Non-Circular Molten Glass Delivery Conduit Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing glass forming processes face challenges in efficiently conveying molten glass over long distances due to increased fluid head loss and the potential for stagnant glass in conventional circular conduits, which can lead to flow impedance and sump formation.
Innovation Solution
The use of composite delivery conduits with non-circular cross sections, featuring a first portion with a straight longitudinal axis and circular cross section, a second portion that redirects the flow, and a third portion with a non-circular shape, along with transition portions to connect these sections, ensures an enlarged flow area without creating a sump or free glass surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the delivery conduit diameter is increased to reduce flow impedance, then the flow rate of molten glass is improved, but a sump region forms within the conduit where molten glass can cease flowing and become stagnant
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery conduit employs a non-circular cross-sectional shape (such as rectangular, oval, or triangular) instead of the conventional circular shape. This asymmetric geometry prevents the formation of sump regions where molten glass could stagnate, while still providing sufficient flow area to maintain high flow rates and reduce flow impedance throughout the delivery distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional circular cross-section to a non-circular cross-section with multiple dimensions optimized for flow. By changing the geometric dimensionality and configuration of the conduit cross-section, the design achieves both increased flow capacity and elimination of stagnant zones that would occur in conventional circular conduits of equivalent or larger diameter.
2Area of stationary object
If the delivery vessel is located at a significant distance from the forming body to meet space requirements, then space constraints are satisfied, but fluid head loss increases and flow rate is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the delivery conduit by using a non-circular cross-sectional shape with optimized dimensions. This parameter change reduces the wetted perimeter and hydraulic resistance, thereby minimizing fluid head loss over long delivery distances and maintaining adequate flow rates even when the delivery vessel is located far from the forming body to satisfy space requirements.
3Device complexity
If a conventional circular conduit is used for delivering molten glass, then the conduit structure is simple, but sump regions form at the conduit bottom creating flow impedance
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery conduit employs a non-circular cross-sectional shape (such as rectangular, oval, or triangular) instead of the conventional circular shape. This asymmetric geometry prevents the formation of sump regions where molten glass could stagnate, while still providing sufficient flow area to maintain high flow rates and reduce flow impedance throughout the delivery distance.
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 design enhances the flow of molten glass by reducing head loss and preventing stagnation, allowing for consistent and homogeneous glass delivery to forming bodies while accommodating space constraints.
Implementation Method 1
enhances the flow of molten glass by reducing head loss and preventing stagnation
Data Source
AI summary
A glass forming apparatus for processing molten glass is disclosed comprising a delivery vessel for delivery molten glass to a forming body through a delivery conduit, the delivery conduit comprising a first portion have a circular cross-sectional shape, a second portion comprising a circular cross-sectional shape and a third portion comprising a non-circular cross-sectional shape. The delivery conduit further comprises a first transition portion coupling the second portion to the third portion, and a second transition portion coupling the third portion to an inlet of a trough in a forming body. Neither an inside bottom surface of the third portion, nor an inside bottom surface of the second transition portion, is lower than a bottom surface of the forming body trough. A method of processing molten glass is also described.