System and method for controlling the environment around one or more vessels in a glass manufacturing system
US7628038B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 30, 2009 |
| Grant date | Dec 8, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 30, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC03B5/225
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and method are described herein that control the environment (e.g., oxygen, hydrogen, humidity, temperature, gas flow rate, pressure) around one or more vessels in a glass manufacturing system. In the preferred embodiment, the system includes a closed-loop control system and a capsule that are used to control the level of hydrogen around the exterior (non glass contact surface) of the vessel(s) so as to suppress the formation of gaseous inclusions and surface blisters in glass sheets. In addition, the closed-loop control system and capsule can be used to help cool molten glass while the molten glass travels from one vessel to another vessel in the glass manufacturing system. Moreover, the closed-loop control system and capsule can be used to maintain an atmosphere with minimal oxygen around the vessel(s) so as to reduce the oxidation of precious metals on the vessel(s).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.