Abstract: A batch feeding apparatus, a submerged combustion melter, and method are disclosed. The batch feeding apparatus can include a batch feeding apparatus comprising a detachable feeder alcove for providing batch material to a melter, the feeder alcove including at least one side wall and a cover; and a batch feeder sealingly coupled to the cover, that feeds the batch material to the feeder alcove. The batch feeding apparatus may include an extendable panel that extends downwardly below a batch inlet of the feeder alcove to molten glass, and is configured to maintain contact with the molten glass to seal off a feeder alcove interior. Additionally, the batch feeding apparatus may include a heating device, a cleaning device, and/or a storage device.

Abstract: A bulk material handling method includes: a) receiving and pneumatically conveying bulk material via pressurized dilute phase, dense phase, and/or hybrid dilute/dense phase, and/or vacuum drawn conveyance into bulk material containers (a112, c276); b) storing the bulk material in the containers (a112, c276); c) dispensing the bulk material from the containers (a112, c276) into a bulk material transporter (b100); d) transporting the transporter (b100) from the containers to a bulk material transmitting vessel (d240); and e) discharging the bulk material from the transporter (b100) into the transmitting vessel (d240), including releasing the bulk material from the transporter (b100) into the transmitting vessel (d240), and pneumatically transmitting the bulk material out of the transmitting vessel (d240) to downstream bulk material processing equipment. Discharging also may include rejecting the bulk material from the transporter (b100) to a waste container (W).

Abstract: A glassware manufacturing system, waste handling system, and method are disclosed. The glassware manufacturing system, in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, comprises an architectural installation having a forming floor and no basement beneath the forming floor; a glassware forming machine carried on the forming floor; a molten glass feeder configured to provide molten glass to the glassware forming machine; and a glassware manufacturing waste handling system including a sump pit in the forming floor, and a waste liquid trench substantially surrounding the glassware forming machine and flowing to the sump pit. Also, a cullet material handler and/or a molten waste glass sluice may be configured to receive molten glass and unused molten glass streams from the molten glass feeder and hot glassware rejects from the glassware forming machine.