Precious Metal Conduit Defect Reduction via Inert Gas Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
The presence of precious metals or their oxides in glass melting systems leads to chemical reactions with molten glass, causing defects in glass articles and corrosion of system components, resulting in repair needs and downtime.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method involving a conduit with a channel that flows a defect inhibiting fluid, such as nitrogen or argon, through orifices proximate to the molten glass surface within the glass melting system to prevent the transportation of precious metals or their oxides into the glass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If molten glass contacts precious metal or precious metal alloy in the conduit, then the glass melting process can proceed, but chemical reactions occur causing defects in glass articles and corrosion of the conduit
Solution Approach 1:
A protective layer comprising at least one of a slag layer or a foam glass layer is introduced as an intermediary between the molten glass and the precious metal conduit. This protective layer prevents direct contact and chemical reactions between the molten glass and conduit material, thereby eliminating defects in glass articles while maintaining continuous glass melting process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert protective environment by forming a slag layer or foam glass layer that acts as a barrier, preventing oxidation and chemical reactions. This inert environment protects both the glass melt from contamination and the conduit from corrosion, maintaining manufacturing precision without sacrificing productivity
2Productivity
If molten glass contacts precious metal or precious metal alloy in the conduit, then the glass melting process can proceed, but corrosion of the conduit occurs resulting in repair needs and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer (slag or foam glass) serves as a mediator that physically separates the molten glass from the precious metal conduit, preventing corrosive chemical reactions. This extends conduit service life and reliability while allowing continuous operation and maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful direct contact between molten glass and conduit into a beneficial protective arrangement by forming a controlled protective layer. This layer, which would otherwise be considered a defect or impurity, becomes a protective barrier that enhances conduit reliability and prevents corrosion
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 approach effectively reduces defects in glass articles and minimizes corrosion, thereby extending the lifespan of system components and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
chemical reactions, such a redox reactions, wherein a precious metal or precious metal oxide is transported into the molten glass or on the molten glass surface
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for manufacturing a glass article includes a conduit of precious metal or precious metal alloy hat encloses molten glass. The apparatus and method also includes a channel positioned inside or proximate the conduit that flows a defect inhibiting fluid therethrough. The channel includes at least one orifice positioned proximate a free surface of the molten glass from which flows the defect inhibiting fluid.