RAPID REFINING OF SUBMERGED COMBUSTION MELTER PRODUCT GLASS

摘要

Segmented glass melting processes require special attention to glass refining before glass is delivered to the forming process. Refining levels vary based on product requirements, allowing this step to be designed as needed, but most commercial glasses require refining. Submerged combustion melting (SCM) produces a homogeneous molten glass that contains a large number of bubbles ranging all the way up to 2 cm. in diameter. Efforts to rapidly refine SCM glass have led to an understanding of methods that hold promise and those that are ineffective for this glass. A crucial factor involves the number and distribution of bubbles and how they move within the viscous glass. A two-stage refining approach holds promise.