Downward-Angled Vent Tube for Molten Glass Fining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Venting molten glass from a fining vessel risks condensate particles dropping into the glass due to direct venting through the top, which can contaminate the molten glass.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a vent tube with a proximal end connected to a conduit above the molten glass surface, extending downward at an angle relative to horizontal, allowing venting of the atmosphere above the molten glass to an external atmosphere, and optionally heating the vent tube to prevent condensate accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If direct venting through the top of the fining vessel is used, then volatile gases can be removed from the molten glass, but condensate particles may drop into the molten glass and contaminate it
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of venting upward through the top of the fining vessel, the vent tube is inverted to extend downward at an angle below horizontal. This reversal of the venting direction allows gases to escape while preventing condensate from falling back into the molten glass, as the condensate accumulates at the lower end of the vent tube away from the glass surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent tube acts as an intermediary element between the fining vessel atmosphere and the external environment. By positioning the distal end of the vent tube below the molten glass surface level and extending it downward at an angle, it creates a barrier that allows gas passage while blocking the path of condensate particles, thus mediating between gas removal and contamination prevention.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the vent tube extends downward at an angle below horizontal, then condensate particles are prevented from dropping into the molten glass, but the venting path becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The vent tube is configured with a specific angular parameter (extending downward at an angle below horizontal, such as 30-45 degrees) rather than vertical or horizontal orientation. This parameter change optimizes the balance between preventing condensate return and maintaining effective gas venting, while the straight tubular design keeps the structural complexity minimal.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the vent tube is heated, then condensate accumulation is prevented, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vent tube is pre-heated to a temperature above the dew point of the vented gases before the gases are introduced. This preliminary heating action prevents condensate formation in the first place, eliminating the need for continuous heating or complex condensate removal systems, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent tube heating system is designed to maintain the tube temperature above the dew point of the vented atmosphere, allowing the system to self-regulate condensate prevention. The heating elements are integrated into the vent tube structure, enabling the vent tube to serve both its primary venting function and the secondary function of preventing its own condensate accumulation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively removes volatile gases from the molten glass without contaminating it with condensate particles, ensuring a clean glass manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
venting a first atmosphere contained in the free volume to a second atmosphere external to the first vessel through a vent tube comprising a proximal end, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and a passage extending between the proximal end and the distal end
Implementation Method 2
The method may further comprise heating the vent tube during the venting
Implementation Method 3
the vent tube extending downward and away from the conduit along a longitudinal axis at an angle α relative to horizontal
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a glass article includes flowing molten glass through a first vessel to a downstream second vessel, the molten glass flowing through a conduit connecting the first vessel to the second vessel, the first vessel and the conduit defining a continuous free volume above a free surface of the molten glass extending into at least a portion of the conduit. The method further includes venting a first atmosphere contained in the free volume to a second atmosphere external to the first vessel through a vent tube connected to the conduit proximate a top of the conduit and above the free surface, the vent tube extending downward from the conduit to a distal end of the vent tube along a longitudinal axis at an angle α relative to horizontal and providing fluid communication between the first atmosphere and the second atmosphere.