Abstract: In a method of vacuum refining molten glass or the like, sufficient concentrations of volatilizable substances are provided in the molten material. prior to entering the vacuum refiner so as to cause at least an eight-fold volume increase during foaming and thereby increase removal of gases from the molten material.

Abstract: In a method of vacuum refining molten glass or the like, sufficient concentration of water is provided in the molten material so as to cause enhanced foaming.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing anhydrous boric acid (ABA)-containing glass batch compositions suitable for the preparation of glass fibers in which the batch, prior to its introduction into the furnace, is pelletized by adding water in sufficient quantities to maintain an adequate balling action and thus provide pellets in a form such that preheating by direct contact with flue gases does not cause deterioration of the pellets.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing colemanite-containing glass batch compositions suitable for the preparation of glass fibers in which the batch, prior to its introduction into the furnace, is pelletized by adding water in sufficient quantities to maintain an adequate balling action and thus provide pellets in a form such that preheating by direct contact with flue gases does not cause deterioration of the pellets.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing boric acid-containing glass batch compositions suitable for the preparation of glass fibers in which the batch, prior to its introduction into the furnace, is pelletized by adding water in sufficient quantities to maintain an adequate balling action and thus provide pellets in a form such that preheating by direct contact with flue gases does not cause deterioration of the pellets.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for pelletizing batch glass making ingredients. The ingredients are pelletized in an inclined, rotating disc pelletizer using concentrated liquid alkali metal hydroxide as a binding agent and as a source of alkali metal oxide. The improvement of the invention resides in adding the glass batch ingredients directly to the pelletizing disc and pelletizing them thereon. Pellets having a 5 to 9 percent by weight moisture content are continuously produced using either fine or coarse naturally ocurring sand. The freshly formed pellets can be fed directly to a furnace or can be easily dried at slightly elevated temperature usually at temperatures not exceeding 500.degree. C. to give a strong, storage-stable pellet.