CONTINUOUS SOL-GEL METHOD FOR PRODUCING QUARTZ GLASS

摘要

The invention relates to a continuous sol-gel method for producing quartz glass, comprising the following steps:(a) continuously metering a silicon alkoxide into a first reactor (R1) and carrying out an at least partial hydrolysis process by adding an aqueous mineral acid, thereby obtaining a first product flow (A);(b) continuously producing an aqueous silicic acid dispersion by continuously mixing water and silicic acid in a second reactor, thereby obtaining a second product flow (B);(c) continuously mixing the product flows (A) and (B) in a third reactor (R3) in order to produce a pre-sol, thereby obtaining a third product flow (C);(d) continuously adding an aqueous base to the product flow (C), thereby obtaining a sol;(e) continuously filling the exiting sol into moulds, thereby obtaining an aquagel;(f) drying the aquagel, thereby obtaining xerogels; and(g) sintering the xerogels, thereby obtaining quartz glass, with the proviso that at least one of the steps (a) to (e) additionally includes a degassing process of at least one feed material used in the step.