Float Bath Discharge Slot for Center Dross Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional float glass manufacturing apparatuses face challenges in removing dross accumulated under the center of the molten glass ribbon at the downstream end of the float bath, leading to contamination, quality issues, and safety concerns during the process.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a discharge slot of the same width as the molten glass at the downstream end of the float bath, with connecting channels that flow back molten metal and dross to the sides, and dross collecting members with paddles to scrape and collect the impurities, ensuring stable removal without contaminating the float bath.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional dross removal techniques are used at the downstream end of the float bath, then dross can be removed from the sides of the float bath, but dross accumulated under the center of the molten glass ribbon cannot be effectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The float bath is divided into multiple drainage areas: a first drainage area at the upstream end with a first collecting channel, a second drainage area at the downstream end with a second collecting channel, and a third drainage area in the center with a third collecting channel. This segmentation allows each channel to specifically address dross accumulation in its respective zone, enabling effective removal of center-accumulated dross that conventional single-channel systems cannot handle.
Solution Approach 2:
A common pool is introduced as an intermediary component that receives dross from all three collecting channels (first, second, and third). The common pool serves as a centralized collection point that consolidates dross from different locations before discharge, simplifying the overall removal process while maintaining effective coverage of all drainage areas including the previously problematic center region.
2Manufacturing precision
If side sealing is opened to remove dross under the center of the molten glass ribbon, then dross can be removed, but the float bath becomes further contaminated and operational safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The third collecting channel in the center drainage area enables the system to remove dross from the center region automatically through its own dedicated channel, without requiring opening of side sealing or introduction of external strap-shaped tools. This self-service capability eliminates the need for unsafe manual interventions while maintaining effective dross removal from all areas including the center.
3Productivity
If the discharge slot width is reduced to match the molten glass width, then dross removal efficiency is improved, but the structural complexity of the float bath increases
Solution Approach 1:
The float bath structure is segmented into three distinct collecting channels (first, second, and third) positioned at different locations (upstream, downstream, and center). This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific drainage area, improving overall dross removal efficiency by addressing localized accumulation patterns without requiring a complete redesign of the entire float bath structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Three separate collecting channels are merged into a single common pool that consolidates dross from all drainage areas. This merging approach simplifies the discharge mechanism by providing a single centralized discharge point while maintaining the efficiency benefits of multiple specialized collection channels, thereby balancing productivity improvement with structural simplicity.
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 solution effectively removes dross from the molten metal, improving the quality and stability of the float glass products by preventing dross attachment to the glass ribbon and maintaining procedural safety.
Implementation Method 1
a discharge slot having substantially the same size as width of the molten glass to discharge a molten metal crashing against a wall of a downstream end of the float bath and dross floating on the molten metal
Implementation Method 2
dross floating on the molten metal
Implementation Method 3
dross floating on the molten metal
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for manufacturing a float glass, including a float bath for storing a molten metal on which a molten glass flows, wherein the molten metal flows in the float bath, comprises a discharge slot having substantially the same size as width of the molten glass to discharge a molten metal crashing against a wall of a downstream end of the float bath and dross floating on the molten metal, and formed through the wall substantially parallel to a traveling direction of the molten glass; connecting channels for communicating the discharge slot with both sides of the float bath; and dross collecting members for collecting the dross.