LATERAL CONFINEMENT AND FLOW-HALTING APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURE OF FLAT GLASS

摘要

PICT:1122871/C1/1 In a method of manufacturing "float" glass molten glass is poured at a controlled rate on to the surface of the molten metal bath, the glass being confined between walls 27 during its initial advance along the bath, then allowing free lateral flow of the molten glass as a layer on the bath, this lateral flow being physically halted when the layer has achieved a predetermined thickness, and then advancing the layer at that thickness by applying traction to the layer which is thermally stabilized as it becomes further advanced. The physical barriers comprise laterally adjustable and opposed U-shaped channels 35 made of carbon supported at the ends of tubular members 40 which also serve as passageways for cooling water. To assist in the advance of the layer opposed rollers 42 may be provided within the tank, the roller surfaces being either knurled or having teeth cut therein. The layer is thermally stabilized by heat regulators situated both in the molten metal bath and in the headspace thereabove.