High efficiency fin assembly for making glass fibers
OwnerByron L. Bemis, Terry L. Andersoninventors
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Abstract
Cooling fin assemblies constructed of materials suitable for use in manufacturing glass filaments are provided. The cooling fin assemblies include a manifold having a first end, a second end and an internal passage therebetween. The internal passage is configured for a flow of cooling fluid. A plurality of baffles is positioned within the internal passage. A plurality of blades is connected to the manifold. The blades are configured to conduct heat to the manifold. The baffles are configured to create a serpentine flow path for the cooling fluid within the manifold.
Claims19
A cooling fin assembly constructed of materials suitable for use in the manufacture of glass filaments, the cooling fin assembly comprising:
- a manifold having a first end, a second end and an internal passage therebetween, the internal passage being configured for a flow of cooling fluid;
- a plurality of baffles positioned within the internal passage;
- and
- a plurality of blades connected to the manifold, the blades being configured to conduct heat to the manifold;
- wherein the baffles are configured to create a serpentine flow path for the cooling fluid within the manifold.
An apparatus configured for the manufacture of glass filaments, the apparatus comprising:
- a bushing having a plurality of nozzles, the bushing being configured to provide a supply of molten glass to the plurality of nozzles, the plurality of nozzles being configured for the production of glass filaments, wherein the nozzles form a filament forming area;
- a cooling fin assembly positioned in the filament forming area, the cooling fin assembly including a plurality of blades connected to a manifold, the manifold having a first end, a second end and an internal passage therebetween, the internal passage being configured for a flow of cooling fluid, a plurality of baffles being positioned within the internal passage, the plurality of blades being configured to conduct heat to the manifold, wherein the baffles are configured to create a serpentine flow path for the cooling fluid within the manifold;
- and
- a mechanism configured to collect the formed filaments.
A method of manufacturing glass filaments including the steps of:
- providing a bushing, the bushing configured to provide a supply of molten glass to the plurality of nozzles, the plurality of nozzles configured for the production of glass filaments, wherein the nozzles form a filament forming area;
- positioning a cooling fin assembly in the filament forming area, the cooling fin assembly including a plurality of blades connected to a manifold, the manifold having a first end, a second end and an internal passage therebetween, the internal passage configured for a flow of cooling fluid, a plurality of baffles being positioned within the internal passage, the plurality of blades configured to conduct heat to the manifold, wherein the baffles are configured to create a serpentine flow path for the cooling fluid within the manifold;
- providing a supply of molten glass to the bushing;
- forming glass filaments through the nozzles;
- providing a flow of cooling fluid through the manifold;
- absorbing and conducting heat from the filament forming area to the manifold;
- and
- transferring heat from the manifold to the cooling fluid as the cooling fluid flows through the manifold along a serpentine path.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.