Abstract: Layered glass batch pellets are produced in a continuous process which comprises the steps of:(a) maintaining in the pelletizing zone of a rotary apparatus a moving bed of recycle pellets,(b) feeding sand and particles of a calcium carbonate source into the pelletizing zone,(c) feeding a Na.sub.2 O source comprised of a solution of sodium hydroxide into the pelletizing zone, the recycle pellets being coated with a layer comprised of the solution of sodium hydroxide, the sand and the calcium carbonate source and forming layered pellets,(d) passing the layered pellets into a heated drying zone to form dried layered pellets, the dried layered pellets having a residual moisture content of from about 4 to about 12 percent by weight,(e) passing the dried layered pellets from the drying zone to a recycle zone,(f) recycling a portion of the dried layered pellets to the pelletizing zone as the recycle pellets, and(g) recovering a portion of the dried layered pellets from the recycle zone.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for recycling scrap glass is disclosed. Removing the binder and preheating the scrap are carried out in one operation. The resulting cleaned, preheated scrap then may be fed directly into a conventional glass melting furnace.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method and apparatus for preheating pulverous materials, such as glass batch constituents, prior to their introduction into a melting furnace to increase the efficiency and output of the melting installation. The pulverous materials are passed downwardly by gravity through a shell and tube preheater including an interior exhaust chamber to vent the contained moisture from the heated pulverous material. The venting prevents moisture condensation and build-up of the pulverous material within the tubes and batch materials, especially in cooler areas, which can cause tube pluggage. The subject invention is of particular utility to the glass industry and especially glass melting furnaces, but is also applicable to other types of furnaces.

Abstract: In a glass melting operation, cullet is employed as a waste heat collector and/or particulate emissions collector. Cullet is contacted with exhaust gases in a gas/solid contact vessel wherein the cullet is heated and particulates are deposited onto the cullet. The heated cullet is preferably sent directly to the melting furnace. Electrostatic means may be employed to enhance particulate collection in the bed of cullet.

Abstract: Granular heat exchange medium is employed to recover waste heat from a combustion furnace, particularly a glass melting furnace, and the heated medium is then employed to pre-heat combustion air entering the furnace. A bed of granular heat exchange medium also may remove particulate emissions from the exhaust gas.

Abstract: In a rotary apparatus and a process for the production of layered glass batch pellets there is provided a drying process and a dryer for final drying of the pellets prior to their being fed to a melting furnace. Relatively cool moist pellets are fed into a static bed-type dryer to form a uniformly distributed pellet bed while a heating and drying gas is directed into the dryer in such a manner that the gas flows countercurrent to the direction of travel of the pellets through the dryer to maintain a temperature differential between the gas and the surface of the solid pellets in the bed throughout the bed's entire height in the range of approximately 5.degree. F. to 120.degree. F. and, ideally, within approximately 50.degree. F.

Abstract: A process is provided for employing scrap glass (cullet) having an organic coating thereon in an overall process wherein molten-glass forming ingredients are converted into agglomerates and the agglomerates preheated to an elevated temperature prior to melting in a glass melting furnace. The organic coating is pyrolized, i.e., thermally decarbonized, during the preheating of the agglomerates.

Abstract: Method and device for reducing NO.sub.x content in the waste gas generated in a glass melting furnace of side firing or end firing type equipped with a heat recovering device, comprising supplying hydrocarbons in a counter flow to that of the waste gas by combustion, or from the corners of the combustion chamber into the combustion chamber over the melt tank.

Abstract: A method of rendering substantially seed-free glass is disclosed by incorporating into glass batch materials a carbide compound, such as silicon carbide. The compound may be present in concentrations as low as about 0.001 weight percent and as high as 0.025 weight percent of the total batch.

Abstract: A process for preheating glass batch ingredients is disclosed. The invention uses a heat exchange method that employs furnace exhaust gases. The exhaust gases are electrically charged and passed through an electrified bed of heat transfer media to remove particulate from the gases. The gases heat the media while the media scrubs the gases. The heated media then is used to preheat glass batch which is fed to a glass melting furnace.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of glass is disclosed. Dried glass batch agglomerates are used as the media in an electrified filter bed, preheated with furnace exhaust gases, and then fed to a glass melting furnace. Exhaust gases from the preheating are electrically charged and passed through the electrified bed of agglomerates to remove glass batch particulate from the spent gases.

Abstract: The incorporation of an additive selected from the group consisting of sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide and boric acid into a glass batch pellet comprising uncalcined colemanite imparts to the pellets improved strength when heated to 1100.degree. F. (593.degree. C.).

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: The present invention relates to method and apparatus for improving the preheating of pulverous materials, their introduction into melting furnaces, and their melting therein, with application to the recycling of some of the vitrifiable starting materials delivered to a tank furnace for glass making through a heat exchanger to raise its entry level temperature.

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: A method of preheating glass batch pellets in which a controlled first stream of hot gases is employed to predry pellets and a second stream of hot gases is employed to preheat the pellets and in which the two streams are combined and withdrawn from the system.

Abstract: A pellet preheat hopper is disclosed, the hopper being equipped with agitator means proximately coincident with the upper operating pellet level to break up pellet encrustation.

Abstract: The rate at which glass batch is melted to a liquid state is improved by providing a series of depressions having sloped surfaces in the glass batch at the charging end of the furnace. The sloped surfaces of the depression permit run-off of melted glass batch, thereby exposing the surface of fresh glass batch to the heat of the furnace. Depressions in the glass batch are made by projecting periodically a plurality of horizontally spaced independently suspended and independently operable tapered pothole-producing members into the glass batch material and pushing the glass batch beneath the tapered member into the below the surface of the molten glass a distance about equal to the height of the glass batch blanket. The action of the tapered member in producing the depression also provides a wave action to the body of molten glass in the vicinity of the charging end of the furnace, which enhances the rate of melting of glass batch materials.

Abstract: NO.sub.x emissions from a glass melting furnace are reduced by injecting ammonia into the exhaust gas stream on a flue between primary and secondary regenerator chambers in one embodiment, and in staged zones within a regenerator in another embodiment.

Abstract: A process for preheating glass batch pellets is disclosed, the pellets being preheated by tumbling them into a heated gas stream and subsequently by contact of the pellets, in the form of a moving bed, with hot gases from the furnace in which the preheated pellets are melted to form molten glass from which fibers are formed.

Abstract: In a flat glass melting and forming installation, the threshold between a melting furnace and a forming chamber is supported on movable cart means to expedite installation and removal of the threshold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for melting low-cost raw materials such as blast furnace slag, basalt, feldspar or electrophos slag in the formation of high temperature mineral wool insulation. The low-cost mineral stock material is fed in particulate form continuously to a preheater in which it is elevated to a temperature range of between 1500.degree. F. and 2000.degree. F. by forcing hot combustion gases through a vertical column of the particulate stock material. Volatiles such as water and carbon dioxide are thus removed from the stock material. The preheated stock material is distributed to the top of an electric melting furnace which is essentially sealed from atmosphere. A substantially homogenous, low viscosity liquid glass melt is continuously discharged from the furnace.

Abstract: A preheater in the form of a vertical column for treating a vitrifiable composition introduced into the column at the top and which moves through the column by the force of gravity. The vitrifiable composition, which ultimately moves from the column to feed a glass-smelting furnace is treated through heat exchange with hot gases from a regenerator or recuperator of the smelting furnace which move upwardly through the column, against the flow of the vitrifiable composition. An element is located within the column to form a mixing chamber for hot gases within the region of the element and an upper sloping alignment of the vitrifiable composition which takes shape below the element, as well as to provide means for decelerating movement of the vitrifiable composition within the region of the axis of the column so that movement of the vitrifiable composition throughout the cross section of the column is substantially uniform.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for skimming the surface of molten glass in a tank to produce a portion thereof free of contamination includes driving a substantially horizontally disposed strut connected to a scraper arm so as to pivot the strut to raise the scraper arm for horizontal movement above the glass surface, pivot the strut to effect vertical movement of the scraper arm to immerse the arm in the melt, retract the strut to horizontally move the arm while immersed to effect skimming and thereafter simultaneously pivoting and retracting the strut to effect both vertical and horizontal movement of the arm.

Abstract: The batch layer in a continuous glass melting furnace is guided by means of an elongated, horizontally extending, rudder-like member inserted into the upper side of the batch layer.

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 lightguide starting tube or rod (12) passes through opposed lateral openings (51--51) in a chamber (31) which contains an oxy-hydrogen torch (14) used to deposit particulate glass on the rod. Frusto-conical, laminar flow, gas shields (71 and 72) are formed about the rod (12) on both sides of said openings (51--51) to permit the rod to pass therethrough in spaced relation to the openings while sealing said openings to prevent gas or undeposited particulate from passing therethrough and preventing contaminants from entering the chamber (31).

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the manufacture of glass is disclosed. Glass batch agglomerates are formed, fed to a vertical bed preheat hopper, dried and preheated with furnace exhaust gases, and then fed to a glass melting furnace. A bypass wedge removes a portion of the exhaust gases below the top of the vertical bed to reduce superficial velocity and temperature of the gas through the top of the bed and reduce particulate emissions.

Abstract: Refining agents comprising intimate mixtures of finely-divided sulfates and reducing agents are added to vitrifiable charges of glassmaking raw materials prior to melting the raw materials so that, when the charge is melted, the refining agent will evolve bubbles of sulfur dioxide gas which will remove smaller bubbles of other gases from the molten glass as these bubbles rise to the surface of the molten glass. The metal sulfates and reducing agents (preferably carbon) employed in the refining agent have a particle size of less than about 0.1 mm and are formed into homogeneous agglomerates having a size of about 1 to 5 mm. The glassmaking raw materials are also finely-divided and may be used in this form or may be formed into agglomerates of about the same size as, or containing the agglomerated refining agent.

Abstract: A closed-loop method for removing particulates from a hot gases passed in contact with pellets to dry them. The hot gases after pellet contact are passed through an aqueous scrubbing zone and to atmosphere. The aqueous solution is thereafter introduced into the pelleting means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method and apparatus for preheating pulverous materials, such as glass batch constituents, prior to their introduction into a melting furnace to increase the efficiency and output of the melting installation. The pulverous materials are passed downwardly through a shell and tube preheater with sub-atmospheric pressure over the pulverous material to remove the contained moisture in vapor form from an upper region of the preheater. The decreased atmospheric pressure prevents moisture condensation and build-up on the pulverous material within the tubes, especially in cooler areas, which can cause tube pluggage. The subject invention is of particular utility to the glass industry, and especially glass melting furnaces, but is also applicable to other types of shell and tube heat-exchange applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method and apparatus for preheating pulverous materials, such as glass batch constituents, prior to their introduction into a melting furnace to increase the efficiency and output of the melting installation. The pulverous materials, including a dessicant-type constituent, are passed downwardly through a shell and tube preheater to absorb the contained moisture during their downward travel through the preheater. The inclusion of a dessicant material prevents moisture condensation and build-up of the pulverous material within the tubes, especially in cooler areas, which can cause tube pluggage. The subject invention is of particular utility to the glass industry and especially glass melting furnaces, but is also applicable to other types of furnaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method and apparatus for preheating pulverous materials, such as glass batch constituents, prior to their introduction into a melting furnace to increase the efficiency and output of the melting installation. The pulverous materials are passed downwardly through a shell and tube preheater with super-atmospheric gas pressure over the pulverous material to force the contained moisture downwardly to be vented from a lower region of the preheater. The increased gas pressure prevents moisture condensation and build-up on the pulverous material within the tubes, especially in cooler areas, which can cause tube pluggage. The subject invention is of particular utility to the glass industry and especially glass melting furnaces, but is also applicable to other types of furnaces.

Abstract: A glass material is directed into an elongate enclosed conversion chamber, where it is either converted to or maintained in a molten state by heating through the Joule effect. Waste material is directed onto the glass material at the inlet end of the conversion chamber, and sufficient oxygen is directed into the chamber to cause combustion of the waste material which is capable of being burned. A portion of the ashes created by combustion fall on the glass material and become a part thereof. The gaseous combustion products proceed horizontally through the elongate conversion chamber, and additional ash material suspended in the gaseous combustion products settles onto the glass material and also becomes a part thereof. The gaseous exhaust is directed through a plurality of ceramic fiber filter components which capture the small particulate material that remains suspended in the gaseous exhaust.

Abstract: Boron and/or fluorine values are reclaimed from a boron and/or fluorine laden gas stream emanating from a glass melter by means of a preheating bed of glass-forming batch agglomerates. The boron and/or fluorine values in such gases are first reacted with a boron and/or fluorine reactive material and the gases then conveyed into such a preheating bed to separate at least a portion of the reaction products.

Abstract: The rate of melting glass batch to a liquid state is improved by providing sloped surfaces on the batch to enhance run-off of liquid. The slopes may be provided by feeding batch as shaped aggregates, contouring the surface of a batch layer, or by creating openings through a batch layer. The batch may be compressed or compacted into aggregates before they are deposited as a single layer onto a pool of molten glass contained within a glass melting furnace.

Abstract: Layered glass batch pellets are produced in a continuous process which comprises the steps of:(a) maintaining in the pelletizing zone of a rotary apparatus a moving bed of recycle pellets,(b) feeding sand and particles of a calcium oxide source into the pelletizing zone,(c) feeding a solution of sodium hydroxide into the pelletizing zone, the recycle pellets being coated with a layer comprised of the solution of sodium hydroxide, the sand and the calcium oxide source and forming layered pellets,(d) passing the layered pellets into a heated drying zone exposed to an atmosphere containing carbon dioxide gas,(e) lifting the layered pellets to the upper part of the drying zone and releasing the layered pellets to separately fall through the drying zone,(f) simultaneously absorbing carbon dioxide onto the layered pellets while evaporating and removing water from the falling layered pellets to form dried layered pellets, the dried layered pellets having a residual moisture content of less than 15 percent by weight,

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the manufacture of glass is disclosed. Glass batch agglomerates are formed, predryed, preheated and then fed to a glass melting furnace. The predrying is carried out in a fluidized bed predryer to prevent aggregation of the wet agglomerates.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding glass batch materials into a pool of molten glass within a furnace comprises a base disposed at a batch-feeding end of the furnace above the pool of molten glass. A hopper for dispensing glass batch materials is mounted on the base and includes an outlet disposed above the molten glass. A plunger assembly is mounted on the base and includes a reciprocable plunger and an actuator for reciprocating the plunger in a linear direction past the hopper outlet into and from the pool of molten glass at the location where batch materials are deposited thereon. The plunger includes a pusher face for pushing dispensed batch materials beneath the surface of the pool of molten glass. A barrier is disposed on a side of the hopper outlet opposite the plunger. The barrier extends into the pool of molten material to the lowermost extent of the pusher face so that batch materials submerged by the plunger travel beneath the barrier and are isolated from the batch depositing location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preheating of pulverous materials in a tube heat exchanger prior to their introduction into a melting furnace, with particular application to the delivery by gravity of the vitrifiable starting materials through the heat exchanger to eliminate moisture therefrom prior to introduction of the essentially moisture-free materials into a tank furnace for glass making. The preheating serves to raise the entry-level temperature of the glass batch material and improve furnace fuel efficiency. The preheating involves recirculating at least part of the pulverous glass batch material through the open-ended tubes of the tubular heat exchanger to heat the same and remove moisture therefrom prior to initiating delivery of the glass batch material in preheated condition to the glass melting furnace. The present method is specifically directed at maintaining continuous operation of the preheater upon interruption of material flow through the preheater tubes for any reason.

Abstract: The invention relates to batch feeders for furnaces. Heretofore batch feeders have been complex, expensive to construct, use and maintain and have not ensured a uniform deposition of particulate batch material onto the batch cover in the furnace. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for obtaining a uniform layer of batch material by moving a particulate-covering trough 62 over a desired area. Disposed within the trough 62 is a feed means 80 having a cavity at one end with an opening in alignment with a discharge opening in the trough. The sidewalls defining the cavity have a plurality of perforations 87 therein. The other end of the feed means is connected to a vibrator so that as the vibrator is vibrated the one end of the feed means moves back and forth through the particulate material in the trough 62. The particulate material is forced through the perforations 87 in the feed means 80 and falls, under the influence of gravity, towards the desired area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for initiating the preheating of pulverous materials in a tubular heat exchanger prior to their introduction into a melting furnace, with particular application to the recycling of all of the vitrifiable starting materials through the heat exchanger to eliminate moisture therefrom prior to delivery to a tank furnace for glass making to raise its entry-level temperature and improve furnace efficiency. The method involves rapidly recirculating all of the moisture-containing pulverous glass batch material through the open-ended tubes of a tubular sheet exchanger to heat the same and collect and remove moisture therefrom prior to initiation of delivery of any of the glass batch material in preheated condition to the glass melting furnace. The subject invention, as hereinafter described, is of particular utility to the glass industry, but it is to be understood that it is also applicable to other types of preheaters and furnaces.

Abstract: Raw colemanite is introduced into the flue gas stream emanating in a combustion-fired furnace, which flue gas stream will contain boron values and if the glass being manufactured contains fluorine, will also containe fluorine values. This introduction provides for the calcination of the raw colemanite and likewise provides for pollution abating features by a reaction with the boron values and the fluorine values.

Abstract: An improvement is provided in glass manufacturing processes of the type wherein combustion products are passed upwardly and in countercurrent flow through a bed of gravitationally downwardly moving agglomerates of glass forming batch constituents. The improvement resides in utilizing excess sensible heat in the combustion products by passing raw colemanite through such a bed in indirect heat exchange contact with the combustion products so as to heat such colemanite to a temperature in excess of that needed to release its chemically bound water and then employing such colemanite as a batch ingredient.

Abstract: An improved release surface for a laminating mold is disclosed wherein a glass mold surface is treated with methylchlorosilane to provide a release surface which is then polished with a polar solvent such as alcohol to remove oily residue from the release surface of the mold so that the surface of the released article is free from haze.

Abstract: A process where calcium borates are precipitated from an aqueous solution of ulexite is disclosed. The ulexite is dissolved in hydrochloric acid. Calcium chloride then is added to the acid solution and then neutralized to precipitate the calcium borates. The calcium borates so produced are useful as glass forming, batch ingredients that can be compacted into agglomerates and preheated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for purifying waste product emissions from the manufacture of glass fiber products, including a system in which an electrostatic precipitation may or may not be employed, and in which separate, and easily controlled, forming air and oven air scrubbing systems are employed.

Abstract: A method for reducing roll marking of glass sheets is disclosed whereby metal rolls are coated in situ with a boron nitride film.

Abstract: Support mechanism is affixed to the external structure of a float glass producing facility for mounting heat exchangers above the ribbon of glass as it is formed on the bath of molten metal. The support mechanism includes spaced pairs of rollers between which the heat exchanger is directed for rolling, cantilevered insertion into the enclosed chamber over the glass ribbon. The frame of the mechanism may be pivotally secured to the structure so that when not in use it may be easily removed or swung to an out-of-the-way storage position.

Abstract: The method of improving the cleaning of float forming chamber roofs is disclosed. The method involves the use of heated forming or nitrogen gas which is directed against the surface of the roof. In a preferred embodiment, hydrogen sulfide or other sulfur containing gas is added to the gas directed against the roof in order to aid in cleaning by converting elemental tin to tin sulfide which will sublimate at the temperature of the heated gas.