing the risk of structural deformation / damage. Aluminosilicate fiber cotton and expanded perlite typically have low thermal conductivity and good insulation performance. When placed at the top of the kiln body 1, they can reduce heat loss and thermal radiation loss from the kiln roof, allowing more heat to be used for heating the molten pool 11. This, in turn, helps reduce energy consumption per unit product and improves the overall thermal efficiency of combustion / electrofusion.

[0035] Understandably, with enhanced top insulation, temperature fluctuations in the kiln top area decrease and heat distribution becomes more stable, which helps maintain a more stable high-temperature flame space. Combined with top firing to heat the surface of the molten glass, this can further improve the uniformity of the temperature field and reduce the risk of uneven melting quality and reduced yield caused by temperature differences.

[0036] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second heating element 3 is an electric heating element, and multiple electric heating elements are provided and distributed in an array within the molten pool 11.

[0037] Specifically, the arrangement of multiple electric heating elements in an array creates a more uniform volumetric heat source distribution within / at the bottom of the molten pool 11. This avoids localized overheating or cold spots caused by single-point electric heating, thus more effectively maintaining a uniform temperature of the molten glass, reducing the temperature difference between the top and bottom, and further resolving the problem of uneven melting quality caused by large temperature differences. The first heating element 2 at the top primarily enhances surface heating, while the array of electric heating elements continuously replenishes heat inside the molten pool 11, effectively compensating for insufficient internal temperature. This promotes overall uniform heating of the molten glass, improving melting efficiency and glass quality stability.

[0038] Understandably, maintaining a more uniform temperature in the molten glass using an array of electric heating elements can reduce the severe convection and flow field instability caused by temperature differences between the top and bottom, thereby reducing the risk of defects such as streaks and bubbles caused by convection and ultimately improving the yield. Multiple electric heating elements can be used in conjunction with control strategies to adjust the power of each area, achieving precise regulation of the molten glass temperature; for example, accurate compensation can be achieved through precise control of current / voltage to improve temperature consistency in different areas and adapt to different glass types and load fluctuations.

[0039] In some embodiments of the present invention, the electric heating elements are disposed on the bottom and / or sidewalls of the molten pool 11.

[0040] Specifically, the electric heating electrodes are arranged at the bottom or side of the melting pool, which can directly supplement the heat of the molten glass in the lower part of the furnace pool while ensuring temperature uniformity in the lateral areas. This more effectively maintains the uniformity of the molten glass temperature, reduces the temperature difference between the top and bottom of the molten glass, and reduces the risk of low-temperature zones caused by greater heat dissipation in the edge areas. Top flame heating mainly relies on surface heat transfer, and insufficient heat is prone to occur in the lower part of the melting pool 11. With the electric heating elements set at the bottom and / or side walls, continuous compensatory heating of the lower molten glass can be provided to compensate for the insufficient temperature of the flame heating in the lower part of the furnace pool, thereby improving melting efficiency and glass quality stability.

[0041] Understandably, bottom / sidewall heating can suppress excessive convection driven by the temperature difference between the top and bottom, making thermal convection within the molten pool 11 more controllable and stable. This reduces defects caused by glass convection and helps improve finished product consistency and yield. Distributing the electric heating elements at the bottom and / or sidewalls allows for more precise power distribution and supplementary heating strategies for different areas, facilitating the maintenance of a stable temperature field under load fluctuations, different glass types, or different batch conditions.

[0042] In some embodiments of the present invention, the glass melting furnace further includes a fuel supply system connected to the spray gun for supplying fuel to the spray gun.

[0043] Specifically, the fuel supply system continuously supplies fuel to the spray guns, enabling them to stably eject gaseous fuel and create a high-temperature flame space. This supports the continuous initial melting, heating, and clarification of the batch, reducing temperature fluctuations within the kiln caused by fuel supply fluctuations, and contributing to stable glass melting quality and product consistency. As the fuel supply interface and actuator for the spray guns, the fuel supply system facilitates the adjustment of fuel supply parameters for each spray gun, thereby more effectively eliminating localized overheating / underheating, reducing temperature differences, and mitigating the problem of uneven melting quality leading to a decrease in yield.

[0044] Understandably, the fuel supply system enables the engineered management and allocation of fuel supply conditions such as fuel pressure / flow rate, and works in conjunction with the nozzle height adjustment to improve combustion adaptability and operational stability under different operating conditions.

[0045] In some embodiments of the present invention, the fuel supply system includes: a hydrogen supply branch, a fossil fuel supply branch, and a mixing device; the mixing device is used to adjust the hydrogen blending ratio and output hydrogen-blended fuel to the spray gun.

[0046] Specifically, the mixing device adjusts the hydrogen blending ratio and supplies hydrogen-blended fuel to the spray gun. The hydrogen ratio can be used as a controllable parameter, working in conjunction with the spray gun fuel quantity and height to achieve precise adjustment of heat input to different areas of the molten pool 11. This more effectively reduces temperature differences, improves melting uniformity, and increases yield. By setting up hydrogen supply branches and fossil fuel supply branches, the system can quickly adjust the blending ratio through the mixing device under conditions such as changes in fuel composition and fluctuations in combustion pressure. This maintains controllable and stable fuel at the spray gun inlet, thereby improving the consistency of combustion conditions and the stability of the temperature field within the kiln.

[0047] In some embodiments of the present invention, the glass melting furnace further includes a control system for adjusting the fuel flow rate and / or hydrogen blending ratio of the lance, and adjusting the current and / or voltage of the second heating element 3, so as to achieve temperature control of different areas of the molten pool 11.

[0048] Specifically, the control system can independently adjust the fuel quantity and hydrogen doping parameters of a single spray gun according to the temperature requirements of different areas of the molten pool 11, and adjust the height of the spray gun in conjunction with the temperature, thereby achieving precise temperature control, reducing local overheating / underheating, and reducing the lateral temperature difference of the molten pool 11.

[0049] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A glass melting furnace, characterized in that, include: A kiln body (1) is provided at the bottom of the kiln body (1), and the molten pool (11) is used to hold molten glass. The first heating element (2) is installed on the top of the kiln body (1). The first heating element (2) sprays flames toward the molten pool (11) to heat the surface of the molten glass in the molten pool (11). The second heating element (3) is disposed in the molten pool (11) for heating the molten glass.

2. The glass melting furnace according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first heating element (2) includes a spray gun and an adjustment mechanism. The spray gun is set on the top of the kiln body (1) through the adjustment structure. The adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the distance between the nozzle of the spray gun and the surface of the molten glass.

3. The glass melting furnace according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first heating element (2) is provided in multiple forms, and the multiple first heating elements (2) are arranged in an array.

4. The glass melting furnace according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the kiln body (1) is set in an arched structure, and the ratio of the arch height h to the arch span d is 1 / 10 to 1 / 9.

5. The glass melting furnace according to claim 4, characterized in that, The top of the kiln body (1) is provided with a lightweight insulation layer, the material of which includes aluminum silicate fiber cotton and / or expanded perlite.

6. The glass melting furnace according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second heating element (3) is an electric heating element, and there are multiple electric heating elements, which are arranged in an array within the molten pool (11).

7. The glass melting furnace according to claim 6, characterized in that, The electric heating elements are disposed at the bottom and / or sidewalls of the molten pool (11).

8. The glass melting furnace according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a fuel supply system, which is connected to the spray gun and is used to supply fuel to the spray gun.

9. The glass melting furnace according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fuel supply system includes a hydrogen supply branch, a fossil fuel supply branch, and a mixing device; the mixing device is used to adjust the hydrogen blending ratio and output hydrogen-blended fuel to the spray gun.

10. The glass melting furnace according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a control system for adjusting the fuel flow rate and / or hydrogen mixing ratio of the spray gun and for adjusting the current and / or voltage of the second heating element (3) to achieve temperature control of different areas of the molten pool (11).

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