Submerged combustion melters having an extended treatment zone and methods of producing molten glass
US9533905B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 3, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jan 3, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 14, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P40/50
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A submerged combustion melter includes a floor, a roof, and a sidewall structure connecting the floor and roof defining an internal space. A first portion of the internal space defines a melting zone, and a second portion defines a fining zone immediately downstream of the melting zone. One or more combustion burners in either the floor, roof, the sidewall structure, or any combination of these, are configured to emit the combustion gases from a position under a level of, and positioned to transfer heat to and produce, a turbulent molten mass of glass containing bubbles in the melting zone. The fining zone is devoid of combustion burners or other apparatus or components that would increase turbulence above that in the melting zone. The melter may include a treating zone that stabilizes or destabilizes bubbles and/or foam. Processes of using the melters are a feature of the disclosure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.