US 8,464,554 B2 · Method for stabilizing a column of molten material

Abstract

An apparatus for stabilizing a flow of a viscous material, such as a molten glass or glass ceramic material in a tube or rod forming process is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a stabilization member through which the molten glass is passed after leaving the nozzle of a forming vessel. The stabilization member is positioned a finite distance below the nozzle. The column of viscous material is supported by a wall of the stabilization member, or by a gaseous film disposed between the column and the stabilization member. A method of stabilizing the flow of viscous material after it leaves the nozzle during a drawing process is also disclosed.

Claims14

Dependent claims

A method of stabilizing a column of a viscous liquid material comprising:

a. flowing a viscous liquid material from an opening in a vessel to form a column of the viscous liquid material, wherein the viscous liquid material is a precursor material for forming a glass or glass ceramic;
b. drawing the column of viscous liquid material vertically downward through an atmosphere;
c. drawing the column of viscous liquid material into a passage defined by a stabilizing member and including an inlet orifice and an exit orifice, the channel being disposed about the column of viscous liquid material;
and
d. wherein a viscosity of the viscous liquid material at the opening is less than 30 kP and a viscosity of the column at the exit orifice of the stabilizing member is at least 1013 Poise.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method for stabilizing a column of molten material

Life of this patent

Method for stabilizing a column of molten material

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14