Glass manufacturing equipment

Abstract

A glass manufacturing apparatus is disclosed. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a conduit defining a length. The conduit includes an interior passageway defining a conduit cross-sectional footprint having a first cross-sectional area at a point along the length. The apparatus further includes an expansion drum positioned along the length of the conduit or adjacent and collinear with the conduit. The expansion drum defines an expansion drum cross-sectional footprint and a length. The expansion drum cross-sectional footprint extends outwardly of the conduit cross-sectional footprint. The expansion drum includes a second cross-sectional area at a second point along the length of the conduit. The second cross-sectional area is greater than the first cross-sectional area. The apparatus may further include one or more reinforcing members attached to and extending along a portion of the length of the conduit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 428,481, filed November 29, 2022, the contents of which are herein relied upon and incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to an apparatus for shaping molten glass, and more particularly to a conduit for transporting molten glass. A method of shaping molten glass is also described. [Background technology]

[0003] Manufacturing equipment for shaping molten glass typically includes a conduit configured to transport molten glass from one component of the equipment to another. For example, the conduit can extend between a melting tank and a downstream component, such as a stirring tank. The conduit can be configured with crimps formed by deforming (e.g., bending) metal against a die to provide radial stiffness along the length of the conduit (which can result in thinned sections of the wall). However, these crimps can result in multiple failure points within the conduit due to structural thinning, which can induce a greater rate of oxidation compared to the non-crimped portion of the conduit.

[0004] In particular, to maintain and increase the temperature of the molten glass, electrical current can be delivered to the conduit through one or more electrical flanges attached to and in electrical communication with the conduit. The electrical current travels through the conduit between the electrical flanges, heating the conduit by Joule heating, which in turn heats the molten glass within the conduit. Such Joule heating can be used, for example, to control the viscosity of the molten glass in preparation for downstream forming processes. However, the temperature increases in the reduced-thickness section (such as the crimp), thereby increasing oxidation in that section, which in turn further thins the (already reduced) section.

[0005] Due to the high temperatures and corrosive nature of molten glass, many components of manufacturing equipment are formed from heat- and corrosion-resistant metals. These components, including crimps, are often thin-walled due to the expense of these metals. For certain glasses, the processing temperature can approach the melting temperature of the metal. Because the metal is very thin and can be exposed to high temperatures, the component structure can therefore lack sufficient strength and be prone to failure, such as by settling over time. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to glass manufacturing apparatuses including conduits having radial and / or lateral support for maintaining structural integrity as molten glass flows therethrough. The glass manufacturing apparatus may include a conduit having one or more reinforcing members attached to the exterior of the conduit to provide such support. Additionally, at least one expansion drum may be positioned along the length of the conduit adjacent to or collinear with the conduit and configured for thermal expansion of the glass manufacturing apparatus during temperature fluctuations, e.g., during heating and cooling of the apparatus.

[0007] The use of at least one expansion drum and / or reinforcing member allows the conduit to have a uniform wall thickness because the at least one expansion drum can relieve strain due to thermal expansion.

[0008] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a casting, e.g., a refractory casting, configured to surround and support the conduit. Molten glass may flow through the conduit and exert pressure on the casting due to the weight of the molten glass. In this regard, the casting can help prevent deformation of the conduit by supporting it. In some embodiments, the casting may support a top portion of the conduit above the flow of molten glass by engaging one or more reinforcing members. The reinforcing members may be shaped to be held within the casting so that the conduit maintains a desired conduit shape and does not sink above the flow of molten glass.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, a glass manufacturing apparatus includes a conduit configured to carry a flow of molten glass therethrough, the conduit having a length, and an internal passage defining a conduit cross-sectional footprint having a first cross-sectional area at a first location along the length of the conduit. The apparatus further includes an expansion drum positioned along the length of the conduit. The expansion drum defines an expansion drum cross-sectional footprint having a second cross-sectional area at a second location. The second cross-sectional footprint may be parallel to the first cross-sectional footprint. The expansion drum cross-sectional footprint extends outward from the conduit cross-sectional footprint. That is, the second cross-sectional area of ​​the expansion drum at the second location is greater than the first cross-sectional area of ​​the conduit at the first location, such that the distance from the central longitudinal axis of the expansion drum to the outer periphery of the expansion drum is greater than the distance from the central longitudinal axis of the conduit to the outer periphery of the conduit. The central longitudinal axis of the expansion drum may be parallel to and coaxial with the central longitudinal axis of the conduit. The device may further comprise a reinforcing member attached to and extending along a portion of the length of the conduit.

[0010] In some embodiments, the apparatus can further include an electrical flange attached to the expansion drum. In some embodiments, the expansion drum can include a first expansion drum and a second expansion drum, and the reinforcing member can extend between the first expansion drum and the second expansion drum.

[0011] In some embodiments, the reinforcing member may comprise a first reinforcing member and a second reinforcing member. The first reinforcing member and the second reinforcing member may be spaced apart by at least 30 degrees over one-third of the circumference of the conduit. In some embodiments, the first reinforcing member and the second reinforcing member may be symmetrical about a vertex of the circumference of the conduit. In some embodiments, the first reinforcing member and the second reinforcing member may be spaced apart by 120 degrees or less. In some embodiments, the device may further comprise a third reinforcing member. The third reinforcing member may comprise a third-member length, the first reinforcing member may comprise a first-member length, and the second reinforcing member may define a second-member length. The third-member length may differ from the first-member length and the second-member length. In some embodiments, the reinforcing member may comprise at least one non-linear portion.

[0012] The device may further include a casting, e.g., a refractory casting, surrounding the conduit. At least one non-linear portion of the reinforcing member may engage the casting. For example, the at least one reinforcing member may extend into and be anchored within the casting. In some embodiments, the conduit of the device may include platinum. For example, the conduit may include a platinum alloy, such as a platinum-rhodium alloy.

[0013] In another exemplary embodiment, a glass manufacturing apparatus is provided. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a conduit having a length. The conduit further includes an internal passage defining a conduit cross-sectional area at a first location along the length. The internal passage is configured to carry a flow of molten glass therethrough. The system further includes at least one expansion drum positioned at the first location. The at least one expansion drum defines an expanded drum cross-sectional footprint at the first location having a second cross-sectional area. The expanded drum cross-sectional footprint extends outside the conduit cross-sectional footprint. The second cross-sectional area is larger than the first cross-sectional area. The apparatus may further include a casting disposed about the conduit. The system further includes at least one reinforcing member attached to and extending along a portion of the length of the conduit. The at least one reinforcing member is engaged with the casting.

[0014] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise an electrical flange attached to or surrounding the periphery of the at least one expansion drum, the electrical flange extending through the casting.

[0015] In some embodiments, the at least one reinforcing member may comprise a first section and a second section. The first section may extend on a first side of the at least one expanding drum, and the second section may extend on a second side of the at least one expanding drum. In some embodiments, the at least one reinforcing member may comprise at least a first reinforcing member and a second reinforcing member. The first reinforcing member and the second reinforcing member may be positioned 30 to 120 degrees apart. In some embodiments, the at least one reinforcing member may be positioned on a portion of the conduit above the glass line of the molten glass flow.

[0016] In yet another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for manufacturing glass is disclosed. The apparatus may include a first conduit extending between a first expanding drum and a second expanding drum, the first conduit including an internal passage configured to carry a flow of molten glass therethrough. The first conduit defines a first cross-sectional area at a first location along a length of the first conduit. The first expanding drum defines a second cross-sectional area at a second location along a length of the first expanding drum. The second expanding drum defines a third cross-sectional area at a third location along a length of the second expanding drum. The second cross-sectional area is larger than the first cross-sectional area, and the third cross-sectional area is larger than the first cross-sectional area. The apparatus may further include a first electrical flange connected around the first expanding drum and a second electrical flange connected around the second expanding drum.

[0017] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a reinforcing member attached to the first conduit and extending at least partially between the first and second expanding drums. For example, the reinforcing member may include at least a first reinforcing member and a second reinforcing member positioned about 30 degrees to about 120 degrees apart. In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a second conduit attached to one of the first or second expanding drums. In some embodiments, the conduit may include platinum.

[0018] In yet another exemplary embodiment, a glass manufacturing apparatus is provided. The glass manufacturing apparatus includes a conduit having a length, the conduit including an internal passage configured to carry a flow of molten glass therethrough. The glass manufacturing apparatus may further include a plurality of reinforcing members extending along a portion of the length of the conduit and spaced circumferentially around the conduit.

[0019] In some embodiments, the reinforcing member may comprise a first reinforcing member and a second reinforcing member, and the first reinforcing member and the second reinforcing member may be positioned between about 30 degrees and about 120 degrees apart.

[0020] Having thus generally described the present disclosure, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which are not drawn to scale. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus according to some embodiments discussed herein. [Figure 2A] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a conduit for transporting molten glass when initially positioned during use, according to some embodiments discussed herein. [Figure 2B] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a conduit for transporting molten glass when an upper portion of the conduit is undergoing subsidence after operating at a high temperature, according to some embodiments discussed herein. [Figure 2C]1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a conduit for transporting molten glass when the subsidence is large enough to bring the submerged top of the conduit into contact with the free surface (e.g., glass line) of the molten glass therein, effectively isolating the space at one end of the conduit from the space at another end of the conduit, according to some embodiments discussed herein. [Figure 3] 2B illustrates a schematic longitudinal cross-section of the exemplary conduit illustrated in FIG. 2A according to certain embodiments discussed herein. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus according to some embodiments discussed herein. [Figure 5A] 5 illustrates a perspective view of a cross section of the example glass manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 4 taken across line AA, according to certain embodiments discussed herein. [Figure 5B] 5 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the example glass manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 4 taken across line BB according to certain embodiments discussed herein. [Figure 5C] 5 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the example glass manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 4 taken across line CC, according to certain embodiments discussed herein. [Figure 6A] 5 illustrates a cross-sectional footprint of the conduit shown in FIG. 4 taken across line AA, according to certain embodiments discussed herein. [Figure 6B] 5 illustrates a cross-sectional footprint of the expansion drum shown in FIG. 4 taken across line BB, according to certain embodiments discussed herein. [Figure 6C] 1 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary expansion drum according to some embodiments discussed herein. [Figure 7A] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary configuration of a reinforcing member according to some embodiments discussed herein. [Figure 7B] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary configuration of a reinforcing member according to some embodiments discussed herein. [Figure 7C]1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary configuration of a reinforcing member according to some embodiments discussed herein. [Figure 7D] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary configuration of a reinforcing member according to some embodiments discussed herein. [Figure 8A] 1 illustrates a top view of an exemplary configuration of a reinforcing member according to some embodiments discussed herein. [Figure 8B] 1 illustrates a top view of an exemplary configuration of a reinforcing member according to some embodiments discussed herein. [Figure 8C] 1 illustrates a top view of an exemplary configuration of a reinforcing member according to some embodiments discussed herein. [Figure 8D] 1 illustrates a top view of an exemplary configuration of a reinforcing member according to some embodiments discussed herein. [Figure 9A] 1 illustrates an exemplary profile configuration of a reinforcing member according to some embodiments discussed herein. [Figure 9B] 1 illustrates an exemplary profile configuration of a reinforcing member according to some embodiments discussed herein. [Figure 9C] 1 illustrates an exemplary profile configuration of a reinforcing member according to some embodiments discussed herein. [Figure 9D] 1 illustrates an exemplary profile configuration of a reinforcing member according to some embodiments discussed herein. [Figure 10] 1 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for glass manufacturing according to some embodiments discussed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, although not all exemplary embodiments are shown in the drawings. Indeed, the examples described and depicted herein should not be construed as limitations on the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0023] Directional terms used herein, such as up, down, right, left, front, back, top, and bottom, are for reference only as depicted in the figures and are not intended to imply absolute orientation.

[0024] As used herein, the term conduit generally refers to a structure defining a hollow interior configured to transport molten glass therethrough. Conduits may be configured for transport purposes or may be configured to perform additional functions. For example, conduits may be configured to remove gases from molten glass, and they may be referred to herein as fining assemblies or fining vessels, although such fining assemblies or fining vessels may nevertheless generally belong to the family of conduits.

[0025] An exemplary glass manufacturing apparatus 10 is shown in Figure 1. The glass manufacturing apparatus 10 includes a glass melting furnace 12 that includes a melting tank 14. In addition to the melting tank 14, the glass melting furnace 12 can optionally include one or more additional components, such as heating elements (e.g., combustion burners and / or electrodes) configured to heat the raw materials 24 and convert the raw materials 24 into molten material (hereinafter, molten glass). For example, the melting tank 14 can be an electrically boosted melting tank, in which case energy can be added to the raw materials 24 through combustion burners and by direct heating (e.g., an electric current is passed through the raw materials 24, whereby the electric current adds energy via Joule heating of the raw materials 24).

[0026] The glass melting furnace 12 may include other thermal management devices (e.g., thermal insulation components) that reduce heat loss from the melting tank. The glass melting furnace 12 may include electronic and / or electromechanical devices that facilitate the melting of the raw materials 24 into a glass melt. The glass melting furnace 12 may include support structures (e.g., support chassis, support members, etc.) or other components.

[0027] The melting tank 14 can be formed from a refractory material, for example, a refractory ceramic material including alumina or zirconia, although the refractory ceramic material can include other refractory materials, such as yttrium (e.g., yttria, yttria-stabilized zirconia, yttrium phosphate), zircon (ZrSiO), or alumina-zirconia-silica, or even chromium oxide, either instead of or in any combination. In some examples, the melting tank 14 can be constructed from refractory ceramic bricks.

[0028] The glass melting furnace 12 may be incorporated as a component of a glass manufacturing apparatus 10 configured to produce glass articles, such as glass ribbon 60, although the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 may be configured to form other glass articles, such as, but not limited to, glass rods, glass tubes, glass envelopes (e.g., glass envelopes for lighting devices, e.g., light bulbs), and glass lenses. In some examples, the melting furnace 12 may be included in a glass manufacturing apparatus 10 that includes a slot draw apparatus, a float bath apparatus, a downdraw apparatus (e.g., a fusion downdraw apparatus), an updraw apparatus, a press apparatus, a rolling mill apparatus, a tube draw apparatus, or any other glass manufacturing apparatus that would benefit from the present disclosure. By way of example, FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a glass melting furnace 12 as a component of a fusion downdraw glass manufacturing apparatus 10 for fusion drawing a glass ribbon into individual glass sheets for subsequent processing or rolling the glass ribbon onto spools. As used herein, fusion draw involves flowing molten glass over the sloping, e.g., converging, sides of a forming body, with the resulting streams of molten material meeting or "fusing" at the bottom of the forming body to form ribbon 60.

[0029] Glass manufacturing system 10 may optionally include upstream glass manufacturing equipment 16 positioned upstream of melting tank 14. In some embodiments, a portion or all of upstream glass manufacturing equipment 16 may be incorporated as part of glass melting furnace 12.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1 , the upstream glass-making apparatus 16 may include a raw material storage bin 18, a raw material delivery device 20, and a motor 22 connected to the raw material delivery device 20. The raw material storage bin 18 may be configured to store raw material 24, which may be fed into the melting tank 14 of the glass melting furnace 12 through one or more feed ports, as indicated by arrow 26. The raw material 24 typically includes one or more glass-forming metal oxides and one or more modifiers. In some examples, the raw material delivery device 20 may be powered by the motor 22 to deliver a predetermined amount of raw material 24 from the raw material storage bin 18 to the melting tank 14. In further examples, the motor 22 may power the raw material delivery device 20 to introduce the raw material 24 at a controlled rate based on a level of molten glass 28 sensed downstream from the melting tank 14 relative to the direction of flow of the molten glass 28. The raw material 24 in the melting tank 14 may then be heated to form molten glass 28. Typically, the raw material 24 is added to the melting tank 14 as particulates, e.g., various "sands." The raw material 24 may also include waste glass (i.e., cullet) from previous melting and / or forming operations. In some embodiments, a combustion burner may be used to initiate the melting process. In an electrically boosted melting process, once the electrical resistance of the raw material 24 is sufficiently reduced by the combustion burner, an electrically boosted melting process may be initiated by generating an electrical potential between electrodes positioned in contact with the raw material 24, thereby establishing an electrical current through the raw material 24, which typically enters or is in a molten state.

[0031] Glass manufacturing apparatus 10 may also include downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 positioned downstream of glass melting furnace 12 relative to the direction of flow of molten glass 28. In some examples, a portion of downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may be incorporated as part of glass melting furnace 12. For example, first connecting conduit 32, discussed below, or other portions of downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may be incorporated as part of glass melting furnace 12.

[0032] The downstream glass-making apparatus 30 may include a first conditioning device, e.g., a fining vessel 34, located downstream of the melting vessel 14 and coupled to the melting vessel 14 by the above-mentioned first connecting conduit 32. In some examples, the molten glass 28 may be gravity-fed from the melting vessel 14 to the fining vessel 34 via an internal passage of the first connecting conduit 32. The first connecting conduit 32 thus provides a flow path for the molten glass 28 from the melting vessel 14 to the fining vessel 34. However, other conditioning chambers may be positioned downstream of the melting vessel 14, e.g., between the melting vessel 14 and the fining vessel 34. In some embodiments, a conditioning chamber may be employed between the melting vessel 14 and the fining vessel 34. For example, the molten glass from the first melting vessel may be further heated in a second melting (conditioning) vessel or cooled in the second melting vessel to a temperature lower than the temperature of the molten glass in the first melting vessel before entering the conditioning chamber 34.

[0033] Gas bubbles can be removed from the molten glass 28 by various techniques. For example, the raw material 24 may include a polyvalent compound (e.g., a fining agent), such as tin oxide, that undergoes a chemical reduction reaction to release oxygen when heated. Other suitable fining agents may include, but are not limited to, arsenic, antimony, iron, and / or cerium, although in some applications, the use of arsenic and antimony may be prohibited for environmental reasons due to their toxicity. The fining vessel 34 may, for example, be heated to a temperature higher than the internal temperature of the melting vessel 14, thereby heating the fining agent. Oxygen produced by the temperature-induced chemical reduction of one or more fining agents contained in the molten glass 28 may diffuse into the gas bubbles generated during the melting process. The enlarged gas bubbles, with increased buoyancy, then rise to the glass line of the molten glass 28 in the fining vessel 34 and can then be vented from the fining vessel 34, for example, through a vent pipe in fluid communication with the atmosphere above the glass line, which is the surface of the molten glass between the molten glass stream and the gas atmosphere above the molten glass stream.

[0034] The downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may further include a mixing device 36, e.g., another conditioning chamber such as a stirred tank, for mixing the molten glass flowing downstream from the fining vessel 34. The mixing device 36 may be used to provide a uniform glass melt composition, thereby reducing chemical and / or thermal inhomogeneities that may be present in the molten glass exiting the fining vessel 34. As shown, the fining vessel 34 may be coupled to the mixing device 36 via a second connecting conduit 38. Thus, the molten glass 28 may be gravity-fed from the fining vessel 34 to the mixing device 36 through the internal passage of the second connecting conduit 38. For example, gravity may drive the molten glass 28 from the fining vessel 34 to the mixing device 36. Typically, the molten glass in the mixing device 36 includes a glass line having a free (e.g., gaseous) volume extending between the glass line and the top of the mixing device 36. Although mixing device 36 is shown downstream of fining vessel 34 relative to the direction of flow of molten glass 28, mixing device 36 may be positioned upstream of fining vessel 34 in other embodiments. In some embodiments, downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may include multiple mixing devices, such as a mixing device upstream from fining vessel 34 and a mixing device downstream from fining vessel 34. Multiple mixing devices, if used, may be of the same design or may be of different designs. One or more of the vessels and / or conduits may include stationary mixing blades positioned therein to promote mixing and subsequent homogenization of the molten materials.

[0035] The downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may further include another conditioning chamber, such as a feed vessel 40 located downstream from the mixing apparatus 36. The feed vessel 40 may function as an accumulator and / or flow controller to regulate and / or provide a constant flow of molten glass 28 to the forming body 42 via an outlet conduit 44. The molten glass 28 in the feed vessel 40, in some embodiments, may include a glass line, with a free volume extending upward from the glass line to the top of the feed vessel 40. As shown, the mixing apparatus 36 may be coupled to the feed vessel 40 via a third connecting conduit 46. In some examples, the molten glass 28 may be gravity fed from the mixing apparatus 36 to the feed vessel 40 through an internal passage of the third connecting conduit 46.

[0036] The downstream glass manufacturing apparatus 30 may further include a forming apparatus 48 comprising the above-described forming body 42, including an inlet conduit 50. The outlet conduit 44 may be positioned to deliver molten glass 28 from the feed vessel 40 to the inlet conduit 50 of the forming apparatus 48. The forming body 42 in a fusion downdraw glass making apparatus may include a trough 52 positioned on the upper surface of the forming body 42 and opposing converging forming surfaces 54 that converge in a draw direction 56 along a bottom edge (root) 58 of the forming body 42. The molten glass 28 delivered to the forming trough 52 via the feed vessel 40, the outlet conduit 44, and the inlet conduit 50 overflows the walls of the trough 52 and descends along the converging forming surfaces 54 as a separate stream of molten glass. The separate streams of molten glass converge below and along the root 58 to produce a ribbon 60 of molten glass that is drawn from the root 58 in a draw direction 56 by applying downward tension to the glass ribbon, such as by gravity and / or counter-rotating pull rolls. The downward tension and temperature of the molten material can be used to control the dimensions of the ribbon 60 (hereinafter, glass ribbon) as the molten material cools and the viscosity of the material increases. Thus, the glass ribbon 60 undergoes a viscosity transition from a viscous state to a viscoelastic state to an elastic state, acquiring mechanical properties that give the glass ribbon 60 stable dimensional properties. The glass ribbon 60 can be separated into shorter lengths, such as glass sheets 62, by a glass separator 64. Alternatively, the glass ribbon 60 can be wound up.

[0037] Components of the downstream glass-making equipment 30, including any one or more of the connecting conduits 32, 38, 46, the fining vessel 34, the mixing device 36, the feed vessel 40, the outlet conduit 44, or the inlet conduit 50, may be formed from precious metals. Suitable precious metals include platinum group metals selected from the group consisting of platinum, iridium, rhodium, osmium, ruthenium, and palladium, or alloys thereof. For example, the downstream components of the glass-making equipment may be formed from a platinum-rhodium alloy comprising about 70% to about 90% by weight platinum and about 10% to about 30% by weight rhodium.

[0038] For certain components of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10, particularly those metal components operated at high temperatures, e.g., above about 1300°C, e.g., above 1400°C, above about 1500°C, above about 1600°C, or even above about 1700°C, but below the melting point of the metal component, the structural integrity of the component may be compromised by the high temperatures to which it is exposed and the thinness of the component. That is, platinum and other platinum group metals (and / or their alloys) are expensive. Therefore, components incorporating these metals (e.g., including any one or more of the connecting conduits 32, 38, 46, the fining vessel 34, the mixing device 36, the feed vessel 40, the outlet conduit 44, or the inlet conduit 50) may be made with thin walls (e.g., having a thickness of about 0.254 cm or less) to reduce costs. Pure platinum, for example, has a melting temperature of 1768°C. In some optical-quality glass-making equipment, such as that for aluminosilicate glasses such as glass substrates used in the manufacture of optical display devices, platinum-containing components may be operated at temperatures above 1600°C or even above 1700°C, very close to the melting temperature of platinum. One such example is the fining vessel 34, a specialized metal conduit used to remove gases (e.g., gas bubbles) from molten glass. The fining vessel 34 may be operated partially empty; that is, a gas atmosphere is maintained above the glass line of the molten glass 28, providing an area within the fining vessel 34 where gases removed from the molten glass 28 can accumulate and be vented from the fining vessel 34. However, at least because this gas atmosphere is less efficient at removing heat from the fining vessel 34 than the molten glass in contact with the lower portion of the fining vessel 34, the upper portion of the fining vessel 34 may be hotter than the lower portion. In addition, the gas atmosphere provides less mechanical and / or hydraulic support than a comparable conduit completely filled with molten glass. Over time, gravity can cause the upper portion of the fining vessel 34 to sag downward, narrowing the internal passages of the fining vessel 34. This sagging can result in increased resistance to the flow of molten glass through the fining vessel 34 and its possible structural failure (e.g., collapse of the fining vessel). Connecting other vessels, such as the conduits described herein, can also lead to such results for these or other reasons.

[0039] By way of example, Figures 2A-2C depict multiple cross-sectional views (in planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) of an exemplary fining vessel 34 shown at multiple points in time, e.g., (a) at the beginning of the melting operation (Figure 2A), and (b) and (c) later in time during operation (Figures 2B and 2C, respectively), e.g., after 10,000 hours of operation. Figure 3, for example, is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fining vessel 34 of Figure 2C. The exemplary fining vessel 34 of Figure 2A is depicted with walls 70 defining an initial circular cross-sectional shape. However, in some embodiments, the fining vessel 34 may have other initial cross-sectional shapes, e.g., elliptical, oval, another curved, or other shape. The figure illustrates the downward displacement 80 of the upper portion of the fining vessel 34 of Figure 2B after extended (e.g., 10,000 hours) operation at the processing temperature of the molten glass 28. In some cases, as depicted in FIG. 2C, downward displacement 80 can be large enough that the top of the submerged fining vessel 34 contacts the molten glass 28 being transferred therein. In the illustration of FIG. 3, the ends of the fining vessel 34 extend around the circumference of the fining vessel 34 and may be supported along the length of the fining vessel by, for example, electrical flanges 82 positioned at the ends of the fining vessel to prevent submersion of the fining vessel 34 at the supported portions, so that the greatest displacement occurs at or near the unsupported portion(s) of the fining vessel 34 farthest from the electrical flanges 82. The electrical flanges are connected to an electrical power source that provides current to the electrical flanges, which extends through the flanges and distributes it to the fining vessel around its circumference. Thus, a current is established in the finer vessel walls between the electrical flanges, and the fining vessel walls heat the fining vessel by Joule heating. Other metal conduits within the glass production apparatus may be heated similarly.

[0040] Disassembly analysis performed on a decommissioned fining vessel 34 indicated the potential for top sinkage ranging from approximately 18 millimeters (mm) to over 24 mm with extended high-temperature operation. As suggested by FIG. 2C, if the sinkage of the top of the fining vessel 34 is large enough, the top of the fining vessel 34 may contact the molten glass 28. Proper operation of the fining vessel 34 relies on maintaining a molten glass 28-free volume within the fining vessel 34 above the glass line of the molten glass 28, which forms a reservoir where gases removed from the molten glass 28 can accumulate and be vented from the fining vessel 34. Venting relies on free gas communication, for example, between two electrical flanges 82, throughout this upper molten glass-free volume of the fining vessel 34. For example, if a vent is located at one end of the fining vessel 34 and the fining vessel 34 sinks so that the finer top wall contacts the molten glass 28, this contact may isolate one portion of the molten glass-free volume from another portion of the molten glass-free volume, thereby preventing the free flow of gas through the molten glass-free volume and preventing the venting of accumulated gas. That is, if a portion of the top wall of the fining vessel 34 sinks and comes into contact with the molten glass 28, it can create an isolated pocket of gas within the fining vessel 34 that is blocked from the finer vent and therefore cannot escape the fining vessel 34. Such trapped gas can redissolve in the molten glass or build up pressure within the finer, leading to the fining vessel 34 failing.

[0041] As described, a glass manufacturing apparatus may include multiple components. Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary conditioning device 134 that is a component of a glass manufacturing apparatus according to some embodiments discussed herein. The conditioning device 134 may be designed to reduce and / or mitigate failure points associated with wall thinning and pressure buildup in the molten glass and conduits due to high operating temperatures, as discussed above.

[0042] In some embodiments, the conditioning device 134 may include a conduit 171 defined by a wall 170. In some embodiments, the conduit 171 may include a circular cross-section, while in other embodiments, the conduit 171 may have other cross-sectional shapes, such as an elliptical shape, an oval shape, another curved shape, or other shapes. In this regard, the term circumference should be understood to mean the perimeter or outer periphery of the conduit 171, and diameter should be understood to mean, for example, a measurement of the length of a chord across the conduit 171.

[0043] One or more reinforcing members 172 may be attached to an outer portion of the conduit 171 extending along the length of the conduit 171. The conditioning device 134 may further include at least one expansion drum 190 molded into the conduit 171 or positioned adjacent to and collinear (e.g., coaxial) with the conduit 171 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5B ).

[0044] In some embodiments, the conduit 171 has a length (e.g., FIG. 5C, L) extending between a first connecting conduit (e.g., FIG. 1, 32) and a second connecting conduit (e.g., FIG. 1, 38). C Conduit 171 may define an internal passageway 175 (see, e.g., FIG. 5A for a perspective view of the internal passageway) configured to convey molten glass through conditioning device 134.

[0045] As described above, in some embodiments, the conditioning device 134 may include a fining vessel that releases gas bubbles as the molten glass flows through the fining vessel and the fining material is chemically reduced. In some embodiments, the conditioning device 134 may include an electrical flange 182 attached to the at least one expansion drum 190, which may be in electrical communication with a power source to heat the conduit 171 and thus the molten glass passing therethrough. In some embodiments, one or more reinforcing members 172 may be configured to provide structural support to the conduit 171 (e.g., to help the conduit 171 maintain its desired footprint).

[0046] 5A illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the conditioning apparatus 134 shown in FIG. 4 taken across line AA. In some embodiments, a casting 178 may surround the conduit 171 (shown in FIG. 5B). The casting may be cast around the conduit 171 by pouring a slurry around the conduit 171 and allowing the slurry to solidify. In some embodiments, the casting 178 may be a refractory material (e.g., a ceramic refractory material). In this regard, the casting 178 may provide support to a lower portion of the conduit 171 due to pressure from the molten glass, while one or more reinforcing members 172 may secure an upper portion of the conduit 171 within the casting 178.

[0047] In some embodiments, one or more reinforcing members 172 may be attached (e.g., welded) to conduit 171, while in other embodiments, one or more reinforcing members 172 may be integrally molded with conduit 171. In some embodiments, as discussed further herein, one or more reinforcing members 172 may be anchored, for example, within a casting 178, thereby extending the length (e.g., L C ) to provide support along the length of the reinforcing member 172. In this regard, the non-linear portion of one or more reinforcing members 172 may include bends, curves, corners, or similar features such that it deviates from a straight line.

[0048] 5B, in some embodiments, the electrical flange 182 can be connected to at least one expansion drum 190 at a connection joint 192. In some embodiments, the connection can be formed by welding or a mechanical connection.

[0049] In some embodiments, the casting 178 may enclose at least one expansion drum 190 and a portion of the electrical flange 182, while in other embodiments, the casting 178 may be adjacent to, but not in contact with, the at least one expansion drum 190. In some embodiments, the casting 178 may be positioned adjacent to the at least one expansion drum 190 such that the expansion drum 190 may expand and / or contract with temperature fluctuations of the conduit 171.

[0050] In some embodiments, the casting 178 may be cast to engage one or more reinforcing members 172, such that the contours of the one or more reinforcing members are retained within the casting 178, thereby reducing the length L of the conduit 171. C The support can provide radial and lateral support along the

[0051] 5B illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the conditioning device 134 of FIG. 4 taken along line BB. In some embodiments, the at least one expansion drum 190 can be configured to relieve strain during operation due to elevated temperatures and / or temperature fluctuations within the conduit 171. As described herein, the at least one expansion drum is configured to replace a crimp within the conduit 171.

[0052] As discussed above, in conventional fining vessels utilizing crimping, the crimp was formed by deforming the metal against a die, resulting in thinning of the conduit section. In this regard, the internal passageway had a wall thickness that varied along the length of the conduit. Therefore, when applying an electric current to the electrical flange to heat the conduit, the thinner sections of the conduit heated more quickly and to higher temperatures compared to the surrounding metal. As discussed, temperature is one of the primary factors in oxidation. Therefore, the crimp provided a cycle in which the thinner sections of the conduit 171 heated more quickly compared to the thicker sections of the conduit 171. The increase in temperature increased the oxidation rate, thereby further thinning the material. The cycle was then repeated until the conduit 171 failed due to either subsidence or rupture.

[0053] In contrast, at least one expansion drum 190 may be designed to handle temperature fluctuations of the molten glass, thereby mitigating the need for internal crimps. The use of expansion drum(s) instead of crimps reduces the need for internal crimps because the walls of the conduit 171 are longer than the length L of the conduit 171. CThis means that the conduit wall may have a uniform wall thickness along the wall. The uniformity may therefore allow the conduit wall to heat evenly, thereby limiting oxidation along portions within the conduit wall.

[0054] 5C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the conditioning device 134 shown in FIG. 4 taken along line CC. In some embodiments, the conduit 171 may include multiple portions, such as a first conduit portion 171 a, a second conduit portion 171 b, and a third conduit portion 171 c. In some embodiments, each of the conduit portions 171 a, 171 b, and 171 c may be spaced apart from one another by an expansion drum. In this regard, in some embodiments, the at least one expansion drum 190 may include a first expansion drum 190 a and a second expansion drum 190 b, etc.

[0055] In some embodiments, one or more reinforcing members 172 may comprise at least a first section 172 a and a second section 172 b. In some embodiments, first section 172 a may correspond to and be attached to first conduit portion 171 a, and second section 172 b may correspond to and be attached to second conduit portion 171 b. In some embodiments, first section 172 a may extend between first expansion drum 190 a and second expansion drum 190 b, and second section 172 b may extend after second expansion drum 190 b on a side of second expansion drum 190 b opposite first section 172 a.

[0056] In some embodiments, first section 172a may extend partially over first conduit portion 171a, and in other embodiments, first section 172a may extend along the entire length of first conduit portion 171a. In some embodiments, first section 172a may extend partially between first expansion drum 190a and second expansion drum 190b, and in other embodiments, first section 172a may extend completely between first expansion drum 190a and second expansion drum 190b.

[0057] The conditioning device 134 may include different configurations. For example, the first expansion drum 190a may connect the conditioning device 134 to the first connecting conduit (e.g., FIG. 1, 32). As another example, the first conduit section 171a may be connected to the first connecting conduit (e.g., FIG. 1, 32). In some embodiments, the conditioning device 134 may include one expansion drum, two expansion drums, or three or more expansion drums. In some embodiments, the conditioning device 134 may include an equal number of conduit sections and expansion drums, while in other embodiments, the conditioning device 134 may include more conduit sections than expansion drums, or more expansion drums than conduit sections.

[0058] In some embodiments, the conditioning device 134 may include a vent 193 in the conduit 171. The vent 193 may be configured to allow gases generated in the conditioning device 134 to be removed to prevent over-pressurization of the conduit vessel or potential reintroduction into the molten glass. In some embodiments, the conduit 171 may include a single vent 193, while in other embodiments, the conduit 171 may include more than one vent 193.

[0059] The components of the conditioning device 134 may exhibit different profiles, each of which may contribute to the efficiency of the glass manufacturing device. For example, the conduit 171 may have a length L C Constant conduit diameter D along C In some embodiments, the interior passageway 175 of the conduit 171 may define a conduit cross-sectional footprint 173 having a first cross-sectional area (shown in FIG. 6A). In this regard, as will be discussed, the conduit 171 may have a constant conduit diameter D C and wall thickness, the conduit cross-sectional footprint 173 is the length L of the conduit 171 C Although diameter is used herein, it should be understood that the diameter may be the length of a chord between two opposing points on a conduit or expansion drum.

[0060] In contrast to the conduit 171, the at least one expansion drum 190 has an expansion drum length L ED, and the expansion drum length extends along the length of the conduit. For purposes of illustration, the diameter of the at least one expansion drum at the transition between the conduit 171 and the at least one expansion drum 190 may be the diameter of the conduit diameter D C while the diameter of at least one expansion drum 190 at the apex (e.g., the connecting joint 192) may be equal to the diameter D of the expansion drum. E and the diameter of the expansion drum D E is the maximum diameter of the expansion drum. Diameter of the expansion drum D E is the diameter of the conduit D C is greater than.

[0061] Thus, at least one expansion drum 190 can define an expanded drum cross-sectional footprint 195, illustrated in FIG. 6B. The expanded drum cross-sectional footprint 195 defines a second cross-sectional area, and the expanded drum cross-sectional footprint 195 and the second cross-sectional area are proportional to the expanded drum length L. ED In this regard, although the expanded drum cross-sectional footprint 195 may vary, the expanded drum cross-sectional footprint 195 extends outside of the conduit cross-sectional footprint 173.

[0062] 6C, the at least one expanding drum 190 may comprise a first expanding drum 191a and a second expanding drum 191b, with the first expanding drum 191a adjacent to the second expanding drum 191b. In some embodiments, an electrical flange 182 may be positioned on each of the first expanding drum 191a and the second expanding drum 191b. Although illustrated as a rounded cavity, the at least one expanding drum 190 may be any shape.

[0063] In some embodiments, one or more reinforcing members 172 may be configured to provide radial support to the conduit 171. Rather than utilizing crimps, struts, or other similar features that extend around the circumference of the conduit, the one or more reinforcing members 172 may be configured to provide radial support to the conduit L. CThe one or more reinforcing members 172 may extend along the length of the conduit 171 to provide radial support. For example, one or more reinforcing members 172 may be configured to engage a casting (e.g., 178 in FIG. 5B) surrounding the conduit 171. The casting may provide support to both the lower portion of the conduit and the upper portion of the conduit.

[0064] For purposes of illustration, the molten glass may exert pressure on the lower portion of the conduit (e.g., where the molten glass flows and contacts the conduit), and the casting may be configured to support the lower portion of the conduit. In contrast, as discussed above, the upper portion (e.g., above the glass line 128 of the molten glass) does not exert pressure on the casting. Therefore, to support the upper portion of the casting, one or more reinforcing members 172 may be configured to engage the casting to maintain the shape of the upper portion of the conduit, thereby preventing the conduit from sinking into the molten glass. Additionally, the spacing of the one or more reinforcing members may evenly support the upper portion of the conduit, thereby allowing the conduit to maintain a desired conduit shape along the length of the conduit and maintaining sufficient free space above the glass line 128 of the molten glass.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment, the system may be designed so that the flow of molten glass occurs through the bottom half of the conduit 171. Therefore, the glass line 128 of the molten glass is located at the center of the conduit (e.g., the conduit diameter D in FIG. 6A). C ) and can be set at an appropriate height within conduit 171. Thus, one or more reinforcing members 172 can be positioned in the upper half of conduit 171. In other embodiments, the system can be designed so that the flow of molten glass occurs through the bottom two-thirds of the conduit, and therefore, one or more reinforcing members 172 can be positioned in the upper one-third of conduit 171.

[0066] In some embodiments, one or more reinforcing members 172 may be positioned above the flow of molten glass. The wall 170 of the conduit 171 is thin and therefore may not be able to support the weight of the molten glass flowing within the interior passage 175, especially at operating temperatures. In this regard, the casting 178, and any additional refractory material around the casting 178, cannot support the top of the conduit 171 because there is no pressure from the molten glass at the top portion of the conduit due to the free space above the glass line 128 of the molten glass. Therefore, over time, at sufficient temperature, the top portion of the conduit 171 may sag, as discussed above.

[0067] To maintain the thinness of the wall 170, thereby conserving the amount of material used to support the conduit 171, one or more reinforcing members 172 may be positioned on the exterior of the conduit wall, away from the molten glass. In such a configuration, the one or more reinforcing members support the conduit and prevent the upper portion of the conduit 171 from sinking. However, in other embodiments, the one or more reinforcing members 172 may be positioned around the entire periphery of the conduit cross-sectional footprint 173.

[0068] 7A-7D illustrate cross-sectional views of conduit 171 and casting 178 and illustrate various configurations of one or more reinforcing members 172. In some embodiments, one or more reinforcing members 172 can be one or more members, two or more members, three or more members, four or more members, or five or more members. In some embodiments, the number of reinforcing members 172 can correspond to various factors, including flow rate (e.g., to determine the size of the vessel), density of the molten glass, temperature of the molten glass, etc.

[0069] In some embodiments, one or more reinforcing members may be symmetrical with respect to the conduit footprint and positioned at or above the glass line 128 of molten glass. For example, one or more reinforcing members 172 may be spaced apart by 150 degrees or less, 120 degrees or less, or, for example, 90 degrees or less, measured from the center of the conduit 171. In some embodiments, the outermost reinforcing members (e.g., those circumferentially closest to the glass line 128) may be spaced apart by 150 degrees or less, 120 degrees or less, or, for example, 90 degrees or less. In some embodiments, the location of the glass line 128 of molten glass may press against the conduit wall, thereby pressing against the casting, which may affect the support of the glass line 128 from the casting on the conduit. In this regard, the placement of one or more reinforcing members may be based on the location of the glass line 128 of molten glass, since at the glass line 128, the molten glass supports the conduit 171.

[0070] 7A, conduit 171 may include three reinforcing members 172. When an odd number of reinforcing members are utilized, one of the reinforcing members may be positioned along the apex (center top) of conduit 171, for example, at the 12 o'clock position. Each of the remaining reinforcing members 172 may be spaced apart from the reinforcing member at the 12 o'clock position by 60 degrees or less, 45 degrees or less, 30 degrees or less, or even 15 degrees or less.

[0071] In some embodiments, each of the reinforcing members 172 may have the same height as measured radially from the wall 170 of the conduit 171. Additionally, each of the reinforcing members 172 may extend the same distance into the casting 178. In some embodiments, the reinforcing members may extend into the casting at least 20% of the thickness of the casting, at least 40% of the thickness of the casting, or even at least 60% of the thickness of the casting. A reinforcing member 172 extending further into the thickness of one or more of the castings 178 may provide greater support, thereby further reducing sinking of the conduit 171. However, one or more of the reinforcing members 172 may have different heights and therefore extend into different thicknesses of the casting 178. For example, the reinforcing member closest to the glass line 128 may extend into 20% of the thickness of the casting, while the reinforcing member at or adjacent to the apex of the conduit 171 (e.g., furthest from the glass line) may extend into 40% of the thickness of the casting 178.

[0072] In some embodiments, such as shown in Figure 7B, the one or more reinforcing members 172 may be five reinforcing members. In some embodiments, the five reinforcing members may be separated from adjacent reinforcing members by 30 degrees, while in other embodiments, the reinforcing members may be separated from adjacent reinforcing members by 22.5 degrees or less, as illustrated in Figure 7B.

[0073] 7C, one or more reinforcing members 172 may be two reinforcing members separated by 90 degrees. In some embodiments, two reinforcing members 172 may be spaced apart by 120 degrees or less, 100 degrees or less, or 90 degrees or less.

[0074] In some embodiments, as illustrated in Figures 7A-7C, one or more reinforcing members 172 may be evenly spaced apart from one another about a portion of the circumference of the conduit 171. However, as shown in Figure 7D, the spacing between one or more reinforcing members 172 may be variable. For purposes of illustration, the apex of the conduit (e.g., the point farthest from the glass line 128 containing the gaseous material) may require more support than a portion of the conduit that is collinear (e.g., coincident) with the glass line 128. Thus, in some embodiments, the reinforcing members 172 may be spaced closer to one another around the apex, as illustrated in Figure 7D, and may be spaced further apart closer to the glass line 128.

[0075] In some embodiments, one or more reinforcing members 172 attached to the conduit wall 170 may have different lengths, as illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8D. For example, first reinforcing member 172A and second reinforcing member 172B may have a first length, and third reinforcing member 172C may have a second length. In some embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 8A and 8C, the first length and second length may be different. In other embodiments, such as those shown in FIG. 8A, the first length may be greater than the second length, and in still other embodiments, such as those shown in FIG. 8C, the first length may be shorter than the second length. However, as shown in FIG. 8B, the first length and second length may be equal. FIG. 8D illustrates another exemplary embodiment in which only two reinforcing members (first reinforcing member 172A and second reinforcing member 172B) are used, and the two reinforcing members have equal lengths.

[0076] In some embodiments utilizing a first reinforcing member 172A and a second reinforcing member 172B, each reinforcing member may have a first length. In some embodiments, reinforcing members 172A, 172B, 172C may be symmetrical about the circumference of the conduit (such as about the apex of the conduit as described herein).

[0077] As discussed above, one or more reinforcing members 172 may be configured to engage with the casting (e.g., FIG. 7A, 178) such that the engagement supports the conduit to maintain the conduit shape. Thus, in some embodiments, the connection between one or more reinforcing members and the conduit 171 may be linear along the conduit, and one or more reinforcing members 178 may be secured within the casting with protrusions or perforations for engaging the one or more reinforcing members with the casting.

[0078] In some embodiments, the non-linear portion may be configured to engage with the casting. For example, in some embodiments, one or more reinforcing members may include a non-linear portion. For purposes of illustration, as illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9C , one or more reinforcing members 172 may include different shapes incorporating an upper portion 174 that engages with the casting, e.g., a non-linear upper portion, and a lower portion 176 that is attached to the conduit, e.g., a linear lower portion, while in other embodiments, the upper portion 174 may be connected to the conduit. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 9D , the upper portion 174 and the lower portion 176 may each be non-linear, and each of the upper portion 174 and the lower portion 176 may exhibit a unique non-linear configuration. The casting may be molded around the reinforcing member such that the casting is continuous around the reinforcing member. Thus, the casting and the reinforcing member may exert a force on each other, thereby holding the upper portion of the conduit in place, inhibiting subsidence, and maintaining the conduit shape.

[0079] In some embodiments, non-linear portion 174 may include a hook shape disposed at the end of reinforcing member 172, while linear portion 176 may be configured to be attached to a conduit. In some embodiments, non-linear portion 174 may include a bend, curve, hook, or similarly shaped object.

[0080] Exemplary Flowchart(s) FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 200 for conditioning molten glass using a conditioning device, according to at least some embodiments discussed herein. In operation 210, a glass manufacturing apparatus is provided (e.g., assembled and / or positioned). In some embodiments, the glass manufacturing apparatus may include a conditioning apparatus, such as a fining vessel. In operation 220, a flow of molten glass is provided to the glass manufacturing apparatus. In some embodiments, the flow of molten glass may be continuous. In operation 230, a first conduit of the glass manufacturing apparatus is heated. The first conduit may be heated by applying an electric current to an electrical flange such that the electric current extends through the first conduit and heats the first conduit to a temperature higher than the temperature of the molten glass. During heating, the fining agent in the molten glass may be reduced due to the temperature and may generate oxygen gas that may mix with the bubbles in the molten glass due to the low partial pressure of oxygen in the bubbles. In operation 240, gas removed from the molten glass may be vented from the first conduit.

[0081] 10 are described in a particular order, they may be performed in a different order and / or some of the operations may be performed simultaneously. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, any method set forth herein is in no way intended to be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a particular order, nor is it intended to require a particular orientation by any apparatus.

[0082] Thus, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present disclosure is susceptible to broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present disclosure other than those described herein, as well as numerous variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from, or reasonably suggested by, the present disclosure without departing from the content or scope of the present disclosure. Thus, while the present disclosure has been described in detail herein in connection with various embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is merely illustrative and is made solely for the purpose of providing a complete and enabling description. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to, or should be construed as, limiting or excluding other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements.

Claims

1. 1. A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising: a conduit having a first length, the conduit further comprising an interior passage defining a conduit cross-sectional footprint having a first cross-sectional area at a first location along the length; an expanding drum positioned at a second location along the length of the conduit, the expanding drum defining an expanding drum cross-sectional footprint parallel to the first cross-sectional footprint and a second cross-sectional area larger than the first cross-sectional area.

2. 10. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the conduit includes a reinforcing member attached to and extending along a portion of the length of the conduit.

3. 3. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 1 or 2, further comprising an electrical flange attached to the expansion drum.

4. 3. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 2, wherein the expanding drums include a first expanding drum and a second expanding drum adjacent to the first expanding drum, and the reinforcing member extends between the first expanding drum and the second expanding drum.

5. 5. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the reinforcing members include a first reinforcing member and a second reinforcing member, the first reinforcing member and the second reinforcing member being spaced apart by at least 30 degrees around one-third of the circumference of the conduit.

6. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the first reinforcing member and the second reinforcing member are symmetrical about an apex of the circumference of the conduit.

7. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first reinforcing member and the second reinforcing member are spaced apart by an angle of 120 degrees or less.

8. 6. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a third reinforcing member, the third reinforcing member comprising a third member length, the first member comprising a first member length, and the second member comprising a second member length, the third member length being different from the first member length and the second member length.

9. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the reinforcing member comprises at least one non-linear portion.

10. 10. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a casting disposed about the conduit, the at least one non-linear portion of the reinforcing member engaging the casting.

11. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the conduit comprises platinum.

12. 1. A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising: a conduit comprising an internal passage defining a conduit cross-sectional footprint having a first cross-sectional area at a first location along a length of the conduit, the internal passage configured to carry a flow of molten glass therethrough; at least one expanding drum positioned at a second location along the length, the at least one expanding drum defining an expanded drum cross-sectional footprint having a second cross-sectional area at the second location that is larger than the first cross-sectional area, the expanded drum cross-sectional footprint extending outside of the conduit cross-sectional footprint; a casting disposed around the conduit; at least one reinforcing member attached to and extending along a portion of the length of the conduit, the at least one reinforcing member engaging the casting.

13. 13. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 12, further comprising an electrical flange attached to or surrounding the periphery of the at least one expansion drum.

14. 14. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 12 or 13, wherein the at least one reinforcing member comprises a first section and a second section, the first section extending on a first side of the at least one expanding drum and the second section extending on a second side of the at least one expanding drum.

15. 15. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one reinforcing member comprises a first reinforcing member and a second reinforcing member positioned between 30 degrees and 120 degrees away from the first reinforcing member.

16. The glass manufacturing apparatus of any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the at least one reinforcing member is positioned in a portion of the conduit above a glass line of the flow of molten glass.

17. 1. A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising: a first conduit extending between a first expansion drum and a second expansion drum, the first conduit including an internal passage configured to carry a flow of molten glass therethrough, the first conduit defining a first cross-sectional area at a first location along a length of the first conduit, the first expansion drum defining a second cross-sectional area at a second location along a length of the first expansion drum that is larger than the first cross-sectional area, and the second expansion drum defining a third cross-sectional area at a third location along a length of the second expansion drum that is larger than the first cross-sectional area; a first electrical flange connected around the first expansion drum; a second electrical flange connected around the second expansion drum.

18. 20. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a reinforcing member attached to the first conduit and extending at least partially between the first expansion drum and the second expansion drum.

19. 20. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 18, wherein the reinforcing members comprise at least a first reinforcing member and a second reinforcing member positioned between about 30 degrees and about 120 degrees apart.

20. 19. The glass manufacturing apparatus of claim 17 or 18, further comprising a second conduit attached to the first expansion drum or the second expansion drum.

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