Float Bath Dross Removal via Segmented Discharge Slits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional float glass manufacturing apparatuses face difficulties 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 plurality of discharge slits at the downstream end of the float bath, a flow-back channel, and a dross collecting member, which allows molten metal to flow back and collect dross on the sides, preventing it from attaching to the glass ribbon, and includes a heating unit to maintain temperature and a paddle for scraping dross.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If dross is removed using conventional collecting channels at the downstream end, then dross at the sides can be removed, but dross accumulated under the center of the molten glass ribbon cannot be effectively removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedross removal capabilityVSAvoidglass quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The downstream end wall is divided into multiple discharge slits arranged in the widthwise direction, creating multiple independent discharge paths. This segmentation allows molten metal to be discharged at different locations, enabling effective removal of dross from various positions including the center area that conventional single-channel systems cannot reach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the downstream end wall are provided with discharge slits at specific positions and orientations tailored to local dross accumulation patterns. The discharge slits are strategically located to address dross accumulation at the center and sides differently, with each slit serving a specific local removal function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Temperature

If the float bath operates at high temperature, then molten glass can be processed, but dross accumulates on the downstream end due to decreased metal solubility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefloat bath temperatureVSAvoiddross accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature gradient that causes dross accumulation is converted into a beneficial flow pattern. The discharge slits are positioned to utilize the natural convection and temperature-driven flow of molten metal, directing the flow to carry dross away from the glass ribbon path and toward collection areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

Dross is extracted from the molten metal stream at the downstream end where it naturally accumulates due to temperature effects. The discharge slits and collection channels are designed to selectively remove dross while maintaining the high-temperature processing environment needed for glass manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If side sealing is opened to remove center dross, then dross removal is possible, but float bath contamination increases and safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedross removal accessVSAvoidoperational safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs dross removal automatically through the discharge slits and collection channels without requiring manual intervention or opening of side seals. The molten metal flow itself carries dross to the collection points, eliminating the need for operators to access the float bath and compromising safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The discharge slits and collection channels act as intermediaries that facilitate dross removal without requiring direct access to the float bath. This indirect removal mechanism maintains the integrity and safety of the float bath while achieving effective dross elimination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 float glass products by preventing dross from attaching to the glass ribbon and ensuring procedural safety.

Implementation Method 1

flows back a molten metal from a downstream end of a float bath to an upstream end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

includes a heating unit to maintain temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

a paddle for scraping dross

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical scraping: Friction

Implementation Method 4

a plurality of discharge slits at the downstream end of the float bath, a flow-back channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-driven flow: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS8201419B2Apparatus for manufacturing float glass

Publication Date: 2012.06.19 LG CHEM LTD

AI summary

An apparatus for manufacturing a float glass, including a float bath for strong a molten metal on which a molten glass flows, wherein the molten metal flows in the float bath, comprises a plurality of discharge slits formed through a wall of a downstream end of the float bath to discharge a molten metal crashing against the wall and dross floating on the molten metal; a flow-back channel formed in a widthwise direction of the float bath and communicated with the discharge slits; and a dross collecting member for collecting the dross flowing through the flow-back channel.