Platinum Fining Vessel Temperature Gradient Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-temperature glass fining processes in the production of LCD glass substrates face challenges in achieving high-quality glass with minimal gaseous inclusions and preventing oxidation of precious metals used in fining vessels, which limits the operating temperature and results in suboptimal glass quality and reduced vessel lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A glass fining system with a metal vessel design where the top wall portion is not in direct contact with the molten glass, and the side wall portion is differentially heated to maintain a controlled temperature gradient of ≤10°C, using electric current heating and multi-layer thermal insulation to achieve higher glass temperatures while reducing metal oxidation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high temperature fining (1700°C) is used to improve glass quality and reduce gaseous inclusions, then glass clarity is improved, but platinum vessel oxidation increases and vessel lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fining vessel is divided into two temperature zones: the bottom portion is heated to high temperature (1600-1700°C) for effective fining, while the top portion is maintained at lower temperature (≤10°C difference from bottom) to prevent platinum oxidation. This segmentation allows different regions to operate at optimally different temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the fining vessel are maintained at different temperatures according to their specific requirements. The bottom portion requires high temperature for fining efficiency, while the top portion requires temperature control to prevent oxidation. This local quality approach optimizes both fining performance and vessel durability.
2Manufacturing precision
If high temperature fining is used to improve glass quality, then gaseous inclusions are removed more effectively, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel is segmented into high-temperature and low-temperature zones, concentrating energy input where it is most needed (bottom fining zone) while minimizing energy waste in the top zone where oxidation prevention is the priority. This segmented heating approach improves energy efficiency compared to uniformly heating the entire vessel.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature parameter is changed dynamically across different zones of the vessel. The bottom portion operates at high temperature (1600-1700°C) for fining, while the top portion operates at lower temperature (reducing the temperature gradient). This parameter change optimizes the balance between fining effectiveness and energy consumption.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If platinum is used in the fining vessel to withstand high temperature, then vessel durability is improved, but oxidation occurs at fining temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The platinum vessel is segmented into two temperature zones: the bottom portion experiences high temperature (1600-1700°C) necessary for fining, while the top portion is maintained at lower temperature to prevent oxidation. This segmentation protects the platinum from oxidation while maintaining fining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the platinum vessel are maintained at different temperatures according to their functional requirements. The bottom portion requires high temperature for fining, while the top portion requires temperature control to prevent platinum oxidation. This local quality approach simultaneously achieves vessel durability and oxidation prevention.
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
This approach allows for higher quality glass with fewer defects, reduced metal oxidation, superior thermal insulation, optimal temperature uniformity, capital savings, and extended vessel lifespan by maintaining a controlled temperature gradient and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the vessel is heated by passing an electric current through the wall portions
Implementation Method 2
multi-layer thermal insulation to achieve higher glass temperatures while reducing metal oxidation
Data Source
AI summary
A glass making process comprising a step of fining the molten glass in a fining vessel comprising a top wall portion not in direct contact with the molten glass, and a side wall portion in direct contact with the molten glass, wherein the top wall portion has a temperature T(top), the side wall portion has a temperature T(side), and T(top)−T(side)≦10° C., and a glass fining system. The invention is particularly useful for glass fining systems comprising a metal fining vessel made of precious metals such as Pt and/or Pt—Rh alloys.