Modular Molten Glass Delivery Conduit Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Glass manufacturing apparatuses face premature component failure due to cyclic stresses introduced by temperature fluctuations, and increased throughput requires higher temperatures, further stressing components.
Innovation Solution
A modular molten glass delivery apparatus with a lower carriage and upper rail system, featuring elevation angles and support frames to accommodate thermal expansion, and a mass compensation member to counteract gravity and expansion forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If higher temperatures are used to increase molten glass throughput, then productivity is improved, but the stress on components increases and service life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The glass manufacturing apparatus is divided into modular components (melter, fining system, mixing vessel, forming apparatus) connected by separate delivery conduits. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed and maintained, reducing the impact of thermal stress on the entire system and enabling faster replacement of worn components.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery conduits are designed to accommodate thermal expansion and movement through flexible support systems and expansion joints. This dynamic design allows the conduits to flex and expand with temperature changes without developing excessive stress, enabling higher operating temperatures for increased throughput while maintaining component reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If components are subjected to cyclic temperature conditions, then the apparatus can operate through startup and shutdown cycles, but stresses are introduced that lead to premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The support structures for delivery conduits are designed with adjustable parameters that can accommodate different thermal conditions. Expansion joints and flexible mounts allow the system to adapt to cyclic temperature changes by changing their physical parameters (length, position, rigidity) rather than resisting the thermal expansion, thereby reducing thermal stress fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
Expansion joints and flexible support elements act as intermediaries between rigid components, absorbing and isolating the effects of cyclic thermal expansion. These intermediary elements protect the main structural components from direct thermal stress while still allowing the system to undergo necessary thermal cycles.
3Temperature
If refractory metals are used for delivery conduits to withstand high temperatures, then temperature resistance is improved, but the cost and complexity of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
Refractory metal delivery conduits are used only in the specific locations where molten glass contact is required, rather than throughout the entire apparatus. The majority of the system uses standard materials with appropriate thermal management, reducing overall complexity and cost while maintaining high-temperature capability where absolutely necessary.
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
The modular design reduces stress on components by accommodating thermal expansion, thereby extending the service life of the apparatus, increasing production yields, and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a modular molten glass delivery apparatus with a lower carriage and upper rail system, featuring elevation angles and support frames to accommodate thermal expansion
Implementation Method 2
a mass compensation member to counteract gravity and expansion forces
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are modular molten glass delivery apparatuses and glass manufacturing apparatuses including the same. A module of a modular molten glass delivery apparatus includes a lower carriage comprising a plurality of lower carriage rollers. An upper rail system is supported on the lower carriage. The upper rail system includes upper support rails oriented at an elevation angle α greater than 0 degrees relative to horizontal. The module further includes an upper carriage. The upper carriage includes a base plate oriented at an elevation angle β greater than 0 degrees relative to horizontal and a plurality of upper carriage rollers engaged with the upper support rails of the upper rail system to facilitate translation of the upper carriage on the upper rail system. A support frame is coupled to the base plate and a molten glass delivery conduit assembly is supported on the base plate within the support frame.