Device and method for measuring the level of molten glass in a furnace structure

摘要

A device for measuring the level of molten glass in a furnace structure for melting glass, comprising a video camera (7) for observing a portion of the surface (S) of the molten glass inside the structure, and means (20) for processing the output signals from the video camera, able to determine the level (L) of the molten glass through an optical measurement of the distance between a reference (9,9a) substantially fixed relative to the structure and an image of the reference reflected by the surface of the molten glass. Said reference (9,9a) is constituted by an additional element provided in the space inside the structure and maintained suspended above the surface (S) of the molten glass and at a distance therefrom. The video camera (7) is so arranged that its field of view includes both the portion of the surface (S) of the molten glass whereon the reference element (9,9a) suspended above the molten glass is reflected, and at least one portion of the reference element (9,9a).