Protective Plenum Cooling for Glass Ribbon Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The fusion draw process for forming glass sheets lacks effective temperature control during the glass ribbon's transition from a viscous liquid to an elastic solid, leading to inefficiencies in cooling and potential defects in the glass sheets.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a protective plenum that directs gas vertically along the glass ribbon, with outlet slots for convective cooling, allowing air to flow and extract heat from the glass ribbon below the glass transition temperature region, enhancing cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional fusion draw process is used without active cooling, then the glass ribbon can be formed continuously, but the cooling efficiency is insufficient and temperature control during glass transition is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cooling action before the glass ribbon completes its formation and exits the draw tower. By positioning cooling outlets in the draw region below the glass transition temperature zone, the system preemptively removes heat during the critical transition period, preventing overheating and improving temperature control efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses gas (air or inert gas) as an intermediary medium to transfer heat from the glass ribbon to the surrounding environment. The gas flows through the draw region and absorbs heat from the glass surface, providing efficient and controllable cooling without direct contact with the glass
2Loss of energy
If gas cooling is applied in the draw region, then heat extraction efficiency increases by up to 50%, but the system complexity increases due to protective plenum and gas delivery infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The protective plenum structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a containment chamber for gas flow, provides structural support for cooling outlets, protects the draw region from environmental contamination, and facilitates uniform gas distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated cooling components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using gas flow through controlled outlets to achieve cooling. The gas delivery system uses pressure differentials and flow dynamics to distribute cooling gas uniformly across the draw region, providing efficient heat extraction through fluid mechanics rather than complex mechanical cooling devices
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 method achieves controlled cooling of the glass ribbon, reducing temperature and increasing heat extraction by up to 50% in the impacted zone, improving the quality and production efficiency of glass sheets.
Implementation Method 1
A gas is directed into the protective plenum and vertically along a broad surface of the glass ribbon. The gas is directed out of the protective plenum through at least one outlet slot... enhancing cooling efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of cooling a glass ribbon formed using a fusion draw process. The method includes forming a glass ribbon using the fusion draw process. The glass ribbon, once formed, passes vertically through a glass transition temperature region. The glass ribbon is directed through a protective plenum at least partially located in a bottom of the draw region. A gas is directed into the protective plenum and vertically along a broad surface of the glass ribbon. The gas is directed out of the protective plenum through at least one outlet slot formed through a sidewall of the protective plenum at no less than about 100 Nm3?/h.