Apparatus and method for applying traction to an elongate element produced by fusing a preform of glass material and usable in a process for producing an optical fibre

A plant for producing an elongate cylindrical element usable in a process of producing an optical fibre, comprising:

• a furnace (7) capable of housing a preform (2) of glass material and of partially fusing an extremity of said preform;
• a traction apparatus (1;
• 1a;
• 1b) comprising a traction device (3;
• 3a;
• 3b) for providing a traction of the said elongate cylindrical element (5) from the said partially fused extremity of the said preform and along an axis of advance (6);
• characterized in that the said traction apparatus (1;
• 1a;
• 1b) additionally comprises a rotation device (4;
• 4a;
• 4b) capable of applying a twist to the said partially fused extremity of the said preform about the said axis (6), simultaneously with the said traction.