Molten Glass Level Measurement Using Top-Entry Bubble Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid-surface height measurement devices for molten glass are difficult to maintain and apply to existing storage tanks due to potential leakage and damage from the molten glass, and require additional modifications to the tank structure.

Innovation Solution

A liquid-surface height measurement device with a nozzle immersed from above the liquid surface and a pipe entering from above, avoiding direct contact with the molten glass, and using platinum or platinum alloy components with protective layers to minimize damage and wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the flow passage member is introduced into the molten glass at a position lower than the liquid surface through the bottom wall or side wall, then the liquid-surface height can be measured, but the flow passage member is liable to be damaged or wear out due to heat or erosion by the molten glass and requires replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid-surface height measurementVSAvoidflow passage member durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary structure (protective tube or sheath) around the flow passage member that is resistant to heat and molten glass erosion. This protective intermediary layer allows the flow passage member to be positioned in the molten glass for measurement while preventing direct contact and damage, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and component durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the introduction portion for the flow passage member is formed in the wall portion of the storage tank at a position lower than the liquid surface, then the measurement device can function, but there arises a risk of leakage of the molten glass from the introduction portion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid-surface height measurementVSAvoidmolten glass leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a protective tube or sheath as an intermediary structure that surrounds the flow passage member at the introduction portion. This intermediary component seals the interface between the flow passage member and the tank wall, preventing molten glass leakage while allowing the flow passage member to be positioned at the required lower location for measurement functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes a protective tube that acts as a flexible barrier between the molten glass and the flow passage member introduction portion. This protective shell structure prevents direct contact and leakage at the critical interface while maintaining the necessary measurement function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If the introduction portion for the flow passage member is additionally formed in the wall portion of an existing storage tank, then the measurement device can be applied to existing tanks, but the molten glass may leak out during the formation process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication to existing storage tankVSAvoidmolten glass leakage during modification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a protective tube or sheath that is installed beforehand to prevent molten glass leakage during the formation of the introduction portion. This preliminary protective measure allows safe modification of existing storage tanks by containing any potential leakage during the construction process, enabling adaptation to existing infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The protective tube serves as an intermediary structure that is installed at the introduction portion before completing the modification of existing storage tanks. This intermediary component prevents direct exposure of the tank wall to molten glass during construction, eliminating leakage risks while enabling adaptation to existing infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If the flow passage member is replaced, then the measurement function can be maintained, but there arises a risk of leakage of the molten glass from the introduction portion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid-surface height measurementVSAvoidmolten glass leakage during replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent installs a protective tube or sheath beforehand that prevents molten glass leakage during the replacement process. This preliminary protective measure ensures that when the flow passage member is replaced, the protective tube contains any potential leakage, allowing safe maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The protective tube acts as an intermediary barrier that remains in place during flow passage member replacement. This intermediary structure prevents direct contact between the replacement process and the molten glass, eliminating leakage risks while allowing maintenance operations to proceed.

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

Facilitates easy maintenance and application to existing storage tanks by preventing leakage and reducing facility costs while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a pipe, which is led from an outside of the storage tank into the storage tank at a position higher than the liquid surface and is configured to allow supply of a gas to the nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas supply:

Implementation Method 2

a pressure gauge configured to measure a pressure in the pipe or the nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure measurement:

Implementation Method 3

a nozzle to be immersed from above the liquid surface into the molten glass

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir bubble generation: Bubble

Implementation Method 4

The liquid-surface height measurement device determines the liquid-surface height of the molten glass based on a pressure (back pressure) in the flow passage member under a state in which the air bubbles are being generated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS20260015277A1Device and method for producing glass article and method for measuring liquid-surface height

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 NIPPON ELECTRIC GLASS CO LTD

AI summary

A manufacturing apparatus for a glass article includes a melting furnace as a storage tank, and a measurement device configured to measure a height of a liquid surface of a molten glass stored in the melting furnace. The measurement device includes a nozzle to be immersed from above the liquid surface into the molten glass, a pipe, which is led from an outside of the melting furnace into the melting furnace at a position higher than the liquid surface, and is configured to allow supply of a gas to the nozzle, and a pressure gauge configured to measure a pressure in the pipe or the nozzle under a state in which air bubbles are being generated in the molten glass with the gas supplied from a distal end of the nozzle.