Method and apparatus for homogenizing flat glass
AssigneePPG Industries, Inc.
InventorsGeorge A. Pecoraro, Joseph A. Gulotta
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Stirring of glass of high optical quality is effected by initiating forming of the glass, such as by the float process, at relatively high temperatures immediately after the glass has been stirred. Preferably, during and/or following the stirring operation contact between the molten glass and ceramic refractories is minimized. This is preferably accomplished by providing a layer of molton metal (e.g., tin) on the bottom of the stirring chamber.
Claims41
A method of making glass comprising:
- feeding a stream of molten glass onto a molten metal support;
- stirring the molten glass while supported on the molten metal so as to substantially homogenize the glass;
- and
- passing the homogenized glass to a forming operation.
A method of making flat glass comprising:
- feeding a stream of melted and refined molten glass from a melting and refining stage to a separate stirring chamber;
- stirring the glass at a temperature greater than 2200.degree. F. so as to substantially homogenize the glass while preventing return flow to the melting and refining stage;
- and
- initiating forming of the homogenized glass into a flat ribbon while the glass temperature is at least 2100.degree. F.
A method of making glass or the like comprising:
- melting material to a molten, glassy state;
- adding to the molten material an additional constituent;
- passing the molten material onto a molten metal support;
- and
- stirring the molten material while supported on the molten metal so as to distribute the additional constituent in the molten material.
Apparatus for processing glass comprising:
- a vessel adapted to hold a pool of molten metal;
- means for feeding molten glass onto the pool of molten metal;
- and
- means for stirring the molten glass in the vessel on the molten metal pool.
Apparatus for manufacturing flat glass comprising:
- furnace means for melting and refining glass;
- a stirring chamber adapted to receive molten glass from the furnace means, the stirring chamber being vertically separated from the furnace means at a lower elevation such that return flow of molten glass from the stirring chamber to the furnace means is avoided, and means to stir the glass within the stirring chamber;
- and
- a forming chamber adapted to receive molten glass from the stirring chamber and to hold a pool of molten metal such that the molten glass may be formed into a flat ribbon on the molten metal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.