Assembly for supporting an electrical flange in a glass manufacturing apparatus

A method of starting a glass manufacturing apparatus, comprising:

• positioning a first end of a connecting conduit adjacent a second end of an exit tube extending from a melting vessel such that the first end and the second end are spaced apart by a gap, the first end comprising an electrical flange attached thereto, the electrical flange comprising an electrode portion extending through an enclosure enclosing the connecting conduit;
• heating the connecting conduit to an operating temperature, wherein during the heating the connecting conduit expands;
• and
• adjusting an electrical flange support apparatus coupled to the electrode portion during the heating, the adjusting comprising:
• adjusting at least one of
• a length of an adjustment member extending between an adjustment base mounted to the enclosure and a support bracket assembly coupled to the electrode portion;
• or
• a length of a bracing rod extending between the electrode portion and a support member.