Molten glass transfer assemblies to mitigate leaks and improve heat loss properties

Abstract

A glass manufacturing system that includes a fining vessel, a stir chamber, and a molten glass transfer assembly is disclosed. The molten glass transfer assembly is configured to convey molten glass from the fining vessel to the stir chamber. The molten glass transfer assembly includes a cradle, a castable material, and a conduit. The cradle includes an internal cradle surface that surrounds an internal cradle volume. The castable material is positioned inside of the internal cradle surface of the cradle, and the castable material has a thermal conductivity greater than about 2.0 W / (m·°C) at temperatures of less than about 1500 °C. The castable material also includes an internal castable surface that surrounds an internal castable volume. The is conduit positioned inside of the internal castable surface, and the conduit comprises an internal surface that surrounds an internal volume.

Description

Attorney Docket Number: SP24-223MOLTEN GLASS TRANSFER ASSEMBLIES TO MITIGATE LEAKS AND IMPROVE HEAT LOSS PROPERTIESCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 683331 filed on August 15, 2024, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] Embodiments relate generally to molten glass transfer assemblies that mitigate leaks and improve heat loss properties.BACKGROUND

[0003] Low thermal conductivity castable materials have been used to insulate glass transfer assemblies of glass forming systems. In some instances, increased glass flow targets were not achievable using such materials as the materials were unable to sufficiently cool the molten glass.

[0004] To increase heat loss, castable materials and air boxes were removed and replaced with high heat loss refractory cradles. When these higher heat loss refractory cradles were utilized in glass transfer assemblies, the glass transfer assemblies were more prone to crack and leak formation.

[0005] Additionally, molten glass transfer assemblies have included thermocouple tubes extending into an internal volume of the transfer assemblies through which molten glass flows. Thermocouple tubes have used the same material as the portions of the molten glass transfer assemblies that the thermocouple tubes are attached to, allowing the coefficient of thermal expansion to be matched. However, over time, the thermocouple tube may sag due to temperature, the thermocouple tube’s weight, and mechanical creep properties of the thermocouple tube, creating a bend in the shape of the thermocouple tube that may prevent the thermocouples from being inserted into or removed from the thermocouple tube during maintenance. To resolve this issue, stronger materials, e.g., platinum alloys, have been used to prevent this bend from forming. However, these materials often have different coefficients of thermal expansion and mechanical creep properties compared to material at welds and material surrounding welds. Due to the differences in the coefficients of thermal expansion and mechanical creep properties between the new stronger material and the body, cracks may formAttorney Docket Number: SP24-223 in areas proximate to the welded interface of the tube and body, leading to the formation of leaks overtime as molten glass transfer assemblies are heated.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] Various embodiments described herein may help to prevent mechanical creep in certain portions of molten glass transfer assemblies by providing improved support. Molten glass transfer assemblies are provided that may lose heat at high levels, allowing molten glass within the molten glass transfer assemblies to reach lower temperatures at target glass flows within smaller spatial footprints. By allowing for smaller spatial footprints, the molten glass transfer assemblies may be made smaller and with less material, allowing the molten glass transfer assemblies to be made in a more cost-effective manner and allowing the molten glass transfer assemblies to occupy less space on a manufacturing floor. The molten glass transfer assemblies may enable molten glass to decrease in temperature in sufficient amounts when moving from a fining vessel (e.g., a vessel where bubbles may be removed from the molten glass) to a stir chamber (e.g., a chamber where a glass melt may be stirred and homogenized and where concentration differences may be removed from the glass melt) so that the molten glass is at a desired temperature upon reaching the stir chamber.

[0007] Additionally, molten glass transfer assemblies may be provided with increased platinum support to prevent the formation of cracks within platinum components of the assembly, to prevent leak formation, and to prevent other forms of premature failure. The molten glass transfer assemblies may therefore operate for longer lifetimes without need for replacement, which may lead to a reduction in operating costs, improved capital efficiency, and a greater overall return on investment for molten glass transfer assemblies. Molten glass transfer assemblies may be provided with increased strength so that they are less impacted by both external forces and internal forces from internal pressure.

[0008] Higher heat loss castable materials may be used that have a thermal conductivity greater than about 2.0 W / (m °C) at temperatures of less than about 1500 °C. Examples of possible higher heat loss castable materials include Norflow® A308 castable material and / or higher heat lost cradle materials such as Monofrax® A2 material may be utilized to meet the glass flow and heat loss requirements and also reduce glass leak and crack formation risks. These materials may have higher thermal conductivity levels than CA331 castable material. In some embodiments, higher heat loss castable materials such as Norflow A308 castable material may have a higher modulus of rupture than CA331 castable material, making molten glass transfer assemblies less prone to rupture where Norflow A308 castable material is used. TheAttorney Docket Number: SP24-223 inclusion of the castable material may assist in providing support for the platinum body and may help to limit the formation of leaks or cracks due to external stresses (e.g., from forces generated after heating the molten glass transfer assembly) and internal stresses (e.g., from internal pressure within molten glass transfer assembly).

[0009] In addition, the risk of leak formation may be mitigated by providing improved three-piece welds and by adding thickness bands at platinum material proximate to areas that are particularly at risk of leaks such as areas proximate to flanges. Additionally, autogenous welds may be used to form high quality welds, to form welds more easily, and to form more homogenous welds.

[0010] Additionally, the molten glass transfer assemblies may be provided with minimal connections between platinum and any vanes. This may help to reduce the likelihood of cracks, pin holes, and / or glass leaks at areas proximate to connections between vanes and the platinum. In some embodiments, molten glass transfer assemblies may be made entirely vaneless, with no connections between the platinum and any vanes.

[0011] Core tube assemblies may be provided that help to address issues that were previously problematic in thermocouple tubes. The core tube assemblies may each comprise an outer tube and an inner tube. The outer tube may have a similar material relative to the body that it is attached to, allowing the outer tube and the body to have similar coefficients of thermal expansion. However, the inner tube may comprise another material such as FKS material that is harder and less prone to deformation by mechanical creep. As a result, the inner tube may remain straight without sagging or bending over time, allowing thermocouples to be easily added to or removed from an internal volume of the inner tube. The inner tube may be attached to the outer tube at one location such as at an end of the inner tube, and other portions of the inner tube may extend freely relative to the outer tube. Thus, even though the inner tube has a different material and different coefficient of thermal expansion than the outer tube, the inner tube may expand or retract freely relative to the outer tube as the core tube is heated, minimizing the risk of deformations being formed. As a result, glass leaks may occur less frequently at areas proximate to the core tube assemblies.

[0012] In an example embodiment, a glass manufacturing system is provided. The glass manufacturing system comprises a fining vessel, a stir chamber, and a molten glass transfer assembly. The molten glass transfer assembly is configured to convey molten glass from the fining vessel to the stir chamber within an internal volume of the transfer assembly. The molten glass transfer assembly comprises a cradle, a castable material, and a conduit. The conduit may be disposed between the fining vessel and the stir chamber and configured to receive a flow ofAttorney Docket Number: SP24-223 molten glass therethrough as the molten glass flows between the fining vessel and the stir chamber. The cradle comprises an internal cradle surface that surrounds an internal cradle volume. The castable material is positioned inside of the internal cradle surface of the cradle, and the castable material has a thermal conductivity greater than about 2.0 W / (m °C) at temperatures of less than about 1500 °C. The castable material also comprises an internal castable surface that surrounds an internal castable volume. The conduit is positioned inside of the internal castable surface, and the conduit comprises an internal surface that surrounds the internal volume of the conduit.

[0013] In some embodiments, the molten glass transfer assembly may comprise an electrical flange configured to receive an electric current, and the electric current may cause heat to be generated in the conduit. Additionally, in some embodiments, a first thickness of the castable material at locations proximate to the electrical flange may be greater than a second thickness of the castable material at another location not proximate another electrical flange. In some embodiments, the electrical flange may be attached to the conduit using a T-weld. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the molten glass transfer assembly may also comprise a base and a flange support, the electrical flange may be attached to the base using the flange support, and the flange support may be configured to allow the electrical flange to move along a first axis relative to the base, for example in a direction parallel with a longitudinal axis of the conduit.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cradle may comprise an opening designed to receive castable material, and receiving the castable material in the opening may result in at least some of the castable material flowing to a position between the internal cradle surface of the cradle and the conduit before the castable material has cured.

[0015] In some embodiments, the molten glass transfer assembly may comprise a core tube assembly extending at least partially through the internal volume of the conduit. The core tube assembly may comprise an outer tube and an inner tube, the inner tube may comprise a grain- stabilized material, and the core tube assembly may comprise a thermocouple therein configured to measure a temperature in the internal volume of the conduit. Additionally, in some embodiments, the core tube assembly may extend proximate to a center of the conduit internal volume and may extend in a direction about perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the conduit internal volume. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the core tube assembly may extend completely through the internal volume of the conduit from a first side of the conduit internal surface to a second side of the conduit internal surface, the outer tube may be attachedAttorney Docket Number: SP24-223 at the first side and the second side of the conduit internal surface, and the outer tube may be attached to the inner tube at a first end of the core tube assembly and the outer tube may not be attached to the inner tube at a second end of the core tube assembly. In some embodiments, the core tube assembly may extend partially through the internal volume of the conduit, the cradle may also comprise a second core tube assembly extending at least partially through the internal volume at about the longitudinal position on the cradle along a longitudinal axis of the conduit internal volume, and the second core tube assembly may comprise an additional thermocouple therein to measure a temperature in the internal volume of the conduit at an additional location.

[0016] In some embodiments, a thermal conductivity of the castable material may be greater than about 2.5 W / m-’C at temperatures between about 400 °C to about 1200 °C. In some embodiments, the system may also comprise a glass forming apparatus configured to form a glass product from the molten glass and a delivery vessel configured to convey the molten glass at least partially from the stir chamber to the glass forming apparatus. In some embodiments, the conduit may comprise platinum.

[0017] In another example embodiment, a molten glass transfer assembly is provided for conveying molten glass from a first location to a second location in a glass manufacturing system. The molten glass transfer assembly comprises a cradle, a castable material, and a conduit. The cradle comprises an internal cradle surface surrounding an internal cradle volume. The castable material is positioned inside of the internal cradle surface of the cradle. The castable material has a thermal conductivity of over about 2.0 W / (m °C) at temperatures of less than 1500 °C, and the castable material comprises an internal castable surface surrounding an internal castable volume. The conduit is positioned inside of the internal castable surface, and the conduit comprises an internal surface surrounding an internal volume of the conduit.

[0018] In some embodiments, a thermal conductivity of the castable material may be greater than about 2.5 W / m-’C at temperatures between about 400 °C to about 1200 °C. In some embodiments, the conduit may comprise platinum. In some embodiments, the cradle may comprise an opening designed to receive castable material, and receiving the castable material in the opening may result in at least some of the castable material flowing to a position between the internal cradle surface of the cradle and the conduit before the castable material has cured.

[0019] In another example embodiment, a molten glass transfer assembly is provided for conveying molten glass from a first location to a second location in a glass manufacturing system. The molten glass transfer assembly comprises a cradle, a conduit, and a core tube assembly. The cradle comprises an internal cradle surface surrounding an internal cradleAttorney Docket Number: SP24-223 volume. The conduit is positioned inside of the internal cradle surface, and the conduit comprises an internal surface surrounding an internal volume of the conduit. The core tube assembly extends at least partially through the conduit internal volume, and the core tube assembly comprises a thermocouple therein configured to measure a temperature in the conduit internal volume. The core tube assembly comprises an outer tube and an inner tube comprising a grain-stabilized material.

[0020] In some embodiments, a first CTE difference defined between a coefficient of thermal expansion of the outer tube and a coefficient of thermal expansion of the conduit may be less than a second CTE difference defined between a coefficient of thermal expansion of the second tube and a coefficient of thermal expansion of the conduit. In some embodiments, the outer tube may comprise platinum.

[0021] In some embodiments, the core tube assembly may extend completely through the internal volume of the conduit from a first side of the conduit to a second side of the conduit. The outer tube may be attached at the first side and the second side of the conduit internal surface, and the outer tube may be attached to the inner tube at a first end of the core tube assembly without the outer tube being attached to the inner tube at a second end of the core tube assembly.

[0022] In some embodiments, the outer tube may be attached to the inner tube using an autogenous weld. Additionally, in some embodiments, the core tube assembly may extend partially through the internal volume of the conduit, and the cradle may also comprise a second core tube assembly extending at least partially through the internal volume of the conduit at about the same longitudinal position on the cradle along a longitudinal axis of the conduit internal volume. The second core tube assembly may comprise an additional thermocouple therein configured to measure a temperature in the internal volume of the conduit at an additional location.

[0023] In some embodiments, the system comprises a castable material positioned inside of the internal cradle surface of the cradle. The castable material may have a thermal conductivity of over about 2.0 W / (m °C) at temperatures of less than 1500 °C, the castable material may comprise an internal castable surface, and the conduit may be positioned inside of the internal castable surface. In some embodiments, the thermal conductivity of the castable material may be greater than about 2.5 W / m- °C at temperatures between about 400 °C to about 1200 °C.Attorney Docket Number: SP24-223BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Having thus described the disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a molten glass transfer assembly positioned relative to other components of an exemplary glass manufacturing system, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0026] FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating an example molten glass transfer assembly comprising a cradle with a castable material therein, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0027] FIG. 2B is a perspective view illustrating the molten glass transfer assembly of FIG. 2A where certain components are hidden so that the shape of the castable material may be more easily seen, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0028] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view illustrating the molten glass transfer assembly of 2A, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0029] FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of the molten glass transfer assembly of FIG. 2C proximate to a first, lead end of the molten glass transfer assembly, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0030] FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of the molten glass transfer assembly of FIG. 2C proximate to an electrical flange of the molten glass transfer assembly, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0031] FIG. 2F is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example stir chamber body positioned proximate to the molten glass transfer assembly of FIG. 2A at a second, outlet end of the molten glass transfer assembly, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0032] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example portion of another molten glass transfer assembly comprising a castable material having increased thicknesses at certain areas, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0033] FIG. 4A is a perspective view illustrating another example molten glass transfer assembly having thickness bands added proximate to each electrical flange, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0034] FIG. 4B is a schematic, cross-sectional view illustrating an example molten glass transfer assembly comprising a cradle, a castable material, and a conduit, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0035] FIG. 5A is a schematic view illustrating an example two-piece weld, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;Attorney Docket Number: SP24-223

[0036] FIG. 5B is a schematic view illustrating an example three-piece weld, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0037] FIG. 6 is a line graph illustrating thermal conductivity values as a function of temperature for a higher heat loss castable material in the form of Norflow A308 castable material and a lower heat loss castable material in the form of CA331 castable material, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0038] FIG. 7A is a schematic, cross-sectional view illustrating an example design for a molten glass transfer assembly without a castable material, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0039] FIG. 7B is a schematic, cross-sectional view illustrating the example design of FIG. 7A, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0040] FIG. 8A is a schematic, cross-sectional view illustrating an example design for a molten glass transfer assembly with a castable material, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0041] FIG. 8B is a schematic, cross-sectional view illustrating the example design of FIG. 9A, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0042] FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating an example molten glass transfer assembly and various high stress regions in the molten glass transfer assembly, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0043] FIG. 10A is a perspective view illustrating an example molten glass transfer assembly with flange supports that allow the molten glass transfer assembly to expand relative to a base, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0044] FIG. 10B is a perspective illustrating example flange supports of the molten glass transfer assembly of FIG. 10A, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0045] FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating a molten glass transfer assembly having a body and a core tube with thermocouples positioned therein to measure the temperature within the body, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0046] FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating an example molten glass transfer assembly having a body and a core tube assembly comprising an outer tube and an inner tube, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

[0047] FIG. 13 is a schematic view illustrating another example molten glass transfer assembly having two core tube assemblies, with both core tube assemblies comprising an outer tube and an inner tube, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; andAttorney Docket Number: SP24-223

[0048] FIG. 14 is a schematic view illustrating another example molten glass transfer assembly having two core tube assemblies, with both core tube assemblies comprising just one tube and thermocouples positioned at the ends of the tube, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Example embodiments of the present disclosure now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals generally refer to like elements throughout. For example, reference numbers 308, 708, 908, and 1008 each refer to cradles. Additionally, any connections or attachments may be direct or indirect connections or attachments unless specifically noted otherwise. As used herein, a “grain-stabilized material” may include FKS material (which means Fein Korn Stabilisiert, which translates to a fine grain stabilized material). As used herein, a “thickness band” is an area where platinum material has an increased thickness relative to other areas away from the thickness band. As used herein, a “vane” is a static mixer that may extend into a molten glass transfer assembly, which may be located at various locations within a molten glass transfer assembly and which may mix molten glass flowing within a molten glass transfer assembly. A vane may provide also provide structural support. As used herein, a “castable” is a material that may exist in at least liquid slurry state and in a cured state, with the material being allowed to flow in the liquid slurry state and with the material existing in a solid form once cured.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a molten glass transfer assembly 206 positioned relative to other components of an exemplary glass manufacturing system 200. The glass manufacturing system 200 may use a fusion process to make a glass substrate 231. As shown in FIG. 1, the glass manufacturing system 200 includes a melting vessel 205, a fining vessel 209, a stir chamber 233 (e.g., a mixing vessel), a delivery vessel 217, a glass forming apparatus 225A and a pull roll assembly 229 (e.g., a draw machine). The melting vessel 205 is where the glass batch materials are introduced as shown by arrow 201 and melted to form molten glass 203. The temperature of the melting vessel (Tm) will vary based on the specific glass composition but may range from between about 1500 °C and about 1650 °C. For display glasses for use in liquid-crystal displays (LCDs), melting temperatures may exceed about 1500Attorney Docket Number: SP24-223°C, about 1550 °C and for some glasses, may even exceed about 1650 °C. A refractory tube 207 may optionally be present connecting the melting vessel with the fining vessel 209. The fining vessel 209 (e.g., a finer tube) has a high temperature processing area that receives the molten glass 203 from the melting vessel 205 and in which bubbles are removed from the molten glass 203. The temperature of the fining vessel (Tr) is generally equal to or higher than that of the melting vessel (Tm) in order to lower viscosity and encourage gas removal from the molten glass. In some embodiments, the fining vessel temperature may be in excess of 1600 °C. The fining vessel 209 is connected to the stir chamber 233 by a molten glass transfer assembly 206. Examples of molten glass transfer assemblies are described in greater detail herein. Within the molten glass transfer assembly 206, the glass temperature is continually and steadily decreased from the fining vessel temperature (Tf) to the stir chamber temperature (Ts). The stir chamber 233 is connected to the delivery vessel 217 by connecting tube 215. The stir chamber 233 is responsible for stirring and homogenizing the glass melt and removing concentration differences within the glass that may cause cord defects. The delivery vessel 217 delivers the molten glass 203 through a downcomer 219 to an inlet 221 and into the glass forming apparatus 225A. The glass forming apparatus 225A includes an inlet 225B that receives the molten glass that flows into a trough 223 and then overflows and runs down a first side 225D and a second side (not shown) opposite the first side 225D before fusing together at a bottom edge 225C of the forming apparatus (i.e., “root”). The root 225C is where the first side 225D and the second side come together and where the two overflow walls of molten glass 227 rejoin (e.g., refuse) before being drawn downward between rolls in the pull roll assembly 229 to form the glass substrate 231. The glass substrate 231 may eventually form one or more glass products.

[0051] An example molten glass transfer assembly 306 is illustrated in various views in FIGS. 2A-2F. FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating an example molten glass transfer assembly 306 extending between a first end 314A and a second end 314B. In FIG. 2B, the molten glass transfer assembly 306 is illustrated with certain components hidden so that the shape of the castable material 318 may be more easily seen. FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view illustrating the molten glass transfer assembly 306 of FIG. 2A, with the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2C being taken about the cross-sectional line A-A of FIG. 2A. A portion of the molten glass transfer assembly 306 of FIG. 2C proximate to a first end 314A of the molten glass transfer assembly 306 is illustrated in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2D. FIG. 2E is a cross- sectional view illustrating a portion of the molten glass transfer assembly 306 of FIG. 2C proximate to the second electrical flange 312B of the molten glass transfer assembly 306. FIG.Attorney Docket Number: SP24-2232F is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example stir chamber body 328 positioned proximate to the molten glass transfer assembly 306 of FIG. 2A at a second end 314B of the molten glass transfer assembly 306.

[0052] The molten glass transfer assembly 306 includes a cradle 308 comprising a castable material 318 (e.g., a castable refractory material, see FIG. 2B) and a conduit 348. The molten glass transfer assembly 306 may, in some embodiments, be arranged to transfer molten glass between the fining vessel and the stir chamber. The cradle 308 comprises an internal cradle surface 479’ (see FIG. 4B) that surrounds an internal cradle volume 477’ (see FIG. 4B). The castable material 318 is positioned inside of the internal cradle surface 479’ of the cradle 308, and the castable material 318 may be in contact with the internal cradle surface 479’ in some embodiments. The castable material 318 also comprises an internal castable surface 418A’ (see FIG. 4B) that surrounds an internal castable volume 418B’ (see FIG. 4B). Furthermore, conduit 348 is positioned inside of the internal castable surface 418A’, and the conduit 348 may be in contact with the internal castable surface 418A’ in some embodiments. The conduit 348 comprises an internal surface 448A (see FIG. 4B) that surrounds an internal volume 316.

[0053] The conduit 348 may comprise platinum and a wall of the conduit may be thin relative to other layers in some embodiments, allowing the total amount of platinum usage to be limited. In some embodiments, the conduit 348 and may maintain a constant thickness around a perimeter or circumference of the internal volume 316. However, in other embodiments, the conduit 348 may possess different wall thicknesses at different positions around a perimeter or circumference of the internal volume 316. For example, the thickness may be greater at positions that are more proximate to electrical flanges as these areas may be where more electric current is located. These increased thicknesses may have other benefits as well.

[0054] In some embodiments, the castable material 318 may be a higher heat loss castable material having a thermal conductivity greater than about 2.0 W / (m °C) at temperatures of less than about 1500 °C. In some embodiments, the castable material 318 may even possess a thermal conductivity greater than about 2.5 W / m- °C at temperatures between about 400 °C and about 1200 °C in some embodiments. Norflow A308 castable material is one example of a higher heat castable material that may be used to meet these thermal conductivity levels, but other higher heat castable materials may be used.

[0055] Where no castable material is included, leaks are more likely to be formed, especially at locations proximate to electrical flanges. However, as discussed further herein,Attorney Docket Number: SP24-223 the inclusion of castable material 318 may help to reduce the likelihood of leak formation. In some embodiments, the castable material 318 may have an increased thickness at locations proximate to the electrical flanges 312A-312C relative to the thickness of the castable material 318 at other locations.

[0056] In some embodiments, the cradle 308 may be provided in different sections 310, and the different sections 310 may or may not have different material properties. The cradle 308 comprises openings 308A designed to receive castable material 318 before the castable material 318 has been cured. The openings 308A may allow uncured castable material 318 to be inserted into the cradle 308. After the castable material 318 is received through the openings 308A, castable material 318 may be cured and may occupy positions between the conduit 348 and the internal cradle surface of the cradle 308. At locations away from openings 308A, the castable material 318 may have a thickness of about 12.7 millimeters in radial directions. The castable material 318 may comprise extended portion 318A proximate to openings 308A. The castable material 318 may set after about an hour after being inserted through openings 308A, but the castable material 318 may take a different amount of time to set in other embodiments and the setting time may depend on other conditions, such as humidity.

[0057] The molten glass transfer assembly 306 also comprises a first electrical flange 312A, a second electrical flange 312B, and a third electrical flange 312C. The first electrical flange 312A may be positioned proximate to the first end 314A, the third electrical flange 312C may be positioned closest to the second end 314B, and the second electrical flange 312B may be positioned between the first electrical flange 312A and the third electrical flange 312C. The electrical flanges 312A-312C may each be configured to receive an electric current, and the electrical flanges 312A-312C may comprise conductive material that effectively conducts electricity (e.g., platinum). Electric current received at the electrical flanges 312A-312C may be conducted to the conduit 348, which may be metallic, and this conduction results in the conduit 348 and the molten glass therein being heated. Additionally, the design of the molten glass transfer assembly 306 may be altered to adjust the amount of heat loss to meet the design requirements, and this may be accomplished by adding or reducing the amount of insulation or other materials within the molten glass transfer assembly 306 or by changing the materials that are used.

[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the first electrical flange 312A comprises an arm 312A’, the second electrical flange 312B comprises an arm 312B’, and the third electrical flange 312C comprises an arm 312C’. The arms 3I2A’-3I2C’ may each help to facilitate connections ofAttorney Docket Number: SP24-223 the electrical flanges 312A-312C to flange supports 1156A-1156C (see FIGS. 10A-10B), to a base 1155 (see FIG. 10A), or to other components.

[0059] Additionally, the molten glass transfer assemblies may be provided with minimal connections between platinum and any vanes. This may help reduce the likelihood that cracks, pin holes, and / or leaks will be formed at areas proximate to connections between vanes and the platinum. In some embodiments, molten glass transfer assemblies may be made entirely vaneless, with no connections between the platinum and any vanes.

[0060] A portion of the molten glass transfer assembly 306 of FIG. 2A proximate to a first end 314A of the molten glass transfer assembly 306 is illustrated in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2D. An electrical flange 312A is positioned proximate to the first end 314A. The molten glass transfer assembly 306 comprises a cradle 308. The molten glass transfer assembly 306 also comprises conduit 348, which may comprise platinum. Furthermore, a castable material 318 may be inserted into the cradle 308 at openings 308A, and the castable material 318 may extend into spaces between the cradle 308 and the conduit 348. At the inlet area, a level probe 320 may also be provided to measure the molten glass within the system. Additionally, proximate to the first end 314A, the castable material 318 may generally be thicker than it is in other portions of the molten glass transfer assembly 306, allowing a different resistance to heat transfer (e.g., an R-Value) to be accomplished proximate to the first end 314A.

[0061] In FIG. 2E, the castable material 318 includes extended portions 318A positioned at openings 308A, but the castable material 318 may also include an extended portion 318B positioned proximate to the second electrical flange 312B. Because locations near the electrical flanges may be more prone to leak formation and crack formation, the increased amount of castable material proximate to the second electrical flange 312B may help to provide more support at the second electrical flange 312B. Relative to other areas of a molten glass transfer assembly, an increased amount of castable material may be provided in a molten glass transfer assembly proximate to other electrical flanges and proximate to other areas that are more prone to leak formation and crack formation.

[0062] In FIG. 2F, the stir chamber body 328 is illustrated alongside an exit portion 324 of the molten glass transfer assembly 306. The internal volume 316 of the molten glass transfer assembly 306 may extend to the stir chamber body 328 and may feed into inlet 316A of the stir chamber body 328. This inlet 316A may feed into the stir chamber internal volume 330. The stir chamber body 328 may be positioned proximate to a second end 314B of the molten glass transfer assembly 306, and these components may be welded together. The weld may be a cold weld in some embodiments, but other welding techniques may be used. After the stir chamberAttorney Docket Number: SP24-223 body 328 is positioned relative to the molten glass transfer assembly 306, the stir chamber inlet material 326 may be poured. The stir chamber inlet material 326 may comprise the same material as the castable material 318, and the stir chamber inlet material 326 may be provided after welding has been completed. Additionally, the stir chamber body 328 may comprise insulating fire brick (“IFB”), a high-alumina / high-purity mullite brick material such as Tamax material, and / or Porrath FL33 material depending on the configuration used, but other materials may be used for the stir chamber inlet material 326 and the stir chamber body 328.

[0063] Another alternative molten glass transfer assembly 306A is illustrated in the cross- sectional view of FIG. 3. The molten glass transfer assembly 306A may be configured to transfer molten glass between the fining vessel and the stir chamber in some embodiments. Like the molten glass transfer assembly 306 described above, the molten glass transfer assembly 306A comprises a cradle 308’, a castable material 318’, a conduit 348’ which may comprise platinum, and an internal volume 316’ included within the conduit 348’. The molten glass transfer assembly 306A also includes multiple electrical flanges, and an electrical flange 313 is illustrated in FIG. 3. The cradle 308’, conduit 348’, and the electrical flange 313 may generally be similar to other corresponding features described herein.

[0064] The castable material 318’ has a unique shape relative to other castable materials described herein. The castable material 318’ includes an extended portion 318B’ proximate to the electrical flange 313 to provide additional support proximate to the electrical flange 313. The molten glass transfer assembly 306A may also include a core tube assembly 346 extending perpendicularly relative to a longitudinal axis of the internal volume 316’ (which extends left to right in FIG. 3). The core tube assembly 346 may include one or more tubes, and the core tube assembly 346 may include one or more thermocouples therein to measure the temperature at one or more locations within the internal volume 316’. The castable material 318’ has extended portions 318C’ having an increased thickness at areas proximate to the core tube assembly 346. The added thickness proximate to the core tube assembly 346 and the electrical flange 313 may be beneficial because these locations are where leaks or cracks are more likely to form. The extended portions 318B’, 318C’ of the castable material 318’ may have a thickness of about 38.1 millimeters in some embodiments, while the castable material 318’ may have a thickness of about 12.7 millimeters at other portions away from the extended portions 318B’, 318C’. However, in other embodiments, extended portions 318B’, 318C’ may be omitted as sufficient support may be provided to avoid the formation of leaks and cracks. In particular, the extended portion 318C’ may be omitted in many embodiments, and the extended portion 318C’ is merely provided as an example.Attorney Docket Number: SP24-223

[0065] The castable material serves as one of the main insulators within the molten glass transfer assemblies, and small changes in the thickness of castable material may lead to significant changes in heat loss properties for a molten glass transfer assembly. Thus, the thickness of the castable material within the molten glass transfer assemblies should be maintained.

[0066] The material for the cradle may also be selected to obtain the desired thermal conductivity properties, thereby allowing specific heat loss requirements to be met. Various materials may be used to form a cradle such as high alumina materials having greater than about 98 percent alumina by weight percentage. Potential high alumina materials include Zedcor 98C, DSF 99C, and Monofrax A2, Scimos A, and Tamax Gel Cast materials. However, other materials may be used for the cradle.

[0067] Zedcor 98C material may be made by Mineral Technologies, Inc. (i.e., Minteq), and typical thermal conductivity values for Zedcor 98C may range from about 4.79 W / (m °C) at 800 °C to about 3.16 W / (m °C) at 1600 °C. DSF 99C material may be made by DSF Refractories & Minerals Ltd., and typical thermal conductivity values for DSF 99C material may range from about 4.70 W / (m °C) at 800 °C to about 3.02 W / (m °C) at 1600 °C. Monofrax A2 material from Monofrax, LLC is an example of a higher thermal conductivity material. This Monofrax A2 material is fused cast material, and typical thermal conductivity values may range from about 9.39 W / (m °C) at 800 °C to about 9.68 W / (m °C) at 1600 °C. Scimos A material comprises fused cast alumina and may be available from Saint Gobain Toshiba Monofrax. For Scimos A material, typical thermal conductivity values may range from about 8.67 W / (m °C) at 400 °C to about 7.30 W / (m °C) at 1400 °C. Additionally, Tamax Gel Cast material may be available from Harbison Walker International. For Tamax Gel Cast material, typical thermal conductivity values may range from about 1.79 W / (m °C) at 400 °C to about 1.53667 W / (m °C) at 1600 °C. Tamax Gel Cast material is a sintered mullite material that has a lower conductivity than other materials discussed herein, and this Tamax Gel Cast material may be used for a specific design, in certain locations within a design, or for a certain application.

[0068] FIG. 4A is a perspective view illustrating portions of another example molten glass transfer assembly 436 having thickness bands 432A-432C added proximate to each of the electrical flanges 412A-412C. The molten glass transfer assembly 436 may also include a castable material and a cradle, but these components are hidden in FIG. 4A so that other features may be seen. The molten glass transfer assembly 436 comprises a conduit 448 which may comprise platinum, and the conduit 448 may include an internal volume 416 therein. TheAttorney Docket Number: SP24-223 molten glass transfer assembly 436 may comprise a level probe 420, and this level probe 420 may be similar to other level probes described herein.

[0069] The molten glass transfer assembly 436 may also include a first electrical flange 412A, a second electrical flange 412B, and a third electrical flange 412C. However, molten glass transfer assemblies may comprise a different number of electrical flanges in other embodiments. The electrical flanges 412A-412C may function in a manner similar to other electrical flanges described herein. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A, conduit 448 (e.g., conduit wall) may comprise a first thickness band 432A at areas proximate to the first electrical flange 412A, and / or a second thickness band 432B at areas proximate to the second electrical flange 412B, and / or a third thickness band 432C at areas proximate to the third electrical flange 412C. The thickness bands 432A-432C may help to provide increased resistance against strain in the conduit 448 at areas proximate to the electrical flanges 412A-412C. In some embodiments, the thickness bands 432A-432C may each be between about 25 millimeters and about 125 millimeters long in the longitudinal direction, between about 40 millimeters and about 110 millimeters long in the longitudinal direction, between about 55 millimeters and about 95 millimeters long in the longitudinal direction, between about 70 millimeters and about 80 millimeters long in the longitudinal direction, or about 76.2 millimeters long in the longitudinal direction. The thickness bands 432A-432C may also be between about 1.000 millimeters and about 2.000 millimeters in the radial direction, between about 1.250 millimeters and about 1.75 millimeters in the radial direction, or about 1.524 millimeters thick in the radial direction. However, the thickness bands 432A-432C may have different sizes in other embodiments. In addition, the electrical flanges 412A-412C may be attached to conduit 448 using a T-weld or a three-piece weld technique to provide increased strength for the attachment.

[0070] FIG. 4B is a schematic, cross-sectional view illustrating an example molten glass transfer assembly comprising a cradle 408’, a castable material 418’, and a conduit 448’. The cradle 408’ comprises an internal cradle surface 479’ that surrounds an internal cradle volume 477’. The castable material 418’ is positioned inside of the internal cradle surface 479’ of the cradle 408’, and the castable material 418’ may be in contact with the internal cradle surface 479’ in some embodiments. The castable material 418’ may have an internal castable surface 418A’ that surrounds an internal castable volume 418B’. Additionally, the conduit 448’ may be positioned inside of the internal castable surface 418A’, and the conduit 448’ may comprise an internal surface 448A’ that surrounds an internal volume 416’.Attorney Docket Number: SP24-223

[0071] FIG. 5A is a schematic view illustrating an example two-piece weld 558A. In the two-piece weld 558A, a central member 560 extends to a second member 564, with the two members 560, 564 extending perpendicularly to each other and with the central member 560 abutting the second member 564. Welds such as fillet welds may be formed by depositing weld material 562 at the interface between the central member 560 and the second member 564. This two-piece weld 558A may be used to weld a second electrical flange 312B (see FIG. 2E) and a conduit 348 (see FIG. 2E) together, with the second electrical flange 312B serving as the central member 560 and with the conduit 348 or some other component serving as the second member 564.

[0072] FIG. 5B is a schematic view illustrating an example three-piece weld 558B or a T- weld. The three-piece weld 558B may be used to attach the electrical flanges 312A-312C of FIGS. 2C-2E to the conduit 348 in some embodiments. By using a three-piece weld 558B, attachment of electrical flanges 312A-312C may have increased strength. Additionally, welds may be formed autogenously. The use of autogenous welds may allow for the formation of high quality welds, may allow for easier weld formation, and may allow for more homogenous welds. The central member 566 may have a head 566B and a body 566A, giving the central member 566 a T-shape. Extended portions 566B’ of the head 566B may be formed by melted material after making a weld.

[0073] FIG. 6 is a line graph 638 illustrating thermal conductivity as a function of temperature for a higher heat loss castable material in the form of Norflow A308 castable material and a lower heat loss castable material in the form of CA331 castable material. The thermal conductivity is illustrated on the Y-axis, with the units for thermal conductivity being in W / (m °C). The temperature is illustrated on the X-axis, with units for temperature being in °C.

[0074] Line graph 638 includes a first plotline 640 showing thermal conductivity values for Norflow A308 castable material at various temperatures. The Norflow A308 castable material had about a 5.5 weight percentage for water within the material, but the Norflow A308 castable material may also be used with other weight percentages for water (e.g., about 5.0 percent, about 6.0 percent, etc.). Line graph 638 also includes a second plotline 642 showing thermal conductivity values for CA331 castable material at various temperatures. The CA331 castable material had a 13.15 weight percentage for water within the material. These plotlines 640, 642 illustrate the average thermal conductivity value at a given temperature. Additionally, various standard deviation ranges 640A are illustrated in conjunction with plotline 640 to indicate the variability of thermal conductivity values at a given temperature, and variousAttorney Docket Number: SP24-223 standard deviation ranges 642A are illustrated in conjunction with plotline 642 to indicate the range of thermal conductivity values at a given temperature. These standard deviation ranges 640A, 642A represent error bars for the thermal conductivity at a particular temperature that extend from a value one standard deviation below the average to a value one standard deviation above the average.

[0075] As illustrated in the line graph 638, the thermal conductivity values for Norflow A308 castable material are significantly higher than CA331 castable material, allowing the Norflow A308 castable material to lose substantially more heat when included in a molten glass transfer assembly. The first plotline 640 (associated with Norflow A308 castable material) shows that the average thermal conductivity is about 4.04 W / (m °C) at 400 °C, about 3.48 W / (m °C) at 600 °C, about 3.15 W / (m °C) at 800 °C, about 2.90 W / (m °C) at 1000 °C, about 2.68 W / (m °C) at 1200 °C, about 2.43 W / (m °C) at 1400 °C, about 2.31 W / (m °C) at 1500 °C, and about 2.13 W / (m °C) at 1600 °C. At 400 °C, the standard deviation is about 0.34 W / (m °C) and the standard deviation range 640A extends from about 3.70 W / (m °C) to about 4.38 W / (m- °C). At 600 °C, the standard deviation is about 0.28 W / (m- °C) and the standard deviation range 640A extends from about 3.20 W / (m °C) to about 3.76 W / (m °C). At 800 °C, the standard deviation is about 0.26 W / (m °C) and the standard deviation range 640A extends from about 2.89 W / (m °C) to about 3.41 W / (m °C). At 1000 °C, the standard deviation is about 0.23 W / (m °C) and the standard deviation range 640A extends from about 2.66 W / (m °C) to about 3.13 W / (m °C). At 1200 °C, the standard deviation is about 0.22 W / (m °C) and the standard deviation range 640A extends from about 2.46 W / (m- °C) to about 2.90 W / (m- °C). At 1400 °C, the standard deviation is about 0.19 W / (m °C) and the standard deviation range 640A extends from about 2.24 W / (m °C) to about 2.62 W / (m- °C). At 1500 °C, the standard deviation is about 0.20 W / (m °C) and the standard deviation range 640A extends from about 2.11 W / (m °C) to about 2.50 W / (m °C). At 1600 °C, the standard deviation is about 0.24 W / (m °C) and the standard deviation range 640A extends from about 1.89 W / (m °C) to about 2.37 W / (m °C). Thus, the Norflow A308 castable material exhibits an average thermal conductivity greater than about 2.5 W / m °C at temperatures between about 400 °C and about 1200 °C. The Norflow A308 castable material may also possess an average thermal conductivity greater than about 2.0 W / (m- °C) at temperatures of less than about 1500 °C. The data for first plotline 640 and for Norflow A308 castable material is summarized in Table 1 below:Attorney Docket Number: SP24-223

[0076] The second plotline 642 (associated with CA331 castable material) shows that the average thermal conductivity is about 1.76 W / (m °C) at 400 °C, about 1.66 W / (m °C) at 600 °C, about 1.58 W / (m °C) at 800 °C, about 1.55 W / (m °C) at 1000 °C, about 1.52 W / (m °C) at 1200 °C, about 1.39 W / (m °C) at 1400 °C, about 1.30 W / (m °C) at 1500 °C, and about 1.27 W / (m °C) at 1600 °C. At 400 °C, the standard deviation is about 0.08 W / (m °C) and the standard deviation range 642A extends from about 1.67 W / (m °C) to about 1.84 W / (m °C). At 600 °C, the standard deviation is about 0.08 W / (m °C) and the standard deviation range 642A extends from about 1.58 W / (m °C) to about 1.73 W / (m °C). At 800 °C, the standard deviation is about 0.06 W / (m °C) and the standard deviation range 642A extends from about 1.52 W / (m °C) to about 1.64 W / (m °C). At 1000 °C, the standard deviation is about 0.05 W / (m °C) and the standard deviation range 642A extends from about 1.50 W / (m °C) to about 1.60 W / (m °C). At 1200 °C, the standard deviation is about 0.09 W / (m °C) and the standard deviation range 642A extends from about 1.44 W / (m • °C) to about 1.61 W / (m • °C) . At 1400 °C, the standard deviation is about 0.08 W / (m °C) and the standard deviation range 642A extends from about 1.30 W / (m °C) to about 1.47 W / (m °C). At 1500 °C, the standard deviation is about 0.08 W / (m °C) and the standard deviation range 642A extends from about 1.22 W / (m °C) to about 1.38 W / (m °C). At 1600 °C, the standard deviation is about 0.09 W / (m °C) and the standard deviation range 642A extends from about 1.18 W / (m °C) to about 1.36 W / (m °C). The data for second plotline 642 and for CA331 castable material is summarized in Table 2 below:Attorney Docket Number: SP24-223

[0077] The results above show that the substitution of higher heat loss castable materials may substantially increase the amount of heat loss over lower heat loss castable material like CA331 castable material. While thermal conductivity values of the first plotline 640 are for Norflow A308 castable material, other materials may be used in castable materials in other embodiments. For example, other castable materials may be used having thermal conductivity values that enable a molten glass transfer assembly to accomplish desired heat loss properties.

[0078] FIG. 7A is a schematic, cross-sectional view illustrating an example design for a molten glass transfer assembly 744 without a castable material. The cross-section illustrated in FIG. 7A is normal to the longitudinal axis of the internal volume 716. The molten glass transfer assembly 744 includes a cradle 708, and the cradle 708 comprises an internal cradle surface 779 as well as an internal cradle volume 777. The molten glass transfer assembly 744 also includes conduit 748. The conduit 748 may comprise platinum material, and the conduit 748 may generally possess a circular cross-section. The conduit 748 comprises an internal volume 716 inside the conduit 748 where molten glass may flow.

[0079] The molten glass transfer assembly 744 comprises a core tube assembly 746 extending at least partially through the internal volume 716 of the conduit 748. As described in greater detail in reference to FIG. 12 and in other portions herein, the core tube assembly 746 may comprise an outer tube and an inner tube in some embodiments, with the outer tube comprising a first material and with the inner tube comprising FKS material. One or more thermocouples may be positioned within the core tube assembly 746 to measure a temperature in the internal volume 716 at one or more locations. The core tube assembly 746 may extend through the internal volume 716 proximate to a center of the internal volume 716, and the core tube assembly 746 may extend in a direction about perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of theAttorney Docket Number: SP24-223 internal volume 716. The core tube assembly 746 may extend between a first end 750A and a second end 75 OB.

[0080] When no castable material is included, less radial support may be present around the perimeter of the conduit 748, leaving gaps between the conduit 748 and the internal cradle surface 779. This may allow for radial mechanical creep to occur when the molten glass transfer assembly 744 is heated. Additionally, strain may occur proximate to the first end 750A and the second end 75 OB of the core tube assembly 746.

[0081] The core tube assembly 746 may extend through the internal volume 716 of the conduit 748 proximate to a center of the internal volume 716, and the core tube assembly 746 may extend in a direction about perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the internal volume 716. The core tube assembly 746 is attached to the conduit 748 at a first end 750A and a second end 750B. Deformation has historically occurred at locations where the core tube assemblies are attached to the conduit. In FIG. 7A, strain induced by the core tube assembly 746 causes deformation in the shape of the conduit 748 proximate to the first end 750A, which may lead to glass leaks or cracks forming proximate to this area.

[0082] FIG. 7B is a schematic, side cross-sectional view illustrating the molten glass transfer assembly 744 of FIG. 7A at areas proximate to an electrical flange 712. The longitudinal axis of the internal volume 716 extends horizontally in the cross-sectional view illustrated in FIG. 7B. The electrical flange 712 may be attached directly to the conduit 748, and the electrical flange 712 may extend radially outwardly through a gap 787 in the cradle 708. A force Fl may act on the electrical flange 712 when the electrical flange 712 is attached to other components. As a result of this force Fl, the electrical flange 712 may be forced to extend at greater angles within the gap 787, causing the size of gap 787 to be increased. Additionally, the force Fl may also cause the conduit 748 connected to the electrical flange 712 to deform in shape, especially at areas 783 proximate to the electrical flange 712. Because there is no castable material in the molten glass transfer assembly 744 of FIG. 7A, there is less support both radially and longitudinally for the conduit 748 after the molten glass transfer assembly 744 is heated, causing greater deformation in shape at areas 783 either radially or longitudinally. Additionally, the gap 787 may increase in size due to thermal expansion differences between the material of the cradle 708 and the material of the electrical flange 712 and the conduit 748. While some of the force Fl may be transferred to the cradle 708, a significant amount of force Fl may be transferred to the conduit 748 to cause deformation of the conduit 748. This deformation may ultimately lead to the formation of glass leaks.Attorney Docket Number: SP24-223

[0083] To help provide additional support for the conduit, castable material may be added at a position radially outward from the conduit. FIG. 8A is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example design for a molten glass transfer assembly 944 with a castable material 918. The cross-section illustrated in FIG. 8A is normal to the longitudinal axis of the internal volume 916. This castable material may have a high thermal conductivity to meet heat loss requirements.

[0084] Similar to the molten glass transfer assembly 744 of FIGS . 7A-7B, the molten glass transfer assembly 944 includes conduit 948 which may comprise platinum. The conduit 948 may generally possess a circular cross-section, and the conduit 948 surrounds an internal volume 916 inside the conduit 948 where molten glass may flow. The molten glass transfer assembly 944 comprises a core tube assembly 946 extending at least partially through the internal volume 916. The core tube assembly 946 may function in a manner similar to other core tube assemblies described herein. The core tube assembly 946 extends between a first end 950A and a second end 950B, and the core tube assembly 946 may be attached to the conduit 948 at the first end 950A and the second end 950B.

[0085] Unlike the molten glass transfer assembly 744, the molten glass transfer assembly 944 also includes a castable material 918 positioned radially outward from the conduit 948. The castable material 918 is positioned inside of an internal cradle volume 952 and inside of the internal cradle surface 979. With this castable material 918 being present, the castable material 918 may occupy the space between the cradle 908 and the conduit 948, providing more radial support for the conduit 948 around the perimeter (or circumference) of the conduit 948. This may allow for radial mechanical creep to occur when the molten glass transfer assembly 944 is heated. Additionally, a reduced amount of strain may occur proximate to the first end 950A and the second end 950B of the core tube assembly 946 due to the increased support from castable material 918 at these areas.

[0086] The tight radial support provided by the castable material 918 may limit radial mechanical creep after the molten glass transfer assembly 944 is heated, and the tight radial support provided by the castable material 918 may also limit strain proximate to the first end 950A and second end 950B of the core tube assembly 946.

[0087] FIG. 8B is a schematic, side cross-sectional view illustrating the molten glass transfer assembly 944 of FIG. 8 A at areas proximate to electrical flange 912. The longitudinal axis of the internal volume 916 extends horizontally in the cross-sectional view illustrated in FIG. 8B. The electrical flange 912 may be attached directly to the conduit 948, and the electrical flange 912 may extend radially outwardly through a gap 987A in the cradle 908 andAttorney Docket Number: SP24-223 a gap 987B in the castable material 918. A force F2 may act on the electrical flange 912 when the electrical flange 912 is attached to other components. As a result of this force F2, the electrical flange 912 may be forced to extend at greater angles within the gap 987A of the cradle 908. However, the castable material 918 may provide additional support for the electrical flange 912 in directions parallel to the longitudinal axis of internal volume 916 and the force F2, and the castable material 918 may fit tightly around the electrical flange 912 to maintain a small gap 987B in the castable material 918. The tight radial support provided by the castable material 918 may provide increased support for the conduit 948 after the molten glass transfer assembly 944 is heated.

[0088] Additionally, the force F2 may also cause the conduit 948 connected to the electrical flange 912 to deform in shape, especially at areas 983 proximate to the electrical flange 912. Because castable material 918 is present in the molten glass transfer assembly 944 of FIG. 8A, there is more support both radially and longitudinally for the conduit 948 after the molten glass transfer assembly 944 is heated, causing the less deformation in shape of the conduit 948 at areas 983. A large portion of the force F2 may be transferred to the castable material 918 and the cradle 908, and lesser amounts of the force F2 may be transferred to the conduit 948.

[0089] FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating an example molten glass transfer assembly 1006 and various high stress regions in the molten glass transfer assembly 1006. The molten glass transfer assembly 1006 comprises a cradle 1008, a castable material 1018, a conduit 1048, electrical flanges 1012, and a core tube assembly 1046. The cradle 1008 comprises openings 1008A through which castable material 1018 may be received. The castable material 1018 may flow through the openings 1008A and occupy spaces between the cradle 1008 and the conduit 1048. The castable material 1018 may also have extended portions 1018B in openings 1008A, with the extended portions 1018B being provided proximate to the electrical flanges 1012. The conduit 1048 may comprise platinum material, and a thickness of the conduit wall may be thin relative to other portions of the molten glass transfer assembly 1006 in some embodiments to limit the amount of platinum usage. Limiting platinum usage may be beneficial to limit the cost of a molten glass transfer assembly 1006. The conduit 1048 may also comprise an internal volume 1016 inside of the conduit 1048. A core tube assembly 1046 extends between a first end 1050A and a second end 1050B.

[0090] Various forces may act on the molten glass transfer assembly 1006 to result in strain and formation of deformations, but the use of the castable material may be beneficial to limit the amount of strain and deformations. As molten glass flows through the internal volume 1016, forces may urge the conduit 1048 radially outwardly due to internal pressure within theAttorney Docket Number: SP24-223 internal volume 1016 as indicated by the arrows within the internal volume 1016. Additionally, forces may act on the electrical flanges 1012 due to connection of electrical flanges 1012 to other components. Forces may also arise when the molten glass transfer assembly 1006 is heated when different portions of the molten glass transfer assembly 1006 have different coefficients of thermal expansion. Mechanical creep is another force that may act on portions of the molten glass transfer assembly 1006.

[0091] As a result of the forces acting on the molten glass transfer assembly 1006, high stress regions may occur in the castable material 1018 proximate to the first end 1050A and the second end 1050B of the core tube assembly 1046. High stress regions may similarly occur proximate the electrical flanges 1012. In some embodiments, the castable material 1018 may be provided with an increased thickness at locations proximate to the core tube assembly 1046 or at the electrical flanges 1012 relative to a thickness of the castable material at other locations. For example, the castable material 1018 may comprise extended portions 1018B proximate to the electrical flanges 1012 in FIG. 9.

[0092] FIG. 10A is a perspective view illustrating another example molten glass transfer assembly 1106 with movable flange supports 1156A-1156C. The molten glass transfer assembly 1106 comprises a first electrical flange 1112A, a second electrical flange 1112B, and a third electrical flange 1112C. These electrical flanges 1112A-1112C may function similarly to other electrical flanges described herein. The molten glass transfer assembly may also comprise a level probe 1120 similar to others described herein.

[0093] The molten glass transfer assembly 1106 also comprises a base 1155, and the electrical flanges 1112A-1112C may be attached to the base 1155 using flange supports 1156A-1156C. A first flange support 1156A may be used to attach the first electrical flange 1112A to the base 1155, a second flange support 1156B may be used to attach the second electrical flange 1112B to the base 1155, and a third flange support 1156C may be used to attach the third electrical flange 1112C to the base 1155. The flange supports 1156A-1156C may be configured to allow the electrical flanges 1112A-1112C to move along a first axis parallel to the longitudinal direction A relative to the base 1155. These flange supports 1156A- 1156C are illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 10B, and these flange supports 1156A-1156C may be beneficial for use in the molten glass transfer assembly 1106 because the molten glass transfer assembly 1106 may expand in size relative to the base 1155 when heated, and the flange supports 1156A-1156C may be free to prevent binding up of expansion and to reduce the amount of external forces (e.g., bending, twisting of electrical flanges, etc.) acting on the molten glass transfer assembly 1106. Accordingly, each flange support 1156A-1156C mayAttorney Docket Number: SP24-223 comprise a carriage assembly 1158 and include a plurality of rollers 1160 configured to facilitate movement of the flange support along a support rail 1162. Once the molten glass transfer assembly 1106 is heated to its normal operational temperature, the flange supports 1156A-1156C may be locked in position. In some embodiments, rollers 1160 may be guide rollers configured to prevent lateral movement of the carriage assembly. In some embodiments, flange supports 1156A-1156C may comprise nickel and may be cooled through water cooling, but other materials may be used.

[0094] Improvements are also contemplated for thermocouple tubes or core tubes. FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating a molten glass transfer assembly 1378 having a body 1380 and a basic core tube 1382. The body 1380 comprises an internal volume 1381, and molten glass may be permitted to flow through the internal volume 1381.

[0095] In some embodiments, the material within the core tube 1382 matched the composition of the body 1380 to better facilitate welding and to match the coefficient of thermal expansion for the core tube 1382 and the body 1380. The core tube 1382 may comprise platinum, rhodium, or an alloy containing both materials. The core tube 1382 and the body 1380 may both comprise a platinum-rhodium alloy with about 90 percent platinum by weight percentage and about 10 percent rhodium by weight percentage. Alternatively, the core tube 1382 and the body 1380 may both comprise a platinum-rhodium alloy with about 80 percent platinum by weight percentage and about 20 percent rhodium by weight percentage. However, the alloy constituents and their weight percentages may be different in other embodiments.

[0096] Thermocouples 1384A-1384E may be positioned within the core tube 1382 to measure the temperature within the body 1380. For example, a first thermocouple 1384A may be positioned proximate to the perimeter of the body 1380 and a fifth thermocouple 1384E may be positioned proximate to the perimeter of the body 1380 opposite the first thermocouple 1384A. Thermocouples 1384A, 1384E may be positioned about 25.4 millimeters away from the perimeter in some embodiments. A third thermocouple 1384C may be positioned proximate to the center of the internal volume 1381 of the body 1380. Additionally, a second thermocouple 1384B may be positioned in the internal volume 1381 of the body 1380 about halfway between the first thermocouple 1384A and the third thermocouple 1384C, and the fourth thermocouple 1384D may be positioned in the internal volume 1381 of the body 1380 about halfway between the third thermocouple 1384C and the fifth thermocouple 1384E. The thermocouples 1384A-1384E may be configured to measure a temperature in the internal volume 1381 at different locations. This may be beneficial as the temperature at the center of the internal volume 1381 may be different from the temperature at other locations proximateAttorney Docket Number: SP24-223 to the perimeter of the body 1380. While five thermocouples 1384A-1384E are illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 11, a different number of thermocouples (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 6, etc.) may be used in other embodiments. Thermocouples 1384A-1384E and other thermocouples described herein may be provided in the form of thermocouple spears in some embodiments, but the thermocouples may be provided in other forms.

[0097] Over time, the core tube 1382 may sag due to the weight of the core tube 1382 and mechanical creep properties of the core tube 1382. This sag may create a bend in the shape of the core tube 1382. This bend often prevents thermocouples 1384A-1384E from being removed from the internal volume of the core tube 1382 and also prevents new thermocouples from being added into the internal volume of the core tube 1382.

[0098] FKS is a harder, low mechanical creep, zirconia dispersed material, and use of FKS in a core tube 1382 resolves issues with mechanical creep and helps to ensure that the FKS core tube 1382 generally remains straight overtime. However, the FKS material typically has a different coefficient of thermal expansion relative to the body 1380, which may cause expansion in the FKS core tube 1382 and the body 1380 at different rates upon heating, with the body 1380 tending to expand radially outward in greater rates relative to the FKS core tube 1382. This eventually leads to shearing and tensile forces at areas proximate to the ends for the FKS core tube 1382 and also leads the formation of glass leaks at these same areas.

[0099] In some embodiments, core tube assemblies 1485 may be provided with multiple tubes. FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating an example molten glass transfer assembly 1486 having a body 1480 and a core tube assembly 1485. The body 1480 comprises an internal volume 1481. The body 1480 is simplified in FIG. 12, but the body 1480 may comprise a cradle, a castable material, and / or a conduit in some embodiments.

[0100] The core tube assembly 1485 extends from a first end 1492A proximate to a perimeter of the body 1480 on one side of the body 1480 to a second end 1492B proximate to the perimeter of the body 1480 on the opposite side of the body 1480. Thus, the core tube assembly 1485 may extend completely through the internal volume 1481 of the body 1480.

[0101] The core tube assembly 1485 comprises an outer tube 1488 and an inner tube 1490. The inner tube 1490 may comprise FKS material. In some embodiments, the material within the outer tube 1488 may match the composition of the body 1480, and this may help to better facilitate welding and match the coefficient of thermal expansion of the outer tube 1488 and the body 1480. However, in other embodiments, the material within the outer tube 1488 may be different than the material of the body 1480. The outer tube 1488 may comprise a material other than FKS material. For example, the outer tube 1488 may comprise platinum, rhodium,Attorney Docket Number: SP24-223 or an alloy containing both materials. The outer tube 1488 and the body 1480 may both comprise a platinum-rhodium alloy with about 90 percent platinum by weight percentage and about 10 percent rhodium by weight percentage. Alternatively, the outer tube 1488 and the body 1480 may both comprise a platinum-rhodium alloy with about 80 percent platinum by weight percentage and about 20 percent rhodium by weight percentage. However, the alloy constituents and / or the weight percentages may be different in other embodiments.

[0102] The outer tube 1488 comprises an internal volume 1488A, and the inner tube 1490 comprises an internal volume 1490A. The inner tube 1490 may be received within the internal volume 1488A of outer tube 1488, and the inner tube 1490 may be approximately centered within the internal volume 1488A in some embodiments. Additionally, thermocouples 1484A- 1484E may be positioned within the internal volume 1490A of the inner tube 1490 of the core tube assembly 1485. For example, a first thermocouple 1484A may be positioned proximate to the perimeter of the body 1480 and a fifth thermocouple 1484E may be positioned proximate to the perimeter of the body 1480 opposite the first thermocouple 1484A. Thermocouples 1484A, 1484E may be positioned about 25.4 millimeters away from the perimeter in some embodiments. A third thermocouple 1484C may be positioned proximate to the center of the internal volume 1481 of the body 1480. Additionally, a second thermocouple 1484B may be positioned in the internal volume 1481 of the body 1480 halfway between the first thermocouple 1484A and the third thermocouple 1484C, and the fourth thermocouple 1484D may be positioned in the internal volume 1481 of the body 1480 halfway between the third thermocouple 1484C and the fifth thermocouple 1484E. The thermocouples 1484A-1484E may be configured to measure a temperature in the internal volume 1481 at different locations. This may be beneficial as the temperature at the center of the internal volume 1481 may be different from the temperature at other locations proximate to the perimeter of the body 1480. While five thermocouples 1484A-1484E are illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 12, a different number of thermocouples (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 6, etc.) may be used in other embodiments.

[0103] Multiple benefits may be accomplished by including an outer tube 1488 and an inner tube 1490 in the core tube assembly 1485. The inner tube 1490 may be less prone to deformation by mechanical creep relative to the outer tube 1488. Furthermore, because inner tube 1490 undergoes less mechanical creep, the thermocouples 1484A-1484E may be more easily positioned within an internal volume 1490A of the inner tube. For example, if the thermocouples 1484A-1484E were instead positioned in another tube that was impacted more by mechanical creep, the tube might sag due to the weight of the tube and its mechanical creep properties, creating a bend in the tube that would make it difficult or impossible to removeAttorney Docket Number: SP24-223 thermocouples 1484A-1484E from an internal volume of the tube or to insert new thermocouples into an internal volume of the tube. Thus, the inner tube 1490 may remain straight for longer periods of time, allowing easier insertion and / or removal of thermocouples.

[0104] The outer tube 1488 may have a lesser coefficient of thermal expansion (“CTE”) difference from the base material in the body 1480 relative to inner tube 1490. The outer tube 1488 may have a first CTE difference equal to a difference in CTE between the outer tube 1488 and a base material in the body 1480. The inner tube 1490 may have a second CTE difference equal to a difference in CTE between the inner tube 1490 and the base material in the body 1480. The first CTE difference may be less than the second CTE difference. The outer tube 1488 may be attached to the body 1480 at the first end 1492A and the second end 1492B. Because the first CTE difference for the material in the outer tube 1488 is relatively low compared to the inner tube 1490, heating the molten glass transfer assembly 1486 may be done without generating any significant forces on the outer tube 1488.

[0105] However, because the second CTE difference for the material in the inner tube 1490 may be greater than the first CTE difference for the outer tube 1488, the inner tube 1490 may be attached differently to avoid issues with glass leaks. The inner tube 1490 may be attached to the outer tube 1488 at one location (e.g., at the first end 1492A), but the inner tube 1490 may not be attached to the outer tube 1488 at the other locations (e.g., at the second end 1492B). As a result, when the temperature changes and the inner tube 1490 and outer tube 1488 expand and / or move at different rates, leaks may be less likely to be formed in the core tube assembly 1485 as the inner tube 1490 may generally expand / move freely. For example, where the inner tube 1490 and outer tube 1488 are attached at the first end 1492A, the two tubes 1488, 1490 may expand freely relative to each other at the second end 1492B and at other portions of the tubes 1488, 1490. Thus, the inclusion of an outer tube 1488 and inner tube 1490 may reduce the effects of thermal expansion.

[0106] The outer tube 1488 may be attached to the inner tube 1490 using a weld 1494 such as a tack weld. This weld 1494 may be an autogenous weld in some embodiments, but the weld 1494 may be formed in other ways. Rather than providing a weld around the entire perimeter or circumference of inner tube 1490, the weld 1494 may be positioned at a portion of the perimeter or circumference of the inner tube 1490. Thus, as the temperature changes and the inner tube 1490 expands or moves at a different rate relative to the outer tube 1488, the weld 1494 may allow the inner tube 1490 to move in small amounts within the internal volume 1488A of the outer tube 1488 to avoid the formation of leaks and to prevent wear on the weld 1494.Attorney Docket Number: SP24-223

[0107] FIG. 13 is a schematic view illustrating another example molten glass transfer assembly 1586 having two core tube assemblies 1585A, 1585B. In the molten glass transfer assembly 1586 ofFIG. 13, abody 1580 is included alongside a first core tube assembly 1585A and a second core tube assembly 1585B. The body 1580 is simplified in FIG. 13, but the body 1580 may comprise a cradle, a castable material, and / or a conduit in some embodiments. The first core tube assembly 1585 A extends from a first end 1592A proximate to a perimeter of the body 1580 to a second end 1592B within an internal volume 1581 of the body 1580. The first core tube assembly 1585A comprises a first outer tube 1588 and a first inner tube 1590. Additionally, the second core tube assembly 1585B extends from a first end 1592A’ proximate to a perimeter of the body 1580 to a second end 1592B’ within an internal volume 1581 of the body 1580. The second core tube assembly 1585B also comprises a second outer tube 1588B and a second inner tube 1590B. The first outer tube 1588 and the second outer tube 1588B may both comprise a first material, and this first material may be a material other than FKS material. For example, the first material of outer tubes 1588, 1588B may comprise platinum, rhodium, or an alloy containing both materials . The first inner tube 1590 and the second inner tube 1590B may both comprise FKS material.

[0108] The first core tube assembly 1585 A and the second core tube assembly 1585B may each be positioned within about the same cross-sectional plane, with the longitudinal axis of the body 1580 extending into and out of the page and with this longitudinal axis being normal to the cross-sectional plane. Thus, the first core tube assembly 1585A and the second core tube assembly 1585B are positioned at about the same longitudinal position along a longitudinal axis of the internal volume 1581.

[0109] Multiple benefits may be accomplished by including an outer tube and an inner tube in each of the core tube assemblies 1585A, 1585B. These advantages are similar to those described above in reference to FIG. 12.

[0110] The first core tube assembly 1585A includes a first thermocouple 1584A, with the first thermocouple 1584A being positioned proximate to a perimeter of the body 1580. The second core tube assembly 1585B includes a second thermocouple 1584B and a third thermocouple 1584C. The third thermocouple 1584C is positioned proximate to a perimeter of the body 1580, and the second thermocouple 1584B is positioned closer to a center of the internal volume 1581 of the body 1580. The thermocouples 1584A-1584C may be configured to measure a temperature in the internal volume 1581 at different locations. This may be beneficial as the temperature at the center of the internal volume 1581 may be different from the temperature at other locations proximate to the perimeter of the body 1580. By usingAttorney Docket Number: SP24-223 multiple core tube assemblies 1585A, 1585B, thermocouples may be placed at desired positions within body 1580 without requiring a single core tube assembly to extend all the way through the internal volume 1581 of the body 1580. Thus, the use of multiple core tube assemblies 1585 A, 1585B may allow for a reduced amount of material to be used relative to the core tube assembly 1485 of FIG. 12. While certain thermocouple positions are illustrated in FIG. 13, other thermocouple positions may be used in other embodiments, and a different number of thermocouples may also be used. Stops may be positioned in the inner tubes 1590, 1590B to retain the thermocouples in the desired positions, but other approaches may also be used to keep the thermocouples in the desired positions. In some alternative embodiments, only two thermocouples are included, with one thermocouple attached at the second end 1592B of the first core tube assembly 1585A and with another thermocouple attached at the second end 1592B’ of the second core tube assembly 1585B.

[0111] The first outer tube 1588 is attached to the first inner tube 1590 using a weld 1594A. This weld 1594A may be an autogenous tack weld in some embodiments, but the weld 1594A may be formed in other ways. Additionally, the second outer tube 1588B is attached to the second inner tube 1590B using a weld 1594B. The weld 1594B may be an autogenous tack weld in some embodiments, but the weld 1594B may be formed in other ways. Rather than providing welds around the entire perimeter or circumference of inner tubes 1590, 1590B, the welds 1594A, 1594B may be positioned at a portion of the perimeter or circumference of the inner tubes 1590, 1590B. Thus, as the temperature changes and the inner tubes 1590, 1590B expand or move at different rates relative to the outer tubes 1588, 1588B, the welds 1594A, 1594B may allow the inner tubes 1590, 1590B to move in small amounts within the internal volumes 1588A, 1588C of the outer tubes 1588, 1588B to avoid the formation of leaks and to prevent wear on the welds 1594A, 1594B.

[0112] The first core tube assembly 1585 A and the second core tube assembly 1585B may be vertically oriented as illustrated in FIG. 13, and this may help to mitigate the risk of sag in the core tube assemblies 1585 A, 1585B due to gravity.

[0113] FIG. 14 is a schematic view illustrating another example molten glass transfer assembly 1686 having two core tube assemblies 1685A, 1685B. In the molten glass transfer assembly 1686 ofFIG. 14, abody 1680 is illustrated alongside a first core tube assembly 1685A and a second core tube assembly 1685B. Both core tube assemblies 1685A, 1685B include just one tube rather than multiple tubes. The first core tube assembly 1685A includes only the first tube 1688, and the second core tube assembly 1685B includes only the second tube 1688B. The core tube assemblies 1685A, 1685B are oriented vertically in FIG. 14, and this is beneficialAttorney Docket Number: SP24-223 to mitigate the risk of sag in the core tube assemblies 1685A, 1685B due to gravity. The body 1680 is simplified in FIG. 14, but the body 1680 may comprise a cradle, a castable material, and / or a conduit in some embodiments.

[0114] The first tube 1688 extends from a first end 1692A proximate to a perimeter of the body 1680 to a second end 1692B within an internal volume 1681 ofthe body 1680. The second tube 1688B extends from a first end 1692A’ proximate to a perimeter of the body 1680 to a second end 1692B’ within an internal volume 1681 of the body 1680.

[0115] In the molten glass transfer assembly 1686, a first thermocouple 1684A and a second thermocouple 1684B are included. The first thermocouple 1684A is attached at the second end 1692B of the first tube 1688, and the second thermocouple 1684B is attached at the second end 1692B’ of the second tube 1688B. The tubes 1688, 1688B may extend different lengths so that the thermocouples 1684A, 1684B are positioned as desired within the internal volume 1681 of the body 1680. For example, the first thermocouple 1684A is positioned close to the edge of the internal volume 1681 to detect a surface temperature, and the second thermocouple 1684B is positioned proximate to a central location within the internal volume 1681. While certain thermocouple positions are illustrated in FIG. 14, other thermocouple positions may be used in other embodiments, and a different number of thermocouples may also be used.

[0116] The tubes 1688, 1688B may comprise a material other than FKS material. For example, the material of tubes 1688, 1688B may comprise platinum, rhodium, or an alloy containing both materials, although other high temperature-resistant materials may be used in further embodiments, such as other platinum group materials.

[0117] The first core tube assembly 1685 A and the second core tube assembly 1685B may each be positioned within about the same cross-sectional plane, with the longitudinal axis of the body 1680 extending into and out of the page, as shown in the drawings, and with this longitudinal axis being normal to the cross-sectional plane. Thus, the first core tube assembly 1685 A and the second core tube assembly 1685B are positioned at about the same longitudinal position along a longitudinal axis of the internal volume 1681.

[0118] Many modifications and other embodiments set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these embodiments pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in theAttorney Docket Number: SP24-223 context of certain example combinations of elements and / or functions, different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In this regard, different combinations of elements and / or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated within the scope of the disclosure. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

Attorney Docket Number: SP24-223WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A glass manufacturing system comprising: a fining vessel; a stir chamber; and a molten glass transfer assembly configured to convey molten glass from the fining vessel to the stir chamber, the molten glass transfer assembly comprising: a cradle comprising an internal cradle surface that surrounds an internal cradle volume; a castable material positioned inside of the internal cradle surface, the castable material having athermal conductivity greater than about 2.0 W / (m °C) at temperatures of less than about 1500 °C and comprising an internal castable surface that surrounds an internal castable volume; and a conduit positioned inside of the internal castable surface, the conduit comprising an internal surface that surrounds an internal volume.

2. The glass manufacturing system of claim 1, wherein the molten glass transfer assembly further comprises an electrical flange coupled to the conduit and configured to receive an electric current, the electric current causing heat to be generated in the conduit.

3. The glass manufacturing system of claim 2, wherein a first thickness of the castable material at locations proximate to the electrical flange is greater than a second thickness of the castable material at another location not proximate another electrical flange.

4. The glass manufacturing system of claim 3, wherein the electrical flange is attached to the conduit using a T-weld.

5. The glass manufacturing system of any of claims 2-4, wherein the molten glass transfer assembly further comprises a base and a flange support, the electrical flange is attached to the base using the flange support, and the flange support is configured to allow the electrical flange to move relative to the base.Attorney Docket Number: SP24-2236. The glass manufacturing system of any of claims 1-5, wherein the cradle comprises an opening configured to receive castable material and receiving the castable material in the opening results in at least some of the castable material flowing to a position between the internal cradle surface of the cradle and the conduit before the castable material has cured.

7. The glass manufacturing system of any of claims 1-6, wherein the molten glass transfer assembly comprises a core tube assembly extending at least partially through the internal volume of the conduit, the core tube assembly comprising an outer tube and an inner tube, the inner tube comprising a grain-stabilized material, and the core tube assembly comprising a thermocouple therein configured to measure a temperature in the internal volume of the conduit.

8. The glass manufacturing system of claim 7, wherein the core tube assembly extends proximate to a center of the internal volume of the conduit and extends in a direction about perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the internal volume of the conduit.

9. The glass manufacturing system of any of claims 7-8, wherein the core tube assembly extends completely through the internal volume of the conduit from a first side of the internal surface of the conduit to a second side of the internal surface of the conduit, the outer tube is attached at the first side and the second side of the internal surface of the conduit, and the outer tube is attached to the inner tube at a first end of the core tube assembly and the outer tube is not attached to the inner tube at a second end of the core tube assembly.

10. The glass manufacturing system of any of claims 7-8, wherein the core tube assembly extends partially through the internal volume, the cradle further comprising a second core tube assembly extending at least partially through the internal volume of the conduit at about the longitudinal position on the cradle along a longitudinal axis of the internal volume of the conduit, the second core tube assembly comprising an additional thermocouple therein to measure a temperature in the internal volume of the conduit at an additional location.

11. The glass manufacturing system of any of claims 1-10, wherein a thermal conductivity of the castable material is greater than about 2.5 W / m- °C at temperatures between about 400 °C to about 1200 °C.Attorney Docket Number: SP24-22312. The glass manufacturing system of any of claims 1-11, further comprising: a glass forming apparatus configured to form a glass product from the molten glass; and a delivery vessel configured to convey the molten glass at least partially from the stir chamber to the glass forming apparatus.

13. The glass manufacturing system of claim 1-12, wherein the conduit comprises platinum.

14. The glass manufacturing system of claim 7, wherein the core tube assembly extends vertically.

15. A molten glass transfer assembly for conveying molten glass from a first location to a second location in a glass manufacturing system, the molten glass transfer assembly comprising: a cradle comprising an internal cradle surface surrounding an internal cradle volume; a castable material positioned inside of the internal cradle surface, the castable material having athermal conductivity of over about 2.0 W / (m °C) at temperatures of less than 1500 °C, the castable material comprising an internal castable surface surrounding an internal castable volume; and a conduit positioned inside of the internal castable surface, the conduit comprising an internal surface surrounding an internal volume of the conduit.

16. The molten glass transfer assembly of claim 15, wherein a thermal conductivity of the castable material is greater than about 2.5 W / m- °C at temperatures between about 400 °C to about 1200 °C.

17. The molten glass transfer assembly of any of claims 15 or 16, wherein the conduit comprises platinum.

18. The molten glass transfer assembly of any of claims 15-17, wherein the cradle comprises an opening configured to receive castable material and receiving the castableAttorney Docket Number: SP24-223 material in the opening results in at least some of the castable material flowing to a position between the internal cradle surface of the cradle and the of the conduit before the castable material has cured.

19. A molten glass transfer assembly for conveying molten glass from a first location to a second location in a glass manufacturing system, the molten glass transfer assembly comprising: a cradle comprising an internal cradle surface surrounding an internal cradle volume; a conduit positioned inside of the internal cradle surface, the conduit comprising an internal surface surrounding an internal volume of the conduit; a core tube assembly extending at least partially through the internal volume of the conduit, the core tube assembly comprising a thermocouple therein configured to measure a temperature in the internal volume of the conduit, wherein the core tube assembly comprises: an outer tube; and an inner tube comprising a grain-stabilized material.

20. The molten glass transfer assembly of claim 19, wherein a first CTE difference defined between a coefficient of thermal expansion of the outer tube and a coefficient of thermal expansion of the conduit is less than a second CTE difference defined between a coefficient of thermal expansion of the second tube and a coefficient of thermal expansion of the conduit.

21. The molten glass transfer assembly of claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the outer tube comprises platinum.

22. The molten glass transfer assembly of any of claims 19-21, wherein the core tube assembly extends completely through the internal volume of the conduit from a first side of the conduit to a second side of the conduit, the outer tube is attached at the first side and the second side of the internal surface of the conduit, and the outer tube is attached to the inner tube at a first end of the core tube assembly but the outer tube is not attached to the inner tube at a second end of the core tube assembly.

23. The molten glass transfer assembly of any of claims 19-22, wherein the outer tube is attached to the inner tube using an autogenous weld.Attorney Docket Number: SP24-22324. The molten glass transfer assembly of any of claims 19-23, wherein the core tube assembly extends partially through the internal volume of the conduit, the cradle further comprising a second core tube assembly extending at least partially through the internal volume of the conduit at about the same longitudinal position on the cradle along a longitudinal axis of the internal volume of the conduit, the second core tube assembly comprising an additional thermocouple therein configured to measure a temperature in the internal volume of the conduit at an additional location.

25. The molten glass transfer assembly of any of claims 19-24, further comprising: a castable material positioned inside of the internal cradle surface of the cradle, the castable material having a thermal conductivity of over about 2.0 W / (m- °C) at temperatures of less than 1500 °C, the castable material comprising an internal castable surface, and the conduit is positioned inside of the internal castable surface.

26. The molten glass transfer assembly of claim 25, wherein the thermal conductivity of the castable material is greater than about 2.5 W / m °C at temperatures between about 400 °C to about 1200 °C.

27. The molten glass transfer assembly of claim 18, wherein the core tube assembly extends vertically.

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