Float Bath Exit Seal Using Velocity-Change Fluid Jets
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Solution Overview
Problem
The escape of reducing atmosphere from the exit end of a float bath in the float glass manufacturing process leads to inefficiencies and increased costs, as combustible hydrogen burns in air, causing flame disturbances and subsequent leakage into the main bath atmosphere.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the directed jets of fluid, which change velocity upon striking the upper surface of the glass ribbon or an obstruction, creating back pressure to reduce the volume of bath atmosphere lost from the exit end, utilizing a combination of jets with varying velocities and directions to minimize atmosphere escape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the float bath exit is opened to allow glass ribbon to pass through, then the glass manufacturing process can continue, but bath atmosphere escapes and combustible hydrogen burns causing flame disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
A jet of fluid (inert gas or liquid) is introduced as an intermediary substance between the bath atmosphere and the external environment at the exit end. This jet acts as a mediator that prevents direct contact and mixing between the combustible bath atmosphere and air, thereby eliminating flame disturbances while allowing continuous glass ribbon passage through the opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful escape of combustible bath atmosphere into a beneficial sealed jet flow. By directing a controlled jet of fluid through the opening, the harmful atmospheric leakage is transformed into a useful sealing mechanism that prevents flame formation while maintaining production continuity.
2Reliability
If bath atmosphere is maintained at positive pressure to prevent air ingress, then oxidation of molten tin is prevented, but atmosphere loss at the exit end increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs pneumatic principles by introducing a pressurized jet of fluid (gas or liquid) at the exit end. This jet creates a pressure barrier that seals the opening, preventing both air ingress and bath atmosphere escape. The pneumatic pressure of the jet balances the positive bath pressure while eliminating harmful atmospheric loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The jet fluid serves as an inert barrier that creates a protective environment at the exit opening. This inert jet prevents mixing between the reducing bath atmosphere and external air, thereby maintaining the integrity of the bath atmosphere and preventing oxidation reactions while allowing glass passage.
3Loss of substance
If the exit opening is sealed to prevent atmosphere escape, then bath atmosphere is conserved, but glass ribbon cannot be conveyed out
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the exit opening into multiple functional zones: the glass ribbon passage channel and the jet fluid sealing zone. The jet fluid is directed to seal around or adjacent to the glass ribbon path, creating a segmented barrier that allows glass conveyance while preventing atmospheric escape through the same opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a spatial dimension to the sealing mechanism by introducing a jet fluid that extends into the third dimension from the opening. Rather than sealing the opening in a single plane, the jet creates a volumetric barrier that surrounds the glass passage path, allowing two-dimensional glass movement while maintaining three-dimensional atmospheric seal.
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 effectively reduces the volume of bath atmosphere lost, maintaining a stable and cost-effective reducing atmosphere within the float bath, minimizing flame disturbances and atmosphere leakage, thereby enhancing the glass manufacturing process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
directing at least one (a first) jet of fluid towards the upper surface of the ribbon of glass, the first jet of fluid having a first jet velocity and a subsequent second jet velocity, the first jet velocity of the first jet of fluid having a first jet speed and a first jet direction and the second jet velocity of the first jet of fluid having a second jet speed and a second jet direction; wherein the first jet of fluid having the second jet velocity changes from the second jet velocity to a third jet velocity due to the presence of the upper surface of the ribbon of glass
Data Source
AI summary
A method of reducing the volume of float bath atmosphere lost from an opening in the exit end of the float bath is described. The method comprises directing a first jet of fluid having a first jet velocity followed by a second jet velocity towards a plane a conveyance for a float glass ribbon. An obstruction in the path of the first jet of fluid causes the jet to change from the second to a third jet velocity. The obstruction may be a portion of a roller positioned outside the opening or a float glass ribbon that has been formed on a surface of molten metal contained in the float bath that has subsequently been transferred through the opening. A float bath having sealing means to reduce atmosphere loss from an exit of the float bath is also described, as is an assembly useful in carrying out the aforementioned methods.