Induction-Heated Glass Discharge Nozzle for Stable Molten Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing glass discharge methods in nuclear power plants face challenges in achieving continuous and stable operation of glass melting furnaces at high temperatures, necessitating improved methods for effective discharge of molten glass.

Innovation Solution

A discharge apparatus for a glass melting furnace equipped with a discharge assembly that includes a body module, driving module, nozzle module, heating module, temperature measuring modules, and an opening/closing module, which allows for precise control of discharge height and time, and incorporates heat and interference prevention mechanisms to maintain stable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If induction heating is applied to the nozzle module to maintain high temperature for continuous discharge, then discharge efficiency is improved, but heat diffusion to surrounding components and interference with other heating operations occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous discharge capabilityVSAvoidheat diffusion and interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A non-magnetic shielding unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the induction heating coil and surrounding components. This shielding unit selectively blocks harmful electromagnetic fields and heat diffusion while allowing the induction heating to effectively maintain the nozzle module temperature for continuous discharge operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The induction heating system is configured to provide localized heating specifically to the nozzle module region where high temperature is required for discharge. The shielding structure is strategically positioned to contain the thermal field only where needed, preventing heat diffusion to other components while maintaining discharge efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Use of energy by moving object

If multiple heating operations are performed simultaneously at different frequencies, then heating efficiency is improved, but electromagnetic interference between heating units occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Non-magnetic shielding units are positioned between the target object heating unit and the nozzle module heating module. These shields act as intermediaries that allow both heating operations to proceed at different frequencies simultaneously while preventing electromagnetic interference between the two heating systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system operates the target object heating unit and nozzle module heating module at different frequency parameters. By changing the operating frequency parameter for each heating unit, electromagnetic interference is minimized while maintaining effective heating efficiency for both operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If discharge height and time are precisely controlled for stable operation, then discharge precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The discharge assembly incorporates an opening/closing module with movable components that can dynamically adjust the discharge height and timing. This dynamic mechanism allows precise control of molten material discharge while integrating the control functions into the mechanical structure itself, reducing the need for separate complex control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables continuous and stable operation of the glass melting furnace by adjusting discharge height and time, ensuring effective and controlled discharge of molten material at high temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

a heating module for heating the nozzle module by induction heating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 2

the target object is heated by a target object heating unit of an induction heating type

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 3

the interference prevention unit prevents the target object heating unit and the heating module from interfering with each other when operating according to the first frequency value and the second frequency value and is provided as a non-magnetic shielding type

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP4697364A1Melt discharge apparatus and method for glass melting furnace in nuclear power plant
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 KOREA HYDRO & NUCLEAR POWER CO LTD
  • EP4697364A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4697364A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4697364A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are an apparatus and method for discharging a molten material from a glass melting furnace of a nuclear power plant. The apparatus for discharging the molten material from the glass melting furnace of the nuclear power plant is an apparatus for discharging a molten material from a glass melting furnace of a nuclear power plant and includes a discharge assembly on which a target object containing a molten material is located and which continuously discharges the molten material downward, wherein the discharge assembly includes: a body module; a driving module providing a driving force; a nozzle module for discharging the molten material from the target object; a heating module for heating the nozzle module by induction heating; a first temperature measuring module for obtaining first temperature information according to the heating of the nozzle module; and a second temperature measuring module for obtaining second temperature information, which is temperature information according to the heating of the nozzle module, separately from the first temperature information, wherein the heating module maintains the nozzle module at a set temperature based on the first temperature information and the second temperature information.