Abstract: The alkali rich raw material batch required to produce soluble alkali metal silicate glass is effectively agglomerated by contacting a concentrated alkali metal silicate solution with the agitating raw materials. Hard agglomerates that are free-flowing, storable and provide important process advantages are formed.

Abstract: Alkaline silicates such as sodium metasilicate are prepared by a method that prevents unreacted batch ingredients to come in contact with furnace walls. The method also prevents any molten material from contacting the floor of the furnace. The raw materials and unreacted melt are confined to the central portion of the furnace by maintaining vigorous bubbling around the periphery of the melting furnace. The vigorous bubbling action prevents migration of unreacted raw material to the furnace walls. The bubbling eminates from means that extend up from the furnace floor and therefore, the portion of the material in the lower part of the furnace bed is in the solid state.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of finely divided dispersible alpha-alumina monohydrate (boehmite) from alumina trihydrate is disclosed. The alumina trihydrate is calcined thereby increasing the surface area through a partial dehydration. The calcined intermediate is slurried in water and autoclaved to achieve crystallization and rehydration. Conventional drying methods are used to obtain the particles. The particle size of the product is much smaller than that of the starting raw material.

Abstract: A free-falling curtain of molten glass that is uniform in thickness and temperature is formed by flowing the glass over the lip of a forehearth after conditioning the glass in said forehearth. The forehearth is constructed to provide an increasing rate of fall as the glass travels, flows from the furnace through the forehearth and progressively cools. The floor of the forehearth is essentially the mirror image of the viscosity versus temperature curve of the material being treated.Other molten materials that become viscous as they cool can also be treated by the method of my invention to provide a uniform falling curtain of said material.