Module-type molten glass supply device

Abstract

To provide a glass manufacturing apparatus designed to reduce stress on components of the glass manufacturing apparatus, thereby extending the service life of the components.SOLUTION: A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising a molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 is disclosed. The molten glass supply conduit assembly comprises a cradle assembly including an upper cradle block formed from a refractory ceramic material and a lower cradle block formed from a refractory ceramic material. Also included is a tube assembly disposed within the cradle assembly and extending longitudinally of the molten glass supply conduit assembly, the tube assembly including an upper tube portion formed from a refractory ceramic material and a lower tube portion formed from a refractory ceramic material. The glass manufacturing apparatus further comprises a first keyway formed between the lower tube portion and the lower cradle block, the first keyway extending in a lateral direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, and a first key disposed in the first keyway and connecting the lower tube portion and the lower cradle block.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 896,702, filed Sep. 6, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 737,498, filed Sep. 27, 2018, the contents of which are relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth below.

Technical Field

[0002] This specification relates to glass manufacturing apparatus, and more particularly to a glass manufacturing apparatus having a modular molten glass supply apparatus and a molten glass supply conduit for use therewith.

Background Art

[0003] Glass manufacturing apparatus can include various individual components for melting, processing, and shaping glass. For example, a typical glass manufacturing apparatus can include, among other components, a melting furnace for melting a batch of glass components to form a molten material precursor (e.g., molten glass), a fining system for removing dissolved gas from the molten glass, a mixing vessel for homogenizing the molten glass, and a forming apparatus for shaping the molten glass into a desired shape (e.g., ribbon, cylinder, tube, etc.). The components of the glass manufacturing apparatus can be connected in series by a plurality of supply conduits that pass the molten glass from one component to the next. The supply conduits can be formed from a refractory metal such as platinum, platinum alloy, etc. to withstand the relatively high temperature and corrosiveness of the molten glass.

[0004] The components of a glass manufacturing apparatus may be exposed to high temperatures over a long period of time. Due to the repetition between room temperature conditions and the high-temperature operating conditions of the glass manufacturing apparatus, stress may be introduced into the components of the glass manufacturing apparatus. When stress is regularly and continuously introduced into the components of the glass manufacturing apparatus, the components may fail prematurely. Furthermore, in order to increase the throughput of molten glass passing through the glass manufacturing apparatus, it may be necessary to utilize higher temperatures to ensure an appropriate flow of molten glass through the glass manufacturing apparatus. The higher operating temperature may further increase the stress introduced into the components of the glass manufacturing apparatus, and as a result, the service life of the components may be shortened.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0005] Therefore, an alternative design of the components is needed to reduce the stress applied to the components of the glass manufacturing apparatus, thereby extending the service life of the components.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0006] In aspect 1, a glass manufacturing apparatus comprising a molten glass supply device, the molten glass supply device comprising at least one module, the at least one module comprising a lower carriage including a plurality of lower carriage rollers, an upper rail system supported by the lower carriage and including a pair of upper support rails oriented at an elevation angle α greater than 0 degrees with respect to the horizontal, and an upper carriage including a base plate oriented at an elevation angle β greater than 0 degrees with respect to the horizontal and a plurality of upper carriage rollers connected to the base plate and engaged with the pair of upper support rails of the upper rail system.

[0007] Aspect 2 includes the glass manufacturing apparatus according to aspect 1, wherein the elevation angle α is equal to the elevation angle β.

[0008] Aspect 3 further includes a lower rail system including a pair of lower support rails, and a plurality of lower carriage rollers of the lower carriage are engaged with the pair of lower support rails, and includes the glass manufacturing apparatus according to Aspect 1.

[0009] Aspect 4 further includes an expansion support member connected to the lower carriage, and the expansion support member is configured to apply an expansion support force to the lower carriage, and includes the glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3.

[0010] Aspect 5 further includes a mass compensation member connected to the upper carriage and the upper rail system, and the mass compensation member is configured to apply an upward mass compensation force to the upper carriage along the upper rail system, and includes the glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4.

[0011] Aspect 6 further includes an expansion support member connected to the lower carriage, and the expansion support member is configured to apply an expansion support force to the lower carriage, and includes the glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5.

[0012] Aspect 7 includes the glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein a horizontal component of the upward mass compensation force is opposite to a horizontal component of the expansion support force.

[0013] Aspect 8 further includes a support frame connected to the base plate of the upper carriage, and the support frame includes a vertical support member connected to the base plate by a lateral spring element and a horizontal support member such that the support frame is displaceable laterally with respect to the base plate, and the horizontal support member is displaceable vertically with respect to the vertical support member, and the vertical support member is displaceable laterally with respect to the horizontal support member, and includes the glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7.

[0014] Aspect 9 includes the glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8, wherein the support frame includes a vertical support plate connected to the vertical support member and disposed between the vertical support member and the molten glass supply pipe assembly, and a horizontal support plate connected to the horizontal support member and disposed between the horizontal support member and the molten glass supply pipe assembly.

[0015] Aspect 10 further includes a molten glass supply conduit assembly supported by the upper carriage. The molten glass supply conduit assembly includes a cradle assembly including an upper cradle block formed of a refractory ceramic material and a lower cradle block formed of a refractory ceramic material, a pipe assembly disposed within the cradle assembly and extending in the longitudinal direction of the molten glass supply conduit assembly, the pipe assembly including an upper pipe portion formed of a refractory ceramic material and a lower pipe portion formed of a refractory ceramic material, and a supply conduit disposed within the pipe assembly and extending in the longitudinal direction, the supply conduit being formed of a refractory metal. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10 is included.

[0016] Aspect 11 further includes a key groove formed between the lower pipe portion and the lower cradle block, the key groove extending in a lateral direction across the longitudinal direction, and a key disposed within the key groove and connecting the lower pipe portion and the lower cradle block. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10 is included.

[0017] Aspect 12 includes the glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11, wherein the molten glass supply conduit assembly further includes a refractory block disposed around the cradle assembly, the refractory block being formed of a refractory ceramic material.

[0018] Aspect 13 includes a keyway formed between the lower cradle block and the refractory block, the keyway extending in a lateral direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, and a key disposed within the keyway for connecting the lower cradle block and the refractory block, and includes the glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 12.

[0019] Aspect 14 includes the glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 13, wherein the upper pipe portion includes a plurality of pipe segments extending in the longitudinal direction and arranged in an arch shape around a part of the supply conduit.

[0020] Aspect 15 further includes at least one flange connected to the supply conduit at a longitudinal end of the supply conduit, and includes the glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 14.

[0021] Aspect 16 includes the glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 15, wherein at least one flange includes a bus portion connected to the supply cable and a distribution portion contacting the supply conduit.

[0022] Aspect 17 further includes a movable support connected to the bus portion and a spring element configured to apply a force in the vertical direction to the bus portion, and includes the glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 16.

[0023] Aspect 18 includes the glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 17, wherein the movable support is electrically insulated from the bus portion of at least one flange.

[0024] Aspect 19 is a glass manufacturing apparatus comprising a molten glass supply conduit assembly, the molten glass supply conduit assembly including a cradle assembly including an upper cradle block formed from a refractory ceramic material and a lower cradle block formed from a refractory ceramic material, and a tube assembly disposed within the cradle assembly and extending in the longitudinal direction of the molten glass supply conduit assembly, the tube assembly including an upper tube portion formed from a refractory ceramic material and a lower tube portion formed from a refractory ceramic material, a key groove formed between the lower tube portion and the lower cradle block and extending in a transverse direction across the longitudinal direction, and a key disposed within the key groove and connecting the lower tube portion and the lower cradle block.

[0025] Aspect 20 further comprises a refractory block disposed around the cradle assembly, the refractory block being formed from a refractory ceramic material, and includes the glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 19.

[0026] Aspect 21 further comprises a key groove formed between the lower cradle block and the refractory block and extending in a transverse direction across the longitudinal direction of the molten glass supply conduit assembly, and a key disposed within the key groove and connecting the lower cradle block and the refractory block, and includes the glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 20.

[0027] Aspect 22 includes the glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 21, wherein the upper tube portion comprises a plurality of tube segments extending in the longitudinal direction and arranged in an arch shape.

[0028] Aspect 23 further comprises a supply conduit formed from a refractory metal disposed within the tube assembly and extending in the longitudinal direction, and includes the glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 22.

[0029] Aspect 24 includes the glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1 to 23, further comprising a flange connected to the supply conduit at the longitudinal end of the supply conduit.

[0030] Additional features and advantages of the modular molten glass supply apparatus and the glass manufacturing apparatus comprising the same described herein are set forth in the following detailed description, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description, or will be recognized by practicing the embodiments described herein, which include the following detailed description, the claims, and the accompanying drawings.

[0031] It should be understood that both the foregoing summary description and the following detailed description are intended to describe various embodiments and to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and characteristics of the claimed subject matter. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the various embodiments and are incorporated herein and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate the various embodiments described herein and explain the principles and operation of the claimed subject matter together with this description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 6C

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

[0033] Here, embodiments of the modular molten glass supply apparatus described herein and a glass manufacturing apparatus including the same will be described in detail, and examples thereof are shown in the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. An embodiment of a module of the modular molten glass supply apparatus is schematically shown in FIG. 3. The module can include a lower carriage with a plurality of lower carriage rollers. An upper rail system may be supported by the lower carriage. The upper rail system may include a pair of upper support rails oriented at an elevation angle α greater than 0 degrees with respect to the horizontal. The module may further include an upper carriage. The upper carriage may include a base plate oriented at an elevation angle β greater than 0 degrees with respect to the horizontal and a plurality of upper carriage rollers connected to the base plate and engaging a pair of upper support rails of the upper rail system to facilitate movement of the upper carriage on the upper rail system. A support frame may be connected to the base plate, and a molten glass supply conduit assembly may be supported by the base plate within the support frame. Various embodiments of the modular molten glass supply apparatus, the molten glass supply conduit used therewith, and the glass manufacturing apparatus including the same will be described in more detail herein with specific reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] In this specification, ranges may be expressed as from about a particular value and / or to about another particular value. When expressing such a range, another embodiment includes from a particular value and / or to another particular value. Similarly, it will be understood that a particular value forms another embodiment when expressing a value as an approximation by use of the antecedent "about". It will further be understood that each endpoint of each range is significant, whether in relation to the other endpoint or independent of the other endpoint.

[0035] As used herein, terms indicating directions such as up, down, right, left, front, back, top, bottom refer only to the drawn figures and are not intended to imply absolute orientation.

[0036] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is not intended that any method described herein require that its steps be performed in a particular order, nor that any particular orientation of an apparatus be required. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order for the steps to follow, where an apparatus claim does not actually recite an order or orientation for individual components, where the claim or specification does not specifically recite that the steps are limited to a particular order and are not so limited in any way, or where no particular order or orientation for the components of an apparatus is recited, it is never intended that any order or orientation be inferred in any respect, whether from logical matters regarding arrangement of steps, operational flow, order of components, or orientation of components, from plain meaning derived from grammatical construction or punctuation, or from any potential unstated basis for interpretation including the number or type of embodiments described herein.

[0037] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a" component includes aspects having two or more such components unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1 as an example, one embodiment of a glass manufacturing apparatus 10 for forming a glass article from molten glass is schematically shown. The glass manufacturing apparatus 10 may include a melting furnace 11, a fining system 13, a mixing vessel 14, a supply vessel 18, and a forming device 20. A glass batch material is introduced into the melting furnace 11 through a batch inlet port 12. The batch material is melted in the melting furnace 11 to form molten glass 16. The melting furnace 11 is fluidly connected to the fining system 13 by a connecting pipe 50. The molten glass 16 flows from the melting furnace 11 through the connecting pipe 50 into the fining system 13.

[0039] The fining system 13 may include a high-temperature treatment area that receives the molten glass 16 from the melting furnace 11. While the molten glass 16 is within the fining system 13, dissolved gas and / or bubbles are removed from the molten glass 16. The fining system 13 may be fluidly connected to the mixing vessel 14 by a connecting pipe 15. That is, the molten glass flowing from the fining system 13 to the mixing vessel 14 may flow through the connecting pipe 15. When the molten glass 16 passes through the mixing vessel 14, the molten glass 16 may be stirred and homogenized. The mixing vessel 14 may be fluidly connected to the supply vessel 18 by a connecting pipe 17 such that the molten glass flowing from the mixing vessel 14 to the supply vessel 18 flows through the connecting pipe 17.

[0040] The supply container 18 supplies the molten glass 16 to the forming apparatus 20 through the downcomer 19. The forming apparatus 20 may be, for example, but not limited to, a fusion draw machine or another forming apparatus for forming the molten glass into a glass article such as a ribbon, a tube, a bulb, etc. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the forming apparatus 20 is a fusion draw machine including a housing 22 in which an inlet 24 and a forming vessel 30 are disposed. The molten glass 16 from the downcomer 19 flows into the inlet 24, and the inlet is connected to the forming vessel 30. The forming vessel 30 includes an opening 32 for receiving the molten glass 16. The molten glass 16 may flow into the trough 33 and overflow, flow down along the two converging side surfaces 34a, 34b of the forming vessel 30, and then fuse at the base 36 of the forming vessel 30 where the two side surfaces join, and then be drawn in the downstream direction 41 in contact to form a continuous glass ribbon 38.

[0041] FIG. 1 schematically shows a glass manufacturing apparatus 10 for forming a glass ribbon using a fusion draw machine. However, without limitation, other processes such as a float glass process, a slot draw process, etc. may be used to form the glass ribbon. Further, although the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 is shown to be used for forming a glass ribbon, other glass manufacturing apparatuses may be used for forming glass stock materials other than glass sheets, such as, but not limited to, glass tubes, glass cylinders, bulbs, etc.

[0042] The glass manufacturing apparatus 10 may be configured at room temperature and then operated at a high temperature. When the components of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 are heated to the operating temperature, the dimensional sizes of the components increase according to their respective coefficients of thermal expansion. For example, the connecting pipes 15, 17, and 50 are formed of a refractory metal and may expand thermally when heated. Due to thermal expansion, stress is introduced into the connecting pipes 15, 17, and 50. When the thermal expansion of the connecting pipes is constrained by adjacent components within the glass manufacturing apparatus 10, additional stress may be applied to the connecting pipes 15, 17, and 50. For example, the connecting pipe 50 is disposed between the melting furnace 11 and the fining system 13 and is connected to both, and both may also expand thermally when heated. Due to the thermal expansion of the melting furnace 11 and the fining system 13, the thermal expansion of the connecting pipe 50 may be constrained or suppressed, thereby introducing additional stress into the connecting pipe 50. Since the operating temperature of the refractory metal is high, even if the level of stress applied to the refractory metal of the connecting pipes 15, 17, and 50 is low, creep of the refractory metal may occur, thereby shortening the service life of the connecting pipes and increasing the risk of failure. Repair and / or replacement of the connecting pipes is expensive and time-consuming, and if the glass manufacturing apparatus is stopped for a long time to facilitate repair and / or replacement, the production volume may decrease.

[0043] This specification discloses a modular molten glass supply device, a molten glass supply conduit for use therewith, and a glass manufacturing apparatus including them. The modular molten glass supply device may be used as a connecting pipe between various components of a glass manufacturing apparatus, such as, for example, the connecting pipes 15, 17, and 50. The modular molten glass supply device is configured to reduce or mitigate the stress introduced into the refractory metal of the modular molten glass supply device, thereby extending the service life of the modular molten glass supply device, increasing the production volume, and reducing the operation and maintenance costs of the glass manufacturing apparatus.

[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, an example of a modular molten glass supply apparatus 100 is schematically shown. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the modular molten glass supply apparatus is configured to connect a melting furnace 11 (FIG. 1) of a glass manufacturing apparatus 10 (FIG. 1) to a fining system 13 (FIG. 1) instead of a connecting pipe 50. However, the modular molten glass supply apparatus 100 may be used to connect other components of the glass manufacturing apparatus 10, such as, but not limited to, the fining system 13 and a mixing vessel 14 (i.e., instead of a connecting pipe 15), and the mixing vessel 14 and a supply vessel 18 (i.e., instead of a connecting pipe 17). The modular molten glass supply apparatus 100 may include at least one module. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the modular molten glass supply apparatus 100 includes two modules (module 102a and module 102b). However, the modular molten glass supply apparatus 100 may include one module or more than two modules. Each of modules 102a, 102b may include a lower carriage 104, an upper rail system 106, an upper carriage 108, and a molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 (schematically shown in FIGS. 5-7).

[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, one module (module 102a) of the modular molten glass supply apparatus 100 is schematically shown in side view (FIG. 3) and vertical cross-section (FIG. 4). Specifically, FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of module 102a in the X-Z plane of the illustrated coordinate axes. For ease of explanation, FIG. 4 shows module 102a without the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 (described in more detail herein). Although the components and structure of module 102a are specifically referred to herein, it should be understood that module 102b includes the same components as module 102a and is similarly configured.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lower carriage 104 of module 102a may include a lower carriage frame 114 and a plurality of lower carriage rollers (three lower carriage rollers 116a, 116b, 116c shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) connected to the lower carriage frame 114. In an embodiment, module 102a may further include a lower rail system 112. The lower rail system 112 may include a pair of lower support rails 118a, 118b. The lower support rails 118a, 118b may be parallel to each other and may extend in the longitudinal direction of module 102a (i.e., the + / -Y direction of the illustrated coordinate axes). The lower support rails 118a, 118b may have a substantially horizontal orientation (i.e., the lower support rails 118a, 118b are disposed in a plane parallel to the X-Y plane of the illustrated coordinate axes). In an embodiment, each of the plurality of lower carriage rollers 116a, 116b, 116c may engage one of the lower support rails 118a, 118b to facilitate movement of the lower carriage frame 114 (and thus the lower carriage 104) on the lower rail system 112 in the + / -Y direction of the illustrated coordinate axes. In the embodiments described herein, the lower carriage frame 114 and the lower support rails 118a, 118b may be formed from a load-bearing material such as, but not limited to, structural steel or a similar load-bearing material.

[0047] Referring also to FIGS. 3 and 4, the module 102a may further include an upper rail system 106. The upper rail system 106 may be supported by a lower carriage frame 114 of the lower carriage 104. The upper rail system 106 may include a pair of upper support rails 120a, 120b. The upper support rails 120a, 120b may be parallel to each other and may be oriented at an elevation angle α with respect to the horizontal (i.e., with respect to the X-Y plane of the illustrated coordinate axes). In the embodiments described herein, the elevation angle α may be greater than 0 degrees. In an embodiment, the elevation angle α may be greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, and may even be greater than 0 degrees and less than 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the elevation angle α may be less than 0 degrees and greater than -90 degrees, and may even be less than 0 degrees and greater than -45 degrees. In the embodiment of the module 102a shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the distance between the upper support rails 120a, 120b and the lower carriage frame 114 increases in the +Y direction of the illustrated coordinate axes. The upper support rails 120a, 120b may be supported by the lower carriage frame 114 of the lower carriage 104 by supports (three supports 122a, 122b, 122c shown in FIGS. 3 and 4). The elevation angle α of the upper support rails 120a, 120b with respect to the horizontal may be determined by the height difference between the supports 122a, 122b and the support 122c. Thus, in the embodiment of the module 102a shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the height of the supports 122a, 122b may be lower than the height of the support 122c. Similar to the lower support rails 118a, 118b and the lower carriage frame 114, the upper support rails 120a, 120b and the supports 122a, 122b, 122c may be formed from a load-bearing material such as, but not limited to, structural steel or a similar load-bearing material. In the embodiments described herein, the supports 122a, 122b, 122c may be connected to the lower carriage frame 114 and the upper support rails 120a, 120b by welding and / or mechanical fasteners.

[0048] In the embodiments described herein, the upper carriage 108 of module 102a may be supported by the lower carriage 104. Specifically, the upper carriage 108 may include a base plate 124 and a plurality of upper carriage rollers (three upper carriage rollers 126a, 126b, 126c shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) connected to the base plate 124. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of upper carriage rollers 126a, 126b, 126c may engage one of the upper support rails 120a, 120b to facilitate movement of the base plate 124 (and thus the upper carriage 108) on the upper rail system 106. The base plate 124 of the upper carriage 108 may be oriented at an elevation angle β with respect to the horizontal (i.e., with respect to the X-Y plane of the illustrated coordinate axes). In the embodiments described herein, the elevation angle β may be greater than 0 degrees. In an embodiment, the elevation angle β may be greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, or even greater than 0 degrees and less than 45 degrees. In an embodiment, the elevation angle β may be less than 0 degrees and greater than -90 degrees, or even less than 0 degrees and greater than -45 degrees. In an embodiment, the elevation angle β may be equal to the elevation angle α. Due to the angular direction of the base plate 124 of the upper carriage 108 and the angular direction of the upper support rails 120a, 120b, the major vector component of the movement motion of the upper carriage 108 on the upper support rails 120a, 120b may be parallel to the + / -Y direction of the illustrated coordinate axes. In the embodiments described herein, the base plate 124 of the upper carriage 108 may be formed from a load-bearing material such as, for example, but not limited to, structural steel or a similar load-bearing material.

[0049] Referring also to FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper carriage 108 may further include a support frame 128 connected to the base plate 124. The support frame 128 supports and reinforces a molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 (shown in FIGS. 5 - 7) disposed within a volume 142 surrounded by the support frame 128 and the base plate 124. In an embodiment, the support frame 128 may be configured to absorb thermal expansion and contraction of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 in the lateral direction (i.e., the + / -X direction of the illustrated coordinate axes) of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110. In an embodiment, the support frame 128 may be configured to absorb thermal expansion and contraction of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 in the vertical direction (i.e., the + / -Z direction of the illustrated coordinate axes) of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110.

[0050] For example, in an embodiment, the support frame 128 may include a plurality of vertical support members (vertical support members 130a, 130b, 130c shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) and a plurality of horizontal support members 132a, 132b. The vertical support members 130a, 130b, 130c and the horizontal support members 132a, 132b may be formed from a load-bearing material such as, but not limited to, structural steel or a similar load-bearing material. The lower ends of the vertical support members 130a, 130b, 130c (i.e., the ends of the vertical support members in the -Z direction of the illustrated coordinate axes) may be connected to the base plate 124 of the upper carriage 108 by lateral spring elements 134. Similarly, the upper ends of the vertical support members 130a, 130b, 130c (i.e., the ends of the vertical support members in the +Z direction of the illustrated coordinate axes) may be connected to the horizontal support members 132a, 132b by lateral spring elements 134. The lateral spring elements 134 may be, for example, but not limited to, compression springs, disc springs, spring bolts, and / or combinations thereof.

[0051] The lateral spring element 134 may enable displacement of the vertical support members 130a, 130b, 130c in the + / -X directions (i.e., laterally) of the illustrated coordinate axes, and absorb thermal expansion and contraction of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 disposed within the volume 142 surrounded by the support frame 128 and the base plate 124 of the upper carriage 108. That is, when the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 is heated within the volume 142 surrounded by the support frame 128 and the base plate 124, the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 may expand and exert a force in the + / -X direction on the vertical support members 130a, 130b, 130c. The lateral spring element 134 may enable displacement of the vertical support members 130a, 130b, 130c in the + / -X directions, thereby absorbing the thermal expansion of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110. Similarly, when the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 cools within the volume 142 surrounded by the support frame 128 and the base plate 124, the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 may contract and move away from the vertical support members 130a, 130b, 130c. The lateral spring element 134 may enable displacement of the vertical support members 130a, 130b, 130 in the + / -X directions such that the vertical support members 130a, 130b, 130c maintain contact with the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110, thereby supporting the assembly when the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 cools and contracts.

[0052] In addition to the lateral spring element 134, the support frame 128 may include a vertical spring element 136. Specifically, the upper ends of the vertical support members 130a, 130b, 130c (i.e., the ends of the vertical support members in the +Z direction of the illustrated coordinate axes) may be connected to the horizontal support members 132a, 132b by the vertical spring elements 136. The vertical spring elements 136 may be, for example, but not limited to, compression springs, disc springs, spring bolts, and / or combinations thereof.

[0053] The vertical spring element 136 may allow displacement of the horizontal support members 132a, 132b in the + / −Z directions (i.e., the vertical directions) of the illustrated coordinate axes, and absorb thermal expansion and contraction of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 disposed within the volume 142 surrounded by the support frame 128 and the base plate 124. That is, when the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 is heated within the volume 142 surrounded by the support frame 128 and the base plate 124, the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 may expand and exert a +Z direction force on the horizontal support members 132a, 132b. The vertical spring element 136 may allow displacement of the horizontal support members 132a, 132b in the +Z direction, thereby absorbing the thermal expansion of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110. Similarly, when the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 cools within the volume 142 surrounded by the support frame 128 and the base plate 124, the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 may contract and move away from the horizontal support members 132a, 132b. The vertical spring element 136 may allow displacement of the horizontal support members 132a, 132b in the −Z direction such that the horizontal support members 132a, 132b maintain contact with the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110, thereby supporting the assembly as the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 cools and contracts.

[0054] In an embodiment, the support frame 128 of the upper carriage 108 may further include a vertical support plate (two vertical support plates 138a and 138b are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) and / or a horizontal support plate (one horizontal support plate 140 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) to provide additional support to the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 disposed within the volume 142 surrounded by the support frame 128 and the base plate 124. For example, in an embodiment, the support frame 128 may further include vertical support plates 138a and 138b disposed within the volume 142 surrounded by the support frame 128 and the base plate 124. The vertical support plate 138a may be connected to the vertical support members 130a and 130b by welding, mechanical fasteners, etc. such that the vertical support plate 138a is disposed between the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 disposed within the volume 142 surrounded by the support frame 128 and the base plate 124 and the vertical support members 130a and 130b (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5). Similarly, the vertical support plate 138b may be connected to the vertical support member 130c by welding, mechanical fasteners, etc. such that the vertical support plate 138b is disposed between the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 disposed within the volume 142 surrounded by the support frame 128 and the base plate 124 and the vertical support member 130c (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5). The vertical support plates 138a and 138b may be formed from a load-bearing material such as, but not limited to, structural steel or a similar load-bearing material. The vertical support plates 138a and 138b enable the forces exerted by the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 on the vertical support members 130a, 130b, and 130c (and vice versa) to be uniformly distributed along the longitudinal length of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 (i.e., the length of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 in the generally + / -Y direction of the illustrated coordinate axes), whereby the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 may be uniformly supported by the support frame 128 during thermal expansion, thermal contraction, and the periods between thermal expansion and thermal contraction.

[0055] In an embodiment, the support frame 128 further includes a horizontal support plate 140 disposed within a volume 142 surrounded by the support frame 128 and the base plate 124. The horizontal support plate 140 may be connected to the horizontal support members 132a, 132b by welding, mechanical fasteners, etc. such that the horizontal support plate 140 is disposed between the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 and the horizontal support members 132a, 132b disposed within the volume 142 surrounded by the support frame 128 and the base plate 124 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5). The horizontal support plate 140 may be formed from a load-bearing material such as, for example, but not limited to, structural steel or a similar load-bearing material. The horizontal support plate 140 enables the forces exerted by the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 on the horizontal support members 132a, 132b (and vice versa) to be uniformly distributed along the longitudinal length of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110, whereby the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 may be uniformly supported by the support frame 128 during thermal expansion and contraction and during the period between thermal expansion and contraction.

[0056] Referring also to FIGS. 3 and 4, in an embodiment, the module 102a may further include an expansion assist member 144 that assists in the movement of the lower carriage 104 along the lower support rails 118a, 118b of the lower rail system 112. Specifically, during thermal expansion and thermal contraction of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 disposed within the volume 142 surrounded by the support frame 128 and the base plate 124, all or a portion of the longitudinal length of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 increases (thermal expansion) or decreases (thermal contraction), which may cause the lower carriage 104 to move along the lower support rails 118a, 118b of the lower rail system 112. Despite the incorporation of a plurality of lower carriage rollers 116a, 116b, 116c between the lower carriage 104 and the lower support rails 118a, 118b, the large mass of the module 102a may make it difficult to overcome the static inertia of the module 102a and thereby start the module 102a with the plurality of lower carriage rollers 116a, 116b, 116c. If the static inertia of the module 102a is not overcome, additional stress may be imparted to the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110, resulting in damage and / or failure of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110. The expansion assist member 144 may assist in overcoming the static inertia of the module 102a by providing an expansion assist force in the direction of longitudinal expansion (i.e., expansion in the direction of the longitudinal length of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110) to the lower carriage 104 when the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 is heated.

[0057] Specifically, the expansion support member 144 may be composed of spring elements such as a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a compression spring, etc., and may exert a biasing force in one direction (i.e., the expansion support member behaves as a single-acting cylinder). In the embodiments described in this specification, the biasing force may be in the direction of expansion in the longitudinal direction of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 (i.e., the + / −Y direction of the illustrated coordinate axes). The expansion support member 144 may be connected to the lower carriage 104 by a carriage bracket 146 and to the lower support rail 118a by a rail bracket 148 such that the expansion support member 144 is mechanically installed on the lower support rail 118a. When the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 is heated and thermally expands, the expansion support member 144 may apply an expansion support force in either the + or -Y direction to the lower carriage 104 by the carriage bracket to assist in overcoming the static inertia of the module 102a and promoting the movement of the lower carriage 104.

[0058] In an embodiment, the module 102a may further include a mass compensation member 150 for canceling the mass of the upper carriage 108 and the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 along the upper support rails 120a, 120b of the upper rail system 106, thereby preventing unwanted movement of the upper carriage 108 along the upper support rails 120a, 120b of the upper rail system 106. Specifically, as described herein, the upper support rails 120a, 120b of the upper rail system 106 may be oriented at an elevation angle α with respect to the horizontal, and a plurality of upper carriage rollers 126a, 126b, 126c are engaged with the upper support rails 120a, 120b of the upper rail system 106. Thus, without additional compensation or restraint, the upper carriage 108 would move under gravity and descend along the upper support rails 120a, 120b. Moreover, when the components of the module 102a expand, the expansion may be suppressed by the force of gravity acting on the module 102a, which may thereby introduce stress into the components. To prevent this unwanted movement and reduce the introduction of stress, the module 102a may include a mass compensation member 150 configured to apply an upward mass compensation force to the upper carriage 108 along the upper rail system 106.

[0059] Specifically, the mass compensation member 150 may be composed of spring elements such as a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a compression spring, etc., and may exert a biasing force in one direction (i.e., the mass compensation member 150 behaves as a single-acting cylinder). In the embodiment described in this specification, the mass compensation member 150 is mechanically installed on the upper support rail 120a, and the biasing force of the mass compensation member 150 is connected to the upper carriage 108 by the carriage bracket 152 and to the upper support rail 120a by the rail bracket 154 so as to be parallel to the upper support rail 120a with a force component in the upward vertical direction (i.e., the +Z direction of the illustrated coordinate axis). The mass compensation member 150 may apply an upward mass compensation force to the upper carriage 108 along the upper rail system 106 (specifically, along the upper support rails 120a, 120b) and by the carriage bracket 152 in order to prevent the movement of the upper carriage 108 downward along the upper support rails 120a, 120b due to gravity. In the embodiment, the horizontal component of the upward mass compensation force applied by the mass compensation member 150 may be opposite to the horizontal component of the expansion support force applied by the expansion support member 144. The mass compensation member 150 may also assist in absorbing the thermal expansion of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 when the module 102a is heated by promoting the movement of the upper carriage 108 on the upper rail system 106 against the downward force of gravity acting on the module 102a.

[0060] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, in the embodiment, the lower carriage 104 of the module 102a may include a carriage coupler 170 fixed to the lower carriage frame 114. In the embodiment, the carriage coupler 170 may include a collar block 171 and a threaded rod 172. The threaded rod 172 may be inserted through the collar block 171 and fixed in place by a lock nut 173. The carriage coupler 170 may be used, for example, to fix the module 102a to an adjacent module 102b, thereby maintaining the relative positions of the modules.

[0061] Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, FIG. 5 schematically shows a cross-section of module 102a with the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 disposed within a volume surrounded by the support frame 128 and the base plate 124, FIG. 6A schematically shows a cross-section of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 through the X-Z plane of the illustrated coordinate axes, FIG. 6B schematically shows an exploded view of a portion of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 of FIG. 6A, FIG. 6C schematically shows a cross-section of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 including the flange 220 through the X-Z plane of the illustrated coordinate axes, and FIG. 7 shows a cross-section of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 through the Y-Z plane of the illustrated coordinate axes. In an embodiment, the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 may include a cradle assembly 180, a tube assembly 190, and a supply conduit 200. In an embodiment, the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 may further include at least one flange 220 electrically connected to the supply conduit 200. In an embodiment, the cradle assembly 180 and the tube assembly 190 may be configured to prevent the cradle assembly 180 and the tube assembly 190 from sliding relative to each other when the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 is heated or cooled. However, the supply conduit 200 is free to slide relative to the cradle assembly 180 and the tube assembly 190 when the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 is heated or cooled.

[0062] Specifically, referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 may include a supply conduit 200 through which molten glass flows. In embodiments, the supply conduit 200 may be formed from a refractory metal such as, but not limited to, platinum, molybdenum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, rhenium, tantalum, titanium, tungsten, alloys thereof and / or combinations thereof, so as to withstand the high temperature and corrosiveness of the molten glass flowing through the conduit. The figure shows the supply conduit 200 with a circular cross-section, but other cross-sections are contemplated and possible, such as, but not limited to, an elliptical cross-section supply conduit, an oval cross-section supply conduit, an egg-shaped cross-section supply conduit, etc. In embodiments, heater windings 201 may be wound around the supply conduit 200 to facilitate heating of the supply conduit 200 and / or to supplement heating of the supply conduit 200.

[0063] In an embodiment, the supply conduit 200 may be disposed within the tube assembly 190 such that both the supply conduit 200 and the tube assembly extend in the longitudinal direction of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110. The tube assembly 190 may be composed of a refractory ceramic material that insulates the molten glass flowing through the supply conduit 200 and the conduit, and minimizes the radial temperature change (i.e., the temperature change in the direction perpendicular to the + / -Y direction of the illustrated coordinate axes) of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110. The tube assembly 190 may be formed, for example, but not limited to, from alumina, zirconia, stabilized zirconia, and / or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the tube assembly 190 may be formed from a plurality of individual parts assembled around the supply conduit 200. For example, in an embodiment, the tube assembly 190 may be composed of a lower tube portion 192 and an upper tube portion 194, as shown in FIG. 6B. In an embodiment, the lower tube portion 192 and / or the upper tube portion 194 may be composed of a plurality of individual segments. For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, the upper tube portion 194 may be composed of a plurality of tube segments 196a, 196b, 196c that extend in the longitudinal direction of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 and are arranged in an arch around at least a portion of the supply conduit 200. Although FIG. 6B shows the upper tube portion 194 being composed of a plurality of tube segments 196a, 196b, 196c, other embodiments are contemplated and possible, such as an embodiment where the lower tube portion 192 is composed of a plurality of tube segments, or an embodiment where both the lower tube portion 192 and the upper tube portion 194 are composed of a plurality of tube segments.

[0064] In the embodiments described herein, the supply conduit 200 is not attached or affixed to the tube assembly 190, and thus the supply conduit 200 is free to slide relative to the tube assembly 190. As a result, when the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 is heated or cooled, the supply conduit 200 is free to thermally expand and contract relative to the tube assembly 190, thereby avoiding the introduction of additional stress into the supply conduit 200.

[0065] Referring also to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the supply conduit 200 and the tube assembly 190 may be disposed within the cradle assembly 180 such that the supply conduit 200, the tube assembly 190, and the cradle assembly 180 extend in the longitudinal direction of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110. The cradle assembly 180 may be composed of a refractory ceramic material that insulates the tube assembly 190, the supply conduit 200, and the molten glass flowing through the conduits, minimizing the radial temperature variation of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110. The cradle assembly 180 may be formed, for example, but not limited to, from alumina, zirconia, stabilized zirconia, and / or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the cradle assembly 180 may be formed from a plurality of individual parts assembled around the tube assembly 190. For example, in an embodiment, the cradle assembly 180 may be composed of a lower cradle block 182 and an upper cradle block 184, as shown in FIG. 6B.

[0066] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6A, a heat insulating refractory block 202 and / or a refractory board may be disposed around the cradle assembly 180 to provide additional insulation to the supply conduit 200, the tube assembly 190, the cradle assembly 180, and the molten glass flowing through the conduits. In an embodiment, the refractory block 202 may be formed, for example, but not limited to, from alumina, zirconia, stabilized zirconia, and / or combinations thereof.

[0067] As described herein, the components and configurations of the individual modules of the modular molten glass supply apparatus 100 may generally be the same. However, in an embodiment, the refractory ceramic materials used, for example, in the cradle assembly 180 and the tube assembly 190 may vary from module to module. Specifically, the refractory ceramic material may be selected to provide a desired amount of insulation or conversely a desired amount of heat transfer in a particular module of the modular molten glass supply apparatus 100, regardless of the refractory ceramic material used in another module of the modular molten glass supply apparatus.

[0068] Referring now to FIG. 7, in an embodiment, the cradle assembly 180 and the tube assembly 190 may be joined to prevent relative movement between the cradle assembly 180 and the tube assembly 190 when the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 is heated or cooled. Thereby, it becomes possible to support the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 and the upper carriage as a single integral solid body, for example, by the mass compensation member 150. Similarly, in an embodiment, the cradle assembly 180 and the refractory block 202 are joined to prevent relative movement between the cradle assembly 180 and the refractory block 202 when the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 is heated or cooled. For example, in an embodiment, one or more keyways 230 may be formed between the lower tube portion 192 and the lower cradle block 182 such that a portion of each keyway 230 is disposed in the lower tube portion 192 and a portion of the keyway 230 is disposed in the lower cradle block 182. The keyways 230 may extend in a lateral direction of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110, transverse to the longitudinal direction of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110. A key 232 is disposed within each keyway 230, thereby connecting the lower tube portion 192 and the lower cradle block 182 and preventing relative movement between the lower tube portion 192 and the lower cradle block 182 when the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 is heated or cooled. In an embodiment, the key 232 within each keyway 230 may be formed from a refractory material such as, but not limited to, a refractory ceramic material and a refractory metal. Alternatively, the key 232 may be formed from a load-bearing material such as, but not limited to, structural steel. Alternatively or additionally, the upper tube portion 194 and the upper cradle block 184 may be connected in the same manner as the lower tube portion 192 and the lower cradle block 182.

[0069] Similarly, one or more keyways 230 may be formed between the refractory block 202 and the lower cradle block 182 such that a portion of each keyway 230 is disposed in the refractory block 202 and a portion of the keyway 230 is disposed in the lower cradle block 182. The keyways 230 extend in a lateral direction of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110, transverse to the longitudinal direction of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110. Keys 232 are disposed within each keyway 230, thereby connecting the refractory block 202 and the lower cradle block 182 and preventing relative movement between the refractory block 202 and the lower cradle block 182 when the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 is heated or cooled. In an embodiment, the keys 232 within each keyway 230 may be formed from a refractory material such as, but not limited to, a refractory ceramic material and a refractory metal. Alternatively, the keys 232 may be formed from a load-bearing material such as, but not limited to, structural steel. Alternatively or additionally, the refractory block 202 and the upper cradle block 184 may be connected in the same manner as the refractory block 202 and the lower cradle block 182.

[0070] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 6C - 8, in an embodiment, each module 102a, 102b of the modular molten glass supply device 100 may include a separate supply conduit 200. In these embodiments, the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 may include flanges 220 disposed at both ends of the supply conduit 200. The flanges 220 facilitate, for example, forming a glass seal between the molten glass supply conduit assemblies 110 of the individual modules 102a, 102b of the modular molten glass supply device 100. For example, the modular molten glass supply device 100 may include a plurality of modules arranged in series, as described herein. The molten glass flows serially through the modules (i.e., after passing through one module, it flows through the next module). Between adjacent modules 102a, 102b of the modular molten glass supply device, conventional seals are not used due to the relatively high temperature and corrosiveness of the molten glass and the relatively large thermal expansion of the components of the modules. Instead, the molten glass leaks between adjacent modules 102a, 102b. When the molten glass cools and solidifies, a glass seal is formed between adjacent modules 102a, 102b. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the molten glass leaks between the flanges 220 of adjacent modules 102a, 102b and solidifies between the flanges 220, thereby forming a glass seal 229.

[0071] In an embodiment, the flange 220 may be conductive to facilitate heating of the supply conduit 200 by passing an electric current through the flange 220 and thus through the supply conduit 200. In these embodiments, the flange 220 circumscribes the supply conduit 200 and is maintained in electrical contact with the outer surface of the supply conduit 200. The electric current flows into the supply conduit 200 through the flange 220 and heats the supply conduit 200 and the molten glass within the supply conduit 200. In various embodiments, the flange 220 may circumscribe at least a portion of the supply conduit 200 and be disposed at the longitudinal ends of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110. Due to the electrical resistance of the supply conduit 200, the electric current directly heats the supply conduit, thereby heating the molten glass inside the supply conduit 200.

[0072] Referring specifically to FIG. 6C by way of example, the flange 220 may include a bus portion 222 and a distribution portion 224, and the distribution portion 224 has a uniform cross-sectional width around the supply conduit 200. However, other embodiments are contemplated and possible.

[0073] In particular, FIGS. 9-13 show various alternative configurations of flanges for use with the supply conduit 200. For example, FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of a flange 260 that includes a bus portion 262 and a distribution portion 264, and the distribution portion 264 has a non-uniform cross-sectional width around the supply conduit 200. FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a flange 360 that includes a plurality of bus portions 362 extending from a distribution portion 364. FIG. 11 shows a flange 460 that includes two bus portions 462, where the two bus portions extend laterally (i.e., in the + / -X direction of the illustrated coordinate axes) from a distribution portion 464 and include at least a portion that extends in the vertical direction (i.e., in the +Z direction of the illustrated coordinate axes) for connection to an electrical lead. FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of a flange 560 that includes two bus portions 564 that extend in opposite directions from a distribution portion 562, for example, in opposite vertical directions. FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of a flange 660 that includes two bus portions 662 that extend in opposite lateral directions from a distribution portion 664 for connection to an electrical lead. The various configurations of the flanges 220, 260, 360, 460, 560, 660 may facilitate the introduction of current into the supply conduit 200 for the targeted heating and / or efficient heating of the molten glass, and may be selected based at least on the magnitude of the current sent to the supply conduit 200 and the accessibility of the bus portion for connection to a current source.

[0074] In the embodiments described herein, the flanges 220, 260, 360, 460, 560, 660 may be made of a low-resistance metal, such as, but not limited to, a transition metal such as electrical grade nickel 600 / 601, and / or a high-temperature refractory metal, such as, but not limited to, platinum or its alloys, which are suitable for use at the high temperatures experienced in glass manufacturing. In various embodiments, the flanges 220, 260, 360, 460, 560, 660 may be cooled, for example, by air cooling or water cooling. In various embodiments, the cooling fluid may be directed by cooling tubes (not shown) connected to and extending around the flanges 220, 260, 360, 460, 560, 660. In other embodiments, the cooling fluid may be used to cool selected portions of the flanges 220, 260, 360, 460, 560, 660.

[0075] Figures 2 and 6C - 8 show the modules 102a, 102b of the modular molten glass supply apparatus 100 as having separate supply conduits 200, but other embodiments are contemplated and possible. For example, in other embodiments (not shown), the modular molten glass supply apparatus 100 may comprise a single supply conduit 200 that extends through and between a plurality of modules 102a, 102b. In these embodiments, the flanges 220, 260, 360, 460, 560, 660 may be disposed at both ends of the single supply conduit 200. In some embodiments, the single supply conduit 200 may further include additional flanges disposed in the conduits between adjacent modules.

[0076] Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, in an embodiment, the module 102a may further include an external support frame 250. The external support frame 250 may include an external vertical support member 252 that is joined to an external horizontal support member 254 (shown in FIG. 14) by welding, mechanical fasteners, or the like. The external support frame 250 may be connected, for example, but not by way of limitation, to the lower carriage frame 114 of the lower carriage 104 by brackets 256 such that the external support frame 250 is movable with the lower carriage 104. In an embodiment, the flange 220 is connected to the external support frame 250 to accommodate movement of the flange 220 during thermal expansion and contraction of the flange of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 and other components. For example, the external support frame 250 may include a flange support member 240 connected to the external horizontal support member 254 of the external support frame 250. The flange 220 may be connected to the flange support member 240 by a movable support 410. The movable support 410 may include a support plate 411 connected to the flange support member 240 and a connection bracket 416 that moves in the vertical direction 84 relative to the support plate 411. The connection bracket 416 may be fixed to the bus 222 of the flange 220. The movable support 410 may include a spring 412 that applies an upward force to the connection bracket 416 by a transfer rod 413 that contacts the connection bracket 416. An electrical insulator (not shown) may be disposed between the transfer rod 413 and the connection bracket 416 such that the connection bracket 416 and the support plate 411 are electrically insulated from each other. The spring 412 contacts the connection bracket 416 of the movable support 410 to the bus portion 222 of the flange 220 by the transfer rod 413. The force applied by the spring 412 cancels the load (and associated stress) that would be applied to the supply conduit 200 by the weight of the flange 220. The spring 412 may accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the flange 220 and other components of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110.

[0077] For example, when the supply conduit 200 is heated or cooled, the supply conduit 200 thermally expands or contracts. The thermal expansion and contraction of the supply conduit changes the height of the flange 220. The spring 412 maintains the support of the flange 220 during expansion and contraction while minimizing the stress imparted to the supply conduit by the weight of the flange 220. The longitudinal expansion and contraction of the supply conduit 200 also changes the position of the flange 220 in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the + / -Y direction of the illustrated coordinate axes). The movable support 410 is repositionable to accommodate changes in the longitudinal position of the flange 220. For example, the spring 412 may slide longitudinally along the support plate 411.

[0078] Although not shown, in an embodiment, the external support frame 250 may further include panels that are attached to the external support frame 250 thereby forming a capsule around the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110. Encapsulating the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 allows for controlling the atmosphere immediately surrounding the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110, thereby preventing, for example, hydrogen permeation by the platinum components of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110.

[0079] Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 16, in an embodiment, the bus portion 222 of the flange 220 may be connected to a power source (not shown) by a clamp 399 and a power supply cable 380. The supply cable 380 may have a relatively large mass in order to accommodate the power supply required for heating the supply conduit 200 without melting the supply cable 380. A portion of the weight of the distribution cable may be transmitted to the supply conduit 200 by the flange 220, thereby introducing additional stress on the supply conduit 200. In an embodiment, in order to offset the weight of the supply cable 380 applied to the supply conduit (and thus to reduce the stress applied to the supply conduit 200), the supply cable may be supported by an overhead support structure 400 as shown in FIG. 16. The overhead support structure 400 may include a rail 401 suspended above the module 102a. The overhead support structure 400 may further include a hanger 402 extending from the rail 401. The hanger 402 may be connected to the supply cable 380 such that the supply cable 380 is suspended from the rail 401. The hanger 402 supports the weight of the supply cable 380 so as to minimize the stress applied to the supply conduit 200 by the weight of the supply cable 380. In an embodiment, the hanger 402 may be supported by a trolley 404 movable along the rail 401. The trolley 404 allows the hanger 402 to move while supporting the supply cable 380, thereby minimizing misalignment between the flange 220 to which the supply cable 380 is connected and the supply cable 380 when the supply conduit 200 expands and contracts. For example, when the module 102a is heated or cooled, the supply conduit 200 may expand and contract, causing the flange 220 to move longitudinally. The trolley 404 allows the supply cable 380 to move with the flange 220 such that the hanger 402 supports the supply cable 380 when the position of the flange 220 changes, thereby reducing the stress applied to the supply conduit 200 by the supply cable 380.

[0080] In an embodiment, the hanger 402 may include a spring support 406. The spring support 406 may have a spring constant that enables the spring support 406 to provide continuous vertical support to the supply cable 380 when the supply cable 380 is displaced in the vertical direction (i.e., the + / -Z direction of the illustrated coordinate axes). For example, when the supply conduit 200 is heated or cooled, the supply conduit 200 thermally expands in both the radial direction (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the + / -Y direction of the illustrated coordinate axes) and the longitudinal direction (i.e., the + / -Y direction of the illustrated coordinate axes). The vertical height of the flange 220 changes due to the radial expansion and contraction of the supply conduit 200. To minimize the stress applied to the supply conduit 200 by the weight of the conductor flange 220, the spring support 406 may be selected and mounted such that a vertical force is applied to the conductor flange 220 even when the position of the conductor flange 220 shifts vertically. Thus, the spring support 406 supports the supply cable 380 regardless of the position of the supply cable 380 relative to the overhead support structure 400. Thus, the hanger 402 may minimize the introduction of stress to components of the module 102a, such as the supply conduit 200, when the module 102a is heated or cooled.

[0081] Here, the operation of the modular molten glass supply device 100 by the glass manufacturing apparatus 10 will be described in more detail with specific reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. Reference is made to the use of a modular molten glass supply device 100 in place of the connecting pipe 50 that connects the melting furnace 11 and the clarification system 13.

[0082] Initially, modules 102a, 102b may be disposed between the melting furnace 11 and the fining system 13 on the lower rail system 112. The supply conduits 200 of each of the modules 102a, 102b may be aligned with the outlet of the melting furnace 11 and the inlet of the fining system 13 to facilitate the flow of molten glass 16 from the melting furnace 11 through the modules 102a, 102b of the modular molten glass supply apparatus 100 to the fining system 13. Then, an electric current may be introduced into the flange 220 (and / or the heater winding 201 (FIG. 6B)) to preheat the supply conduit 200 before the supply conduit 200 receives the flow of molten glass 16 from the melting furnace 11.

[0083] Thereafter, the molten glass 16 may be directed through the supply conduits 200 of the modules 102a, 102b to the fining system 13 while the supply conduits 200 are heated by the flange 220 and / or the heater winding 201. As the temperature of the modules 102a, 102b increases, the components of the modules 102a, 102b may thermally expand radially and longitudinally according to their respective coefficients of thermal expansion, as described herein. For example, as the supply conduit 200 expands longitudinally, the modules 102a, 102b may exert forces against each other and / or against the melting furnace 11 and the fining system 13. These forces may cause displacement of the lower carriage 104 along the lower rail system 112 of the modules 102a, 102b and displacement of the upper carriage 108 along the upper rail system 106, thereby absorbing the longitudinal thermal expansion of the modules 102a, 102b of the modular molten glass supply apparatus 100 in the longitudinal direction without introducing static stress into components of the modules 102a, 102b, such as the supply conduit 200. The displacement of the lower carriage 104 may be assisted, for example, by the expansion assist member 144 and the mass compensation member 150, as described herein.

[0084] The radial thermal expansion of the components of modules 102a, 102b may be absorbed by the lateral spring elements 134 and the vertical spring elements 136 of the support frame 128. Specifically, when the components of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 thermally expand radially and press against the vertical support members 130a, 130b, 130c and the horizontal support members 132a, 132b, the lateral spring elements 134 and the vertical spring elements 136 respectively allow displacement of the vertical support members 130a, 130b, 130c and the horizontal support members 132a, 132b, thereby absorbing the radial thermal expansion of the molten glass supply conduit assembly 110 and reducing the introduction of stress into the supply conduit 200.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 14 - 16, the overhead support structure 400 and the movable support 410 of modules 102a, 102b absorb the displacement of the flanges 220 of modules 102a, 102b when the modular molten glass supply device 100 is heated. Specifically, the spring 412 of the movable support 410 extends between the support plate 411 and the connection bracket 416 and slides along the support plate 411 to absorb the longitudinal displacement of the flange 220, thereby reducing the introduction of stress into the supply conduit 200 by the flange 220. At the same time, the spring support 406 retracts vertically upward to reduce the weight of the supply cable 380 applied to the supply conduit 200 via the flange 220, and absorbs the vertical displacement of the flange 220 and the attached supply cable 380 by reducing the introduction of stress into the supply conduit 200.

[0086] Referring again to FIGS. 1 - 3, when the temperature of modules 102a, 102b of the modular molten glass supply device 100 equalizes and the thermal expansion of the components of the glass manufacturing device 10 decreases, for example, at the end, the carriage coupler 170 connects the lower carriages 104 of modules 102a, 102b to each other and is used to prevent relative movement between modules 102a, 102b.

[0087] The modular molten glass supply device described in this specification can be used to reduce or mitigate the stress within the components of the modular molten glass supply device, thereby extending the service life of the modular molten glass supply device, increasing the production volume, and reducing the operation and maintenance costs of the glass manufacturing apparatus. For example, the described modular molten glass supply device can reduce the stress caused by the thermal expansion of the components of the device by absorbing the thermal expansion of the components of the device. By absorbing the thermal expansion of the components, a higher operating temperature can be achieved, and thereby a larger flow rate of molten glass can pass through the device (i.e., an increase in the mass of molten glass per unit time), thereby increasing the production volume while reducing the risk of damage or failure due to stress.

[0088] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments described in this specification without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Therefore, this specification is intended to cover such modifications and variations of the various embodiments described herein, provided that such modifications and variations are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0089] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described item by item.

[0090] Embodiment 1 A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising a molten glass supply device, wherein the molten glass supply device comprises at least one module, and the at least one module comprises a lower carriage including a plurality of lower carriage rollers, an upper rail system supported by the lower carriage, the upper rail system including a pair of upper support rails oriented at an elevation angle α greater than 0 degrees with respect to the horizontal, an upper carriage, a base plate oriented at an elevation angle β greater than 0 degrees with respect to the horizontal, A plurality of upper carriage rollers connected to the base plate and engaged with the pair of upper support rails of the upper rail system An upper carriage including A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising

[0091] Embodiment 2 The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1, wherein the elevation angle α is equal to the elevation angle β

[0092] Embodiment 3 The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1, further comprising a lower rail system including a pair of lower support rails, wherein the plurality of lower carriage rollers of the lower carriage are engaged with the pair of lower support rails

[0093] Embodiment 4 The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1, further comprising an expansion support member connected to the lower carriage, wherein the expansion support member is configured to apply an expansion support force to the lower carriage

[0094] Embodiment 5 The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1, further comprising a mass compensation member connected to the upper carriage and the upper rail system, wherein the mass compensation member is configured to apply an upward mass compensation force to the upper carriage along the upper rail system

[0095] Embodiment 6 The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 5, further comprising an expansion support member connected to the lower carriage, wherein the expansion support member is configured to apply an expansion support force to the lower carriage

[0096] Embodiment 7 The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 6, wherein a horizontal component of the upward mass compensation force is opposite to a horizontal component of the expansion support force

[0097] Embodiment 8 The upper carriage further includes a support frame connected to the base plate, and the support frame includes a vertical support member connected to the base plate by a lateral spring element so as to be laterally displaceable with respect to the base plate, and a horizontal support member connected to the vertical support member by a vertical spring element and the lateral spring element so that the horizontal support member is vertically displaceable with respect to the vertical support member and the vertical support member is laterally displaceable with respect to the horizontal support member. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 comprises.

[0098] Embodiment 9 The support frame includes a vertical support plate connected to the vertical support member, and a horizontal support plate connected to the horizontal support member. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 8 comprises.

[0099] Embodiment 10 The upper carriage further includes a molten glass supply conduit assembly supported by the upper carriage, and the molten glass supply conduit assembly includes a cradle assembly including an upper cradle block formed of a refractory ceramic material and a lower cradle block formed of a refractory ceramic material, a tube assembly disposed within the cradle assembly and extending in the longitudinal direction of the molten glass supply conduit assembly, the tube assembly including an upper tube portion formed of a refractory ceramic material and a lower tube portion formed of a refractory ceramic material, and a supply conduit disposed within the tube assembly and extending in the longitudinal direction, the supply conduit being formed of a refractory metal. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 comprises.

[0100] Embodiment 11 A key groove formed between the lower pipe portion and the lower cradle block, the key groove extending in a transverse direction crossing the longitudinal direction, A key disposed within the key groove and connecting the lower pipe portion and the lower cradle block The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 10, further comprising:

[0101] Embodiment 12 The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 10, wherein the molten glass supply conduit assembly further comprises a refractory block disposed around the cradle assembly, and the refractory block is formed of a refractory ceramic material.

[0102] Embodiment 13 A key groove formed between the lower cradle block and the refractory block, the key groove extending in a transverse direction crossing the longitudinal direction, A key disposed within the key groove and connecting the lower cradle block and the refractory block The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 12, further comprising:

[0103] Embodiment 14 The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 10, wherein the upper pipe portion includes a plurality of pipe segments extending in the longitudinal direction and disposed in an arch shape around a part of the supply conduit.

[0104] Embodiment 15 The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 10, further comprising at least one flange connected to the supply conduit at a longitudinal end of the supply conduit.

[0105] Embodiment 16 The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 15, wherein the at least one flange includes a bus portion connected to a supply cable and a distribution portion contacting the supply conduit.

[0106] Embodiment 17 The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 16, further comprising a movable support connected to the bus portion and a spring element configured to apply a force in the vertical direction to the bus portion.

[0107] Embodiment 18 The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 17, wherein the movable support is electrically insulated from the bus portion of the at least one flange.

[0108] Embodiment 19 A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising a molten glass supply conduit assembly, the molten glass supply conduit assembly comprising: A cradle assembly including an upper cradle block formed of a refractory ceramic material and a lower cradle block formed of a refractory ceramic material; A tube assembly disposed within the cradle assembly and extending in the longitudinal direction of the molten glass supply conduit assembly, the tube assembly including an upper tube portion formed of a refractory ceramic material and a lower tube portion formed of a refractory ceramic material; A key groove formed between the lower tube portion and the lower cradle block, the key groove extending in a lateral direction transverse to the longitudinal direction; A key disposed within the key groove and connecting the lower tube portion and the lower cradle block The glass manufacturing apparatus comprising.

[0109] Embodiment 20 The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 19, further comprising a refractory block disposed around the cradle assembly, the refractory block being formed of a refractory ceramic material.

[0110] Embodiment 21 A key groove formed between the lower cradle block and the refractory block, the key groove extending in a lateral direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the molten glass supply conduit assembly; A key disposed within the key groove and connecting the lower cradle block and the refractory block The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 20, further comprising

[0111] Embodiment 22 The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 19, wherein the upper pipe portion includes a plurality of pipe segments that extend in the longitudinal direction and are arranged in an arch shape.

[0112] Embodiment 23 The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 19, further comprising a supply conduit formed of a refractory metal, disposed within the pipe assembly and extending in the longitudinal direction.

[0113] Embodiment 24 The glass manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 23, further comprising a flange connected to the supply conduit at a longitudinal end of the supply conduit.

Claims

1. A glass manufacturing apparatus comprising a molten glass supply conduit assembly, wherein the molten glass supply conduit assembly comprises a cradle assembly including an upper cradle block formed of a refractory ceramic material and a lower cradle block formed of a refractory ceramic material, a tube assembly disposed within the cradle assembly and extending in the longitudinal direction of the molten glass supply conduit assembly, the tube assembly including an upper tube portion formed of a refractory ceramic material and a lower tube portion formed of a refractory ceramic material, a first key groove formed between the lower tube portion and the lower cradle block, the first key groove extending in a lateral direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, a first key disposed within the first key groove and connecting the lower tube portion and the lower cradle block, a supply conduit formed of a refractory metal disposed within the tube assembly and extending in the longitudinal direction, at least one flange connected to the supply conduit at a longitudinal end of the supply conduit, the at least one flange comprising a bus portion connected to a supply cable and a distribution portion in contact with the supply conduit, a movable support connected to the bus portion and a spring element configured to apply a force in a vertical direction to the bus portion, and the movable support is electrically insulated from the bus portion of the at least one flange, the glass manufacturing apparatus.

2. a second key groove formed between the upper tube portion and the upper cradle block, the second key groove extending in a lateral direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, and a second key disposed within the second key groove and connecting the upper tube portion and the upper cradle block The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising.

3. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first key and the second key are formed of a refractory material.

4. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first key groove, the first key, the second key groove, and the second key overlap in a lateral direction transverse to the longitudinal direction.

5. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a refractory block disposed around the cradle assembly, the refractory block being formed of a refractory ceramic material.

6. A third key groove formed between the lower cradle block and the refractory block, the third key groove extending in a lateral direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the molten glass supply conduit assembly; A third key disposed within the third key groove and connecting the lower cradle block and the refractory block The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising.

7. A fourth key groove formed between the upper cradle block and the refractory block, the fourth key groove extending in a lateral direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the molten glass supply conduit assembly; A fourth key disposed within the fourth key groove and connecting the upper cradle block and the refractory block The glass manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising.

8. The glass manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the upper pipe portion includes a plurality of pipe segments that extend in the longitudinal direction and are arranged in an arch shape around a part of the supply conduit.

Images