Abstract: A method of recovering heat from furnace flue gas which comprises passing the hot gases into contact with high specific heat media and the media into contact successively, with combustion gases and glass batch.

Abstract: The feeding of batch material to a melting furnace is disclosed. The batch materials are choke fed to keep the total batch crust plus molten glass depth constant. The batch level keeps the arc electrodes submerged and helps promote arc stability and melting efficiency.

Abstract: A method for preheating glass batch is disclosed. Media heated with furnace exhaust gases is used to preheat the glass batch. This invention includes a way to clean furnace exhaust gas condensate from the surface of the media.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for preheating glass batch ingredients is disclosed. The invention uses a heat exchange method that preferably employs furnace exhaust gases. The heated batch then is fed to a glass melting furnace.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preheating particulate glass batch comprises a rotatable drum for mixing the batch with particulate heat transfer media in a heat transfer relationship where the batch is separated from the media in a media exit vestibule having a screen through which the batch passes and having compartments mounted for rotation about the axis of the drum for lifting the separated batch to the batch inlet conduit where it is directed back into the drum.

Abstract: An electrode support mechanism and method for use in electric arc melting or smelting furnaces wherein a pair of horizontal, superimposed arms are each provided with clamping devices at their outer end for supporting and supplying electric power to a vertically disposed electrode depending into an arc furnace. The arms are each supported on a vertical support post; the upper arm is fixed to the post and the lower arm which normally carries the electrode is movable relative to the post to adjust the electrode to maintain a constant arc at the furnace. The movable arm is moved vertically by a jack screw carried by the upper arm and depending into contact with the lower arm. The clamping devices at the ends of the arms are spring-biased toward contact with the electrode, and a linking mechanism is provided to alternately release the arm clamping mechanisms from the electrode under the control of an actuating system utilizing fluid pressure actuated cylinders.

Abstract: An apparatus for replenishing electrodes in an arc furnace or the like. The apparatus threadedly attaches a replenishment electrode section to a previously installed, presently working electrode section without interrupting the operation of the furnace. The electrode sections are provided with mating terminal threaded portions which are engaged by simultaneousy lowering and rotating the replenishment electrode section. By lowering the replenishment electrode at a faster rate than the lead of the electrode threads and accommodating relative vertical movement of the electrodes, it is not necessary to precisely match the lowering speed of the replenishment electrode with the threads of the electrode. A novel screw-driven, electrically insulated, telescopic drive train is employed for this purpose. The replenishment electrode is carried by a plurality of peripherally spaced wedges actuated independently of the drive train to retain and release the electrode.

Abstract: Scraper apparatus, preferably for pelletizers is disclosed, the scraper being adapted with a plurality of individual blades rotatable into contact with the walls of the pelletizer and removable after excessive wear.

Abstract: Apparatus for predrying and preheating pellets involving an oscillating grate extending angularly downward across the predrying section and discharging into a preheating section. The grate is substantially equal in width to the width of the predrying section so that the gas flow area through the predrying section is substantially less than the gas flow area through the preheating section. Further, the grate includes a plurality of spaced members positioned to form a gas flow velocity therethrough greater than the gas flow velocity through the preheating section.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for preheating glass batch ingredients is disclosed. The invention uses a heat exchange method that preferably employs furnace exhaust gases. The heated batch then is fed to a glass melting furnace.

Abstract: A means and method for preheating glass batch is disclosed. A media heated with furnace exhaust gases is used to preheat the glass batch. This invention includes a way to clean furnace exhaust gas condensate from the surface of the media.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately aligning a replacement electrode with a working electrode. The replacement electrode is suspended from a trolley movable in two directions in a rectilinear pattern. The trolley is moved initially in a first direction into general transverse alignment with the working electrode position, then displaced in a second direction against a fixed stop to overlie the desired electrode position. The trolley is adjusted finally in the first direction during its travel toward the fixed stop by contacting a mast on the trolley with a fixed guide adjacent the stop.

Abstract: An electrode support mechanism for use in electric arc melting or smelting furnaces wherein a pair of horizontal, superimposed arms are each provided with clamping devices at their outer end for supporting a vertically disposed electrode depending into an arc furnace. The arms are each supported on a vertical support post; the upper arm is fixed to the post and the lower arm which normally carries the electrode is movable relative to the post to adjust the electrode to maintain a constant arc at the furnace. The movable arm is moved vertically by a jack screw carried by the upper arm and depending into contact with the lower arm. The clamping devices at the ends of the arms are spring-biased toward contact with the electrode, and a linking mechanism is provided to alternately release the arm clamping mechanisms from the electrode under the control of a cam-operated actuating system.

Abstract: A particulate dryer is disclosed in which upwardly moving hot gases contact downwardly moving particulate matter. The particulate matter is supported by rotating trays which, due to the absence of support at their outer ends at selected loci are caused to tilt downward to effect passage of the particulate matter downwardly through the dryer.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for preheating glass batch ingredients is disclosed. The invention uses a heat exchange method that preferably employs furnace exhaust gases. The heated batch then is fed to a glass melting furnace.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding pulverant raw material to an arc furnace having a plurality of arcing locations defined by vertical electrodes. A vertical feed tube gravitationally conveys the raw material to a central location inside the furnace which is above the arcing locations. A rotatable deflector is located at the bottom of the feed tube and is rotated in step-wise fashion to direct raw material from the feed tube to each of the arcing locations. A fixed deflector is located at each arcing location to confine the raw material fed into the furnace predominantly to the arcing locations. By locating most of the raw material at the arcing locations, the feeding mechanism of the present invention improves the stability of the arc and the melting efficiency of the furnace.

Abstract: A method provided for handling heat-softenable batch material prior to melting it. The batch components are mixed together and then mixed with liquid and formed into balls or pellets of substantially uniform size and shape. The pellets are then collected into a heat-exchange chamber through which hot gases are passed from a melting unit in which the pellets are to be heated to a heat-softened state. The pellets thereby are preheated prior to entering the melting unit to save considerably on energy requirements. A physical characteristic and specifically the depth of a portion of the batch being formed into the pellets is sensed, the depth being related to moisture content. The ratio of the batch material and liquid is accordingly regulated to achieve uniformity in pellet size, which is influenced by the moisture content. Size uniformity is important in maintaining relatively free flow of the hot gases through the pellets in the heat-exchange chamber.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for predrying and preheating pellets involving an oscillating grate extending angularly downward across the predrying section and discharging into the preheating section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing glass, and apparatus for effecting same, which comprises passing flue gases from a glass melting furnace through a bed of agglomerates of glass forming batch materials so as to heat the agglomerates to a temperature less than that at which they form an aggregated mass, cooling the flue gases as they pass through the bed with a heat exchanger positioned in the bed, and then melting the heated batch materials in a fossil fuel fired melter to form molten glass. The heat transfer medium of the indirect heat exchanger then is transported to a predryer to dry the agglomerates before they are fed to the preheat hopper.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for handling heat-softenable batch material prior to melting it. The batch components are mixed together and then mixed with liquid and formed into balls or pellets of substantially uniform size and shape. The pellets are then collected into a heat-exchange chamber through which hot gases are passed from a melting unit in which the pellets are to be heated to a heat-softened state. The pellets thereby are preheated prior to entering the melting unit to save considerably on energy requirements. A physical characteristic and specifically the depth of a portion of the batch being formed into the pellets is sensed, the depth being related to moisture content. The ratio of the batch material and liquid is accordingly regulated to achieve uniformity in pellet size, which is influenced by the moisture content. Size uniformity is important in maintaining relatively free flow of the hot gases through the pellets in the heat-exchange chamber.