Apparatus for melting and refining glass and method for manufacturing such an apparatus - Patents.com

Abstract

To provide an apparatus for melting and refining glass.SOLUTION: An apparatus having at least a set height and a set width includes: a tank for manufacturing a glass melt; and a refining wall substantially extended in the lateral direction of the tank, having a height smaller than the height of the tank, including a dam having two walls for forming a gap, forming the overflow edge part of the glass melt and arranged in the gap. When annealing at least the tank, a protection material mixture can be supplied to the gap especially in the form of a compaction material without oxidizing the dam; the protection material mixture includes a first glass material and a second glass material; the first glass material includes quartz glass having at least two different particle sizes; and the second glass material does not include the quartz glass.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for melting and refining glass, comprising a vessel for producing a glass melt with at least a set height and a set width, and a refining wall extending substantially transversely of the vessel and having a height less than the height of the vessel, the refining wall having two walls forming a gap, in which a weir is arranged forming an overflow edge of the glass melt.

[0002] The present invention further provides a method of manufacturing an apparatus for melting and refining glass, comprising the steps of: - providing a vessel for producing a glass melt having at least a set height and a set width; and - providing a refining wall extending substantially transversely of the vessel and having a height less than the height of the vessel, the refining wall having two walls forming a gap in which a weir forming an overflow edge of the glass melt is arranged, The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an apparatus for melting and refining glass, comprising:

[0003] The invention further relates to the use of the protective mixture against oxidation of components.

[0004] Although the invention is generally applicable to any material for the refinery wall, the invention will be described with respect to a refinery wall comprising molybdenum.

[0005] Although the present invention is generally applicable to any glass, the invention will be described with reference to soda-lime glass. [Background technology]

[0006] As is known - for example from DE 102 36 521 - for the production of glass, a refining wall is used which has a weir made of molybdenum, which is located in a gap formed by a support fence on both sides. In this case, the weir, and more precisely the molybdenum of the weir, must be protected against oxidation. For this purpose, areas of the molybdenum are coated with water glass, and soda-lime glass sheets are applied to the corresponding areas of the weir via the water glass. In this case, the entire gap between the weir and the support fence is filled with a tamping material - which mainly comprises zirconium silicate and borosilicate glass powder - in a particularly labor-intensive manner.

[0007] During the tempering process in the production of glass, the water glass and soda-lime glass soften at temperatures below about 550° C., i.e. below the onset of oxidation of the molybdenum due to the residual oxygen present in the device. The softened glass protects the molybdenum of the gate against oxidation also during the subsequent temperature increase process. During this period, the tamping mass, due to its still plastic properties, prevents the glass panes from descending / sliding out of the gate. From a temperature of about 1100° C., sintering of the tamping mass begins. The sintering process continues during the subsequent temperature increase process, leading to hardening and compaction of the tamping mass. In this case, the compaction also leads to a reduction in the porosity in the tamping mass, which results in a gas-tight encapsulation of the molybdenum of the gate.

[0008] When an apparatus for producing soda-lime glass is started up, in other words when an apparatus that includes soda-lime glass as a first or starting glass is operated, undesirable reactions occur between the antioxidant tamping material and the product glass, i.e., soda-lime glass. These reactions, over a period of several months, cause inclusions and bubbles in the soda-lime glass. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for melting and refining glass, which can ensure a variable and free selection of the starting glass of the apparatus.It is another object of the present invention to provide a simple and inexpensive apparatus for melting and refining glass, and a simple and inexpensive means for producing said apparatus.

[0010] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an alternative apparatus for melting and refining glass as well as an alternative method for manufacturing an apparatus for melting and refining glass. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In one embodiment, the present invention achieves at least one of the above-mentioned objects by: 1. An apparatus for melting and refining glass, comprising: a vessel for producing a glass melt having at least a set height and a set width; A refining wall extending substantially transversely of the vessel and having a height less than the height of the vessel, the refining wall having two walls forming a gap in which a weir forming an overflow edge of the glass melt is arranged. 1. An apparatus for melting and refining glass, comprising: This problem is solved by supplying a protective material mixture, particularly in the form of a packing material, to the gap so that the weir does not oxidize, at least when the tank is tempered, and the protective material mixture includes a first glass material and a second glass material, the first glass material including quartz glass of at least two different grain sizes, and the second glass material including no quartz glass.

[0012] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for achieving at least one of the above-mentioned objects by: 1. A method of manufacturing an apparatus for melting and refining glass, comprising the steps of: - providing a vessel for producing a glass melt with at least a set height and a set width, - providing a refining wall extending substantially transversely of the vessel and having a height less than the height of the vessel, the refining wall having two walls forming a gap in which a weir forming an overflow edge of the glass melt is arranged, 1. A method of manufacturing an apparatus for melting and refining glass, comprising: The problem is solved by supplying a protective material mixture to the gap to prevent the wall from oxidizing at least when the vessel is tempered, the protective material mixture including a first glass material and a second glass material, the first glass material including quartz glass of at least two different grain sizes, and the second glass material including no quartz glass.

[0013] In one further embodiment, the present invention solves at least one of the above-mentioned problems by the use of a protective material mixture, in particular in the form of a tamping material, against oxidation of a component, in particular a weir of a refining wall of an apparatus for producing glass, comprising at least a first glass material and a second glass material, the first glass material comprising at least two different grain sizes of quartz glass and the second glass material not comprising quartz glass.

[0014] In particular, the device is therefore designed in such a way that, at least when the vessel is tempered, a protective material mixture, in particular in the form of a tamping material, is fed into the gap so that the weir is not oxidized, i.e., in other words, at least when the vessel is tempered, a protective material mixture, in particular in the form of a tamping material, is fed into the gap so that the weir is not oxidized.

[0015] One of the advantages that this provides is that it allows a simple and inexpensive production of various glasses, and also eliminates the significant waiting time of several months after the first start glass before another type of glass can be produced by the machine without inclusions and bubbles.

[0016] Further features, advantages and alternative embodiments of the present invention are described or disclosed by way of illustration below.

[0017] In one advantageous refinement, the second glass material is present as a powder mixture with different grain sizes, in particular in this case the ratio of the grain size distribution between the first and second glass material is on average at least 5, preferably at least 10. One of the advantages obtained here is that the tamping material can be provided in a particularly simple manner. Another advantage is that, in particular by the selection and combination of grain sizes, a gas-tight bond can be achieved during sintering of the glass materials.

[0018] In one further advantageous refinement, the second glass material is prepared such that it has a softening temperature higher than that of soda-lime glass but lower than that of borosilicate glass. The advantage here is that this allows for increased flexibility in the manufacture of different glasses. This nevertheless ensures that molybdenum is protected from oxidation, particularly if it is used in the gap weir. The second glass powder can be selected such that it does not cause an undesirable reaction with the first product glass in the bath. In particular, the composition of the first product glass or starting glass in the bath and the composition of the second glass powder are substantially the same.

[0019] In one further advantageous refinement, the weight ratio of the first glass material and the second glass material in the protective mixture is at least 2: 1, in particular at least 2.5: 1, preferably 3: 1. The advantage in this respect is that, by the selection, combination and ratio of the glass materials, a particularly gas-tight bond can be achieved during sintering of the glass materials.

[0020] In one further advantageous refinement, the second glass material contains borosilicate glass, in particular DURAN®, preferably exclusively DURAN®, the advantage of which is that damage to the product glass by debris or air bubbles is significantly reduced.

[0021] In one further advantageous refinement, the second glass material has an average particle size of 50 to 250 micrometers, preferably 90 to 210 micrometers, in particular 90 to 150 micrometers, preferably 90 to 100 micrometers, which allows a more efficient reaction between the product glass and the protective material mixture, which allows a significant reduction in damage to the product glass due to residues or air bubbles.

[0022] In one further advantageous refinement, the first glass material is present in the form of particles and has at least two, preferably at least three, different size ranges of particles each having a different weight percent amount, the advantage of which is, among other things, a simple provision of the first glass material and a more efficient reaction of the product glass with the protective material mixture.

[0023] In one further advantageous refinement, the first glass material has at least three different particle size ranges, in which the upper particle size limit of the largest of the three size ranges is 20 times the upper particle size limit of the smallest of the three size ranges, the advantage of which is, on the one hand, a simpler provision of the first glass material and a more efficient reaction of the product glass with the protective material mixture.

[0024] In one further advantageous refinement, the moisture content of the protective mixture is 3% to 10%, preferably 4% to 8%, in particular 5% to 6%. The advantage of this is the combination of good processability of the material, i.e. the flowability, viscosity, etc. of the material, with minimal volume loss due to evaporation of volatile components, e.g. water.

[0025] In one further advantageous refinement, the moisture content is adjusted by adding a slurry. The advantage is the simple and inexpensive adjustment of the moisture content of the protective material mixture. Another advantage is that it can be easily provided, for example if a slurry is already available for other reasons and / or for other uses.

[0026] In one further advantageous refinement, a glass pane, in particular a soda-lime glass pane, is attached to the gate via water glass, which provides an additional simple and inexpensive means of protection against oxidation of the gate.

[0027] In one further advantageous refinement, the weir is at least partially manufactured from a refractory metal, in particular molybdenum, tungsten, etc. The advantage of this is that due to properties such as the high melting point of the refractory metal, a reliable production of the glass is possible.

[0028] Further features and advantages of the invention are evident from the subclaims, the drawings and the description of the drawings based on the attached drawings.

[0029] It is self-evident that the features mentioned above, and which will be further explained below, can be used not only in the respective combinations described, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the framework of the invention.

[0030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred configurations and embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings and will be described in more detail in the following description, in which like reference numbers refer to the same or similar or functionally identical components or elements. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional diagram illustrating, in schematic form, an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows in schematic form a cross-section of a purification wall taken in a direction parallel to the width of the vessel. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates in schematic form the steps of a method according to one embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Comparative Example A known device 1 for melting and refining glass was used, which comprises a vessel 3, here substantially rectangular, with a height 300 and a width 301. Along the width 301, i.e. along the transverse direction 100 of the vessel 3, a refining wall 2 extends in the interior of the vessel 3, the height 200 of the refining wall 2 being smaller than the height 300 of the vessel 3. The refining wall 2 has two walls 4a, 4b, between which a gap 5 is formed. In the gap 5 a weir (not shown) made of molybdenum is arranged, which forms an overflow edge for the glass melt to be received in the vessel. To protect the weir 6, a mixture of zircon-based tamping material (e.g. product Tamp 1420 from the manufacturer Corning) and crushed glass powder is used.

[0033] Several different glasses were then produced and over a period of several months, inclusions and / or bubbles were identified in the produced glasses.

[0034] Working Example A known device 1 for melting and refining glass was used, which comprises a here substantially rectangular vessel 3 having a height 300 and a width 301. Along the width 301, i.e. along the transverse direction 100 of the vessel 3, a refining wall 2 extends in the interior of the vessel 3, the height 200 of the refining wall 2 being smaller than the height 300 of the vessel 3. The refining wall 2 has two walls 4a, 4b, between which a gap 5 is formed. In the gap 5 a weir 6 made of molybdenum is arranged, which forms an overflow edge for the glass melt to be received in the vessel. To protect the weir 6, a protective material mixture according to one embodiment of the invention is used: 75% by weight Quarzal Glass powder consisting of 25% by weight DURAN® composition: [Table 1]

[0035] DURAN® Powder Particle Size Distribution: [Table 2]

[0036] The moisture content of the mix is ​​adjusted to 5.7% by adding a slurry with a moisture content of 40% and a tamped density of approximately 78%.

[0037] A number of different glasses were then produced and inclusions and / or bubbles were identified in the produced glasses over a period of several months, where it was observed that the time period during which the product glass was marred by inclusions, remnants or bubbles could be reduced from several months to a few weeks.

[0038] FIG. 2 shows in schematic form a cross section of the purification wall taken in a direction parallel to the width of the vessel.

[0039] In detail, FIG. 2 shows the upper region of the purification wall 2. Laterally, the purification wall 2 is delimited on the left and right by side walls 4a, 4b. Between the two walls 4a, 4b, a gap 5 is formed, in which a substantially T-shaped weir 6 made of molybdenum is arranged. In its upper region, the weir 6 has a horizontal part 6a, a horizontal part 6b and a vertical part 6c based on a T. In this case, the transition region between the two parts 6b, 6c is not formed at a right angle, but has an inclined surface 6d, which preferably prevents the collection of air bubbles that may occur in the horizontal part 6b. The inclined surface 6d guides the air bubbles rising upwards.

[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates the steps of a method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] In particular, FIG. 3 illustrates steps in a method for manufacturing an apparatus for melting and refining glass.

[0042] In this case, the method includes the following steps:

[0043] In a first step S1, a vessel for producing a glass melt is prepared with at least a set height and a set width.

[0044] In another step S2, a refining wall is prepared, which extends substantially in the lateral direction of the tank and has a height smaller than the height of the tank, and has two walls forming a gap, in which a weir is arranged to form an overflow edge of the glass melt, and a protective material mixture is supplied to the gap to prevent the walls from oxidizing at least when the tank is tempered, the protective material mixture including a first glass material and a second glass material, the first glass material including at least two different grain sizes of quartz glass, and the second glass material including no quartz glass.

[0045] In summary, at least one of the embodiments of the present invention provides the following advantages: -Easy and inexpensive to implement -Easy and inexpensive to manufacture -Reliable protection of the barrier against oxidation -Easy and reliable glass production -Flexible production of different glasses on a single machine -Faster and cheaper production of different glasses Enable at least one of the following:

[0046] Although the present invention has been described based on the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto and can be modified in various ways. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 1 device 2. Refining Wall 3 tanks 4a, 4b Wall 5 Gap 6 Weir 6a Upper edge of the weir 6b Horizontal part of the weir 6c Vertical part of the weir 6d slope 100 Horizontal 200 Refining Wall Height 300 Tank height 301 Tank width

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for melting and refining glass, said apparatus (1) comprising: A vessel (3) for producing a glass melt, said vessel having at least a set height (300) and a set width (301); a refining wall (2) extending in a transverse direction (100) of the vessel (3) and having a height (200) smaller than the height (300) of the vessel (3), the refining wall (2) having two walls (4a, 4b) forming a gap (5), in which a weir (6) forming an overflow edge of the glass melt is arranged; Having a protective material mixture is supplied to the gap to prevent oxidation of the weir (6) at least when the tank (3) is tempered, the protective material mixture including a first glass material and a second glass material, the first glass material including at least two different grain sizes of quartz glass, and the second glass material including no quartz glass; Device (1).

2. the second glass material is present as a powder mixture having different particle sizes, and the ratio of particle size distribution between the first glass material and the second glass material is on average at least 5; 2. The apparatus of claim 1.

3. the second glass material is provided such that the second glass material has a softening temperature greater than the softening temperature of soda-lime glass but less than or equal to the softening temperature of borosilicate glass; 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the weight ratio of the first glass material to the second glass material in the protective material mixture is at least 2:1; 4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the second glass material includes borosilicate glass; 5. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The average grain size of the second glass material is 50 to 250 micrometers; 6. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the first glass material is present in the form of particles and has at least two different size ranges of particles each having a different weight percent amount; 7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the first glass material has at least three different particle size ranges, and a maximum particle size range of the at least three different particle size ranges has an upper limit that is 20 times the upper limit of a particle size of a minimum particle size range of the at least three different particle size ranges.

8. The apparatus of claim 7.

9. The moisture content of the protective material mixture is 3% to 10%.

9. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The moisture content is adjusted by adding a slurry.

10. The apparatus of claim 9.

11. The glass plate is attached to the weir (6) via water glass.

11. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. the dam is at least partially fabricated from a refractory metal; 12. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A method for manufacturing an apparatus (1) for melting and refining glass, said method comprising the steps of: - providing (S1) a vessel (3) for producing a glass melt with at least a set height (300) and a set width (301); - providing (S2) a refining wall (2) extending in the transverse direction (100) of the vessel (3) and having a height (200) smaller than the height (300) of the vessel (3), the refining wall (2) having two walls (4a, 4b) forming a gap (5) in which a weir (6) forming an overflow edge of the glass melt is arranged; having A protective material mixture is supplied to the gap to prevent oxidation of the wall (2) during at least tempering of the tank (3), the protective material mixture including a first glass material and a second glass material, the first glass material including quartz glass of at least two different grain sizes, and the second glass material including no quartz glass. method.

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