Abstract: According to various embodiments, a composition for preparing glass fibers comprises from about 58 wt. % to about 69 wt. % SiO2, from about 8 wt. % to about 15 wt. % RO, wherein RO is a total amount of MgO and CaO, from about 12 wt. % to about 18 wt. % R2O, wherein R2O is a total amount of Na2O and K2O, up to about 2 wt. % of a single oxidizing agent, and Fe2O3 and FeO. A ratio of Fe2+/Fe3+ is between 0.02 and 0.1. The glass composition has a log 3 viscosity of between about 911 ° C. and about 1173 ° C.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for refining and delivering a supply of molten glass include melting a supply of glass in a melter and discharging a stream of molten glass. A refining section is provided to refine the molten glass discharged by the melter and to deliver the molten glass downstream to a glass forming apparatus. The refining section is mounted for movement into and out of contact with the stream of molten glass to connect and disconnect the glass forming apparatus with the stream of molten glass.

Abstract: Forehearths that create a substantially homogeneous temperature to molten glass forming materials across the end position are provided. A gas cavity, a weir, a refractory block, or a heating element in the forehearth may be utilized to reduce a temperature gradient of molten glass forming materials across the end position. Reducing the temperature difference of the molten glass forming material across the end position permits for improved chemical and physical properties of the glass fibers and the end products formed from the glass fibers. In addition, a reduction in the temperature gradient across the end position produces a more homogenous glass fiber and glass product. Further, a reduction in the shear break rate occurs when the molten glass forming material has a temperature that is substantially the same across the end position, which results in a reduction in the breakage of glass fibers and an increase in manufacturing efficiency.

Abstract: Forehearths that create a substantially homogeneous temperature to molten glass forming materials across the end position are provided. A gas cavity, a weir, a refractory block, or a heating element in the forehearth may be utilized to reduce a temperature gradient of molten glass forming materials across the end position. Reducing the temperature difference of the molten glass forming material across the end position permits for improved chemical and physical properties of the glass fibers and the end products formed from the glass fibers. In addition, a reduction in the temperature gradient across the end position produces a more homogenous glass fiber and glass product. Further, a reduction in the shear break rate occurs when the molten glass forming material has a temperature that is substantially the same across the end position, which results in a reduction in the breakage of glass fibers and an increase in manufacturing efficiency.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for refining and delivering a supply of molten glass include melting a supply of glass in a melter and discharging a stream of molten glass. A refining section is provided to refine the molten glass discharged by the melter and to deliver the molten glass downstream to a glass forming apparatus. The refining section is mounted for movement into and out of contact with the stream of molten glass to connect and disconnect the glass forming apparatus with the stream of molten glass.

Abstract: Forehearths that create a substantially homogeneous temperature to molten glass forming materials across the end position are provided. A gas cavity, a weir, a refractory block, or a heating element in the forehearth may be utilized to reduce a temperature gradient of molten glass forming materials across the end position. Reducing the temperature difference of the molten glass forming material across the end position permits for improved chemical and physical properties of the glass fibers and the end products formed from the glass fibers. In addition, a reduction in the temperature gradient across the end position produces a more homogenous glass fiber and glass product. Further, a reduction in the shear break rate occurs when the molten glass forming material has a temperature that is substantially the same across the end position, which results in a reduction in the breakage of glass fibers and an increase in manufacturing efficiency.

Abstract: A plurality of different structural members for reinforcing a plate-like structure, such as a bushing tip plate for intended use in forming fibers from a fluid material supplied to a bushing assembly, are disclosed. Each reinforcing member includes a body having a first portion for attachment to the structure and a second portion having a profile with a variable height including at least one apex. The body may be integrally formed of a single piece of material, or two or formed from more separate pieces of material bonded or secured together. The body may be T-shaped, L-shaped, or F-shaped in cross-section. The second portion of the body may have an inverted V-shaped profile, an inverted W-shaped profile, or an arcuate profile. The at least one apex may be located at the midpoint or elsewhere along the length of the body.

Abstract: Cooling systems and the methods of cooling filaments using the cooling systems are disclosed. One embodiment of the cooling system includes a layer of nozzles that spray air on the filaments above a pre-pad water spray. Alternatively, another cooling system utilizes air-atomizing nozzles to spray a mixture of air and water on the filaments.