Method and device for refining a glass melt using negative pressure

US7231788B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Schott AG · DE

Inventors

• Frank Karetta · Dittelsheim-Heßloch, DE
• Joerg Witte · Darmstadt, DE
• Klaus-Dieter Duch · Taunusstein, DE
• Dirk Gohlke · Mainz, DE
• Wolfgang Muench · Bubenheim, DE
• Allen Jakway · Zell am Harmersbach, DE
• Rainer Eichholz · Frankfurt, DE
• Frank-Thomas Lentes · Bingen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 23, 2001
• Grant date: Jun 19, 2007
• Expiry date: Apr 30, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C03B5/1672
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The apparatus for reduced-pressure refining of a glass melt includes a refining bank formed so that a reduced pressure is generated by a glass flow in it. The refining bank has a component, which is made from a refractory metal or refractory alloy acting as glass-contact material. The refractory metal or alloy contains molybdenum, tungsten, tantalum, and/or hafnium. The device of the present invention includes a protective gas reservoir for a protective gas and an automatically operating valve connecting the reservoir with the refining bank so that an inner side of the component that would otherwise be exposed when a pressure rise or a falling glass melt column occurs is protected from oxidation by the protective gas. A process for using the device during refining of the glass melt is also part of the invention.