Abstract: The present invention relates to a molten, fluid refractory product comprising, in weight percentages on the basis of the oxides and for a total of 100% of the oxides: ZrO2+Hf2O: remainder to 100% 4.5%<SiO2<6.0% Al2O3<0.80% 0.3%<B2O3<1.0% Ta2O5+Nb2O5<0.15% Na2O+K2O<0.1% K2O<0.04% CaO+SrO+MgO+ZnO+BaO<0.4% P2O6<0.05% Fe2O3+TiO2<0.55% other oxide species, optionally including Y2O3: <1.5%, where Y2O3<0.3%, the “A/B” ratio of Al2O3/B2O3 content by weight being 0.5 to 2.0. The invention can be used in glass melting furnaces.

Abstract: Hydrogen may permeate into an interior space of an article in response to molten glass being in contact with the outer surface of the article. The permeation may be restricted by having a fluid in a length of the interior space. The fluid may be in contact with the inner surface of the article, the fluid may fill at least about 33% of the volume of the length of the interior space, and the fluid may provide a predetermined partial pressure of hydrogen. Features may be provided for causing the fluid to flow within the interior space.

Abstract: An amorphous alloy contains 54 at % or more and 79 at % or less Re, 8 at % or more and 28 at % or less Ir, and 11 at % or more and 18 at % or less Nb. A molding die includes a release film composed of the amorphous alloy. A method for producing an optical element, the method including press-molding a glass preform with the molding die.

Abstract: The device for manufacturing glass, in which bubble formation on precious metal components is prevented, has a precious or refractory metal wall (12, 43) at least partially surrounding a glass melt from which the glass is made, a first electrode pair (20, 21) for measuring oxygen partial pressure at an interface between the glass melt and the wall to obtain an actual value, a second electrode pair (12, 43, 20) for measuring an oxygen partial pressure in the glass melt to obtain a set point value and a regulating system (39, 45) for adjusting the oxygen partial pressure at the interface according to a comparison between the actual value and the set point value, so that the oxygen partial pressure at the interface is within a safe range.

Abstract: Apparatus, which is suitable for being surrounded by molten glass, the apparatus having a shank which has at least one at least partially seamless tube consisting of an oxide dispersion-strengthened PGM material, the shank having at least one thickened portion on which an actuating device is arranged.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a process for manufacturing a lower mold for receiving a falling molten glass droplet, in which without narrowing the option for material for a lower mold, any occurrence of air retention can be favorably prevented and a lower mold excelling in durability can be obtained. The process comprises the film forming step of forming a coating layer on a base material and the surface roughening step of roughening the surface of the coating layer. Preferably, the coating layer contains at least one element selected from among chromium, aluminum and titanium.

Abstract: Glass-forming molds comprising titanium aluminum nitride glass release coatings are reconditioned with aqueous mineral acid solutions comprising fluoride and phosphate ions to provide molds with restored glass release characteristics without recoating, permitting the molding of glass articles from aggressive ion-exchange-strengthenable high-alkali aluminosilicate glasses at high temperatures over extended mold service intervals.

Abstract: This invention provides a molding die in which increase of the surface roughness due to crystal growth of chromium oxide is restrained, and thereby allowing long term use without deteriorating surface roughness of a glass gob or a molded glass article. The invention also provides a method for manufacturing the molding die, a glass gob, and a molded glass article. A molding die is provided with a substrate having a molding surface and protective film containing chromium formed thereon, and the protective film has the X-ray diffraction peak intensity of (110) plane of chromium higher than the X-ray diffraction peak intensity of (200) plane.

Abstract: A mold for making a fused silica crucible includes a cylindrical can having an interior bore. A graphite insert is received in the bore and has an upper surface adapted to form the lower surface of the crucible while the interior bore of the can forms the side wall of the crucible. Silica grain is deposited in the mold while it rotates. Bores formed in the can above the insert and in the insert draw air through the silica during fusion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating for a device for forming glass products, comprising: a first quasicrystalline or approximant or amorphous metallic phase; and a second phase composed of a eutectic alloy having a melting point between 950 and 1150° C. and having a nominal hardness between 30 and 65 HRc; a mould for manufacturing hollow glass products that is provided with this coating; equipment for forming glass in sheets or plates that is provided with this coating; a material constituting this coating; a premixed or prealloyed powder, or a flexible cord or cored-wire that makes it possible to obtain this coating; a thermal spraying process for obtaining this coating.

Abstract: A coating composition for coating a substrate, the coating composition comprising: Carbon in an amount of between about 1.5 and 3 wt %; Chromium in an amount of between about 10 and 15 wt %; Iron in an amount of between about 1 and 3 wt %; Nickel in an amount of less than about 15 wt %; 10 Silicon in an amount of between about 1 to 3 wt % Tungsten in an amount of between about 10 to 55 wt % with the balance of wt % being Cobalt.

Abstract: A neck ring for a glass container forming machine includes two neck ring sections each consisting essentially of a neck ring body and an insert on the body. The inserts have opposed surfaces for forming closure attachment features on a container neck finish molded in the neck ring. Each neck ring body is of die-formed powder metal construction and is set around the associated insert. The inserts preferably form the entire glass-contacting portion of the neck ring. The neck ring bodies preferably are of sintered bronze or steel construction, and the inserts preferably are of nickel, bronze or steel construction. The body and insert preferably are sintered together for a metallurgical bond.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in direct resistance heating of a molten glass-carrying vessel, such as a finer or connecting pipe, is provided. The apparatus comprises a flange comprises a plurality of electrically-conductive rings that include an inner ring joined to the vessel's exterior wall during use of the flange and an outer ring that receives electric current during use of the flange. The innermost ring comprises a high-temperature resistant metal preferably comprising at least 80% platinum, and the outermost ring preferably comprising at least 99.0% nickel. This combination of materials both increases the reliability of the flange and reduces its cost. Either one or both of the width or thickness of one or both of the inner or outer rings varies as a function of angular position relative to the vessel. The width and/or thickness of the inner and the outer rings with relation to each other produces a uniform current distribution in the flange and the vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mold for glass substrate molding, which enables to produce a glass substrate having high flatness by a method for producing a glass substrate through press molding of molten glass. Also disclosed is a method for producing a glass substrate by using such a mold. Specifically disclosed is a mold comprising a lower mold having a first molding surface for pressing a molten glass supplied thereto, and an upper mold having a second molding surface for pressing the molten glass against the first molding surface. In the first molding surface, the surface roughness Ra of the peripheral portion which is in contact with the molten glass after pressing is higher than the surface roughness Ra of the central portion which is in contact with the molten glass before pressing.

Abstract: A method of controlling blister formation in a glass melt flowing through a system comprising one or more refractory metal vessels by developing a blister index and determining the critical blister index value. The critical value of the blister index may be used to control the principal variables responsible for blister formation, including the water content of the melt, the concentration of reduced multivalent oxide compounds in the melt, and the hydrogen partial pressure of an atmosphere in contact with the outside surface of the refractory metal vessel. Also disclosed is a minimum partial pressure of hydrogen necessary to produce an essentially blister-free glass article in a glass essentially free of arsenic and antimony.

Abstract: In the formation of sheet material from molten glass, molten glass is formed in a melting furnace and transported through a precious metal delivery system to the forming apparatus. Disclosed herein is a method to eliminate carbon-containing contamination of individual components of the precious metal delivery system prior to their installation and use. The method comprises one or more heat treating steps in an oxygen-containing atmosphere prior to and/or during assembly of the component.

Abstract: There is provided a method for electrically energizing and heating a platinum or platinum-alloy composite tube structure having a structure including a first main tube, a second main tube, and a branch tube connecting the first main tube and the second main tube, which prevents a local part of the branch tube from being electrically energized and heated in an excessive or insufficient manner.

Abstract: A filament forming apparatus has a bushing that includes a high palladium content screen along with structural components and non-structural components. The structural components are formed of a first material having a high creep strength and the ability to withstand corrosive effects of molten mineral materials. The non-structural components are formed of at least a second material that is different from the first material.

Abstract: A filament forming apparatus has a bushing that includes structural components and non-structural components. The structural components are formed of a first material having a high creep strength and the ability to withstand corrosive effects of molten mineral materials. The non-structural components are formed of at least a second material that is different from the first material.

Abstract: A glass-shaping mold includes a steel base member, and a crystallized, machined layer, an intermediate layer and a mold-releasing layer which are sequentially formed on the base member. The machined layer is a layer of nickel alloy containing phosphorus. The intermediate layer is a layer formed of chromium, nickel, copper or cobalt. Alternatively, the intermediate layer is a layer of an alloy layer containing at least one of these elements. The mold-releasing layer is a layer of an alloy containing iridium and rhenium.

Abstract: A method of forming an optical element forming metal mold to form an optical element, having steps of: laminating a heat insulation layer 13 on a surface of the base member 11 where the optical element is formed; laminating an intermediate metal layer 14 on a surface of the heat insulation layer 13 by thermal spraying; laminating a surface forming layer 15, on which a surface shape to be transferred to the optical element is formed, on the intermediate metal layer 14; wherein the intermediate metal layer 14 is laminated in a way that parts of the heat insulation layer 13 are exposed substantially evenly from the intermediate layer 14.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for airtightly joining a hollow tube made of a reinforced platinum and a flange made of platinum or a platinum alloy, which prevents decreasing of mechanical strength of the hollow tube made of a reinforced platinum due to its joining with a flange. A method for airtightly joining a hollow tube made of a reinforced platinum with a flange made of platinum or a platinum alloy, which is a method for airtightly joining the outer periphery of a hollow tube made of a reinforced platinum produced by dispersing metal oxides in platinum or a platinum alloy, with a flange made of platinum or a platinum alloy, the method comprising a step of shrink-fitting a ring made of platinum or a platinum alloy to the outer periphery of the hollow tube, a step of heating the hollow tube to which the ring is shrink-fit at from 1,150 to 1,450° C. for from 1 to 10 hours, and a step of welding the flange made of platinum or a platinum alloy to the outer periphery of the ring.

Abstract: A glass manufacturing container includes a container body and an electron donor. The container body is made of a precious metal or an alloy containing a precious metal and has an inner surface to be brought into contact with molten glass and an outer surface kept from contact with molten glass. The electron donor is electrically connected to the outer surface of the container body. The electron donor is made of an electron donating material capable of donating electrons to the container body at operating temperatures.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for making glass are provided. The apparatus comprise a first glass melt station and a standpipe. The standpipe includes a first end portion in fluid communication with the first glass melt station. The standpipe further includes a gravity trap that is configured to inhibit formed impurities from traveling from at least a portion of the standpipe through the first end portion of the standpipe. The methods comprise the steps of providing the first glass melt station with glass melt, sensing a condition of a quantity of glass melt within the standpipe, and inhibiting formed impurities from traveling from at least a portion of the standpipe through the first end portion of the standpipe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for airtightly joining a hollow tube made of a reinforced platinum and a flange made of platinum or a platinum alloy, which prevents decreasing of mechanical strength of the hollow tube made of a reinforced platinum due to its joining with a flange. A method for airtightly joining a hollow tube made of a reinforced platinum with a flange made of platinum or a platinum alloy, which is a method for airtightly joining the outer periphery of a hollow tube made of a reinforced platinum produced by dispersing metal oxides in platinum or a platinum alloy, with a flange made of platinum or a platinum alloy, the method comprising a step of shrink-fitting a ring made of platinum or a platinum alloy to the outer periphery of the hollow tube, a step of heating the hollow tube to which the ring is shrink-fit at from 1,150 to 1,450° C. for from 1 to 10 hours, and a step of welding the flange made of platinum or a platinum alloy to the outer periphery of the ring.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for airtightly joining a hollow tube made of a reinforced platinum and a flange made of platinum or a platinum alloy, which prevents decreasing of mechanical strength of the hollow tube made of a reinforced platinum due to its joining with a flange. A method for airtightly joining a hollow tube made of a reinforced platinum with a flange made of platinum or a platinum alloy, which is a method for airtightly joining the outer periphery of a hollow tube made of a reinforced platinum produced by dispersing metal oxides in platinum or a platinum alloy, with a flange made of platinum or a platinum alloy, the method comprising a step of shrink-fitting a ring made of platinum or a platinum alloy to the outer periphery of the hollow tube, a step of heating the hollow tube to which the ring is shrink-fit at from 1,150 to 1,450° C. for from 1 to 10 hours, and a step of welding the flange made of platinum or a platinum alloy to the outer periphery of the ring.

Abstract: This invention provides a molding die in which increase of the surface roughness due to crystal growth of chromium oxide is restrained, and thereby allowing long term use without deteriorating surface roughness of a glass gob or a molded glass article. The invention also provides a method for manufacturing the molding die, a glass gob, and a molded glass article. A molding die is provided with a substrate having a molding surface and protective film containing chromium formed thereon, and the protective film has the X-ray diffraction peak intensity of (110) plane of chromium higher than the X-ray diffraction peak intensity of (200) plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating for a device for forming glass products, comprising: a first quasicrystalline or approximant or amorphous metallic phase; and a second phase composed of a eutectic alloy having a melting point between 950 and 1150° C. and having a nominal hardness between 30 and 65 HRc; a mould for manufacturing hollow glass products that is provided with this coating; equipment for forming glass in sheets or plates that is provided with this coating; a material constituting this coating; a premixed or prealloyed powder, or a flexible cord or cored-wire that makes it possible to obtain this coating; a thermal spraying process for obtaining this coating.

Abstract: A glass-shaping mold includes a steel base member, and a crystallized, machined layer, an intermediate layer and a mold-releasing layer which are sequentially formed on the base member. The machined layer is a layer of nickel alloy containing phosphorus. The intermediate layer is a layer formed of chromium, nickel, copper or cobalt. Alternatively, the intermediate layer is a layer of an alloy layer containing at least one of these elements. The mold-releasing layer is a layer of an alloy containing iridium and rhenium.

Abstract: A composite mold includes a mold base, a protective film provided on the mold base, and a water-cooling heat dissipation system disposed within the mold base. Wherein, the protective film is comprised of with a plurality of RexIry layers and a plurality of SiC layers, the RexIry layers and the SiC layers are alternatively stacked one on another, x is in the range from 0.25 to 0.55, and y is in the range from 0.45 to 0.75. Alternatively, the protective film is comprised of an RexIry layer, a catalyst layer and a carbon nanotube layer in that order, x is in the range from 0.25 to 0.55, and y is in the range from 0.45 to 0.75.

Abstract: The invention relates to a corrosion resistant reactor tube, method for providing a passivating or corrosion resistant coating to the inside of the reactor tube, and a method of making high bismuth glass powders using the corrosion resistant reactor tube.

Abstract: A cradle for a high-temperature fluid delivery system, comprising a shell including a base and two side walls defining a trough, wherein the shell comprises fused zirconia. Fused zirconia provides the high temperature creep-resistance, corrosion resistance and thermal insulation to supported delivery system. The cradle extends system life, increases product quality and reduces costs associated with failure of glass delivery system.

Abstract: A glass molding die and renewing method thereof. The molding die for molding glass includes a substrate, a first noble metal layer overlying the substrate, a second noble metal layer overlying the first noble metal layer, a carbon-containing third noble metal layer overlying the second noble metal layer, and a DLC passivation film overlying the third noble metal layer. In addition, the carbon-containing third noble metal layer and the DLC passivation film can be easily renewed.

Abstract: A conduit structure for molten glass, a conduit system for molten glass, a vacuum degassing apparatus and a method for vacuum-degassing molten glass by use of the vacuum degassing apparatus, which are capable of effectively removing components eluted from a refractory brick forming a conduit for molten glass, foreign substances generated in the interface between molten glass and a platinum wall surface forming a conduit for molten glass, a bubble remaining in a surface layer of molten glass, a glass material denatured by volatilization, and the like, are provided.

Abstract: The regionally coated noble metal element used in glass production has an uncoated region for contacting a glass melt and an H2-impervious layer or an H2-impervious and O2-impervious layer on a side opposite from the uncoated region, which has a layer thickness?1 mm, is heat-resistant, liquid or solid. This layer is made from at least one glass or glass mixture, an at least partly crystallized glass or a ceramic material. The coated noble metal element can be a Danner channel, a Vello draw head, an A-draw head, a Vello needle, a drawdown needle, a discharge ring or a Danner blowpipe. A process for coating a noble metal element to produce the regionally coated noble metal element is also described.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the invention provides a refining chamber for glass production, made of platinum group metal materials, with improved refining effectiveness. The refining chamber according has the shape of a tube with a cross section (1), with the cross section of the tube being shaped, in at least one segment, so that in the operating position the length (10) of a horizontal line (12) which divides the surface of the cross section into essentially a lower and an upper segment of the surface, both of which have essentially the same area, is greater than twice the maximum vertical extent (30) of the lower segment of the surface. The cross section of the refining chamber can, for example, have the shape of an oval, an ellipse, a slot, a rounded triangle or a polygon, and the stiffness of the shape of the refining chamber can be increased by forming radially peripheral creases, corners, waves or folds.

Abstract: The invention provides: a mold for molding optical glass, the mold comprising: a mold base; and a protective film comprising one or two or more layers formed on the mold base, the outermost layer of the protective film containing one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Al, Ga, In, Tl, Ge, Sn, Pb, As, Sb, Bi, S, Se, and Te; a process for producing the mold; and a process for press-molding with the mold.

Abstract: Aluminum alloy connecting and supporting device for a glass construction project mainly includes a base, extension rods, glass clamping-connecting rods and glass clamping-connecting members, which are made of aluminum alloy and connected with one another by means of pivots. The aluminum alloy connecting and supporting device of this invention can be used for connecting glass of different specifications, of different locating points or of different shapes, able to shorten time needed for glass assembling work and able to assemble and connect glass conveniently, stably and safely.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for supporting glass sheets during a thermal treatment process, such as heat treating, to maintain the physical geometry of the glass sheets. The device can comprise means for separating adjacent glass sheets to prevent them from touching. The separating means can comprise a separation comb having projections and channels configured for receiving the glass sheets, separating rods configured to be positioned between the glass sheets, or a combination of separation combs and separating rods.

Abstract: The bottom of the crucible has much greater thermal transfer properties, parallel to an axis substantially perpendicular to the bottom, than those of the side walls. The bottom and side walls are formed by materials having the same main chemical constituents. The bottom can be transparent to infrared radiation and the side walls opaque to infrared radiation. The bottom can be made of amorphous silica and the side walls of opaque quartz ceramic. The crucible can also be made of graphite. The device can comprise a graphite felt, arranged between the bottom of the crucible and cooling means, and compression means of the graphite felt. It is thus possible to define a temperature gradient comprised between 8° C./cm and 30° C./cm in the liquid phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to an iridium alloy of at least 85% by weight iridium, at least 0.005% by weight molybdenum, 0.001 to 0.6% by weight hafnium and, if necessary, rhenium, the sum of molybdenum and hafnium being between 0.002 and 1.2% by weight, and to a process for the production of an iridium alloy, an IrMo and an IrHf master alloy, respectively, being produced in the electric arc and immersed into an iridium melt, if necessary together with Re.

Abstract: A molding die for an optical element, comprises a die base body formed by shaping an amorphous alloy having a super-cooled liquid phase, and a die face formed by applying a die face forming process onto a part of the die base body and used to form an optical surface of the optical element or a dimensional reference surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a A metal conduit for molten glass and a vacuum degassing apparatus are disclosed, which are capable of coping with extension and contraction, and vibration. By disposing at least one convex portion 20 so to have a height of 4 mm or above in a radial direction and continuously extend in a peripheral direction, it is possible to absorb thermal expansion and contraction without changing the entire length of the metal conduit 10 and to suppress from the metal conduit 10 from vibrated even when molten glass 121 is conveyed by the metal conduit. By employing the metal conduit 10 stated earlier in an upstream conveying pipe 130A, an uprising pipe 122U, a vacuum degassing vessel 120, a downfalling pipe 122L, a downstream conveying pipe 130B or the like in a vacuum degassing apparatus 30, it is possible to cope with thermal expansion and contraction, and vibration caused when conveying molten glass 121.

Abstract: A conduit for molten glass, a molten glass degassing method and a sub-atmospheric apparatus are provided, which are able to produce homogenous and good quality glass at low cost. A conduit for molten glass, which is capable of flowing molten glass in a horizontal direction, and to which vertical pipes are connectable, is disposed in a substantially horizontal direction. The conduit for molten glass can increase the area of a free surface of the molten glass by setting a width W at a larger value than a height H in cross-section and having an outline in cross-section comprising a convex curve. When the conduit for molten glass thus configured is used as a sub-atmospheric apparatus, it is possible to degas the molten glass effectively. Additionally, it is possible to have a sufficient strength since the convex curve forming the cross-section is elliptical. Further, it is possible to reduce costs by decreasing the amount of metal required for forming the cross-section.

Abstract: A molding die for molding glass includes a base material, a first intermediate layer on the base material, and a protective film on the first intermediate layer. The first intermediate layer is made of titanium or other materials that is not easy to be attacked, and the protective film is made of molybdenum alloy. A method of reproducing the molding die of the present invention includes removing the protective film but keeping the first intermediate layer and the base material still, and then coating a new protective layer on the first intermediate layer.

Abstract: A molding die for molding an optical element, comprises a die base body formed by shaping an amorphous alloy having a super-cooled liquid phase, and a die face formed by applying a die face forming process onto a part of the die base body and used to form an optical surface of the optical element or a dimensional reference surface.

Abstract: A molding die for molding glass and renewal method thereof. The molding die includes a substrate, a nickel-phosphorous alloy layer, with phosphorous content 30 wt % or less, overlying the substrate, an intermediate layer overlying the nickel-phosphorous alloy layer, and a passivation film overlying the intermediate layer.

Abstract: To provide a glass molding die which is more excellent in durability than the conventional ones. A glass molding die 10 includes a base body 12, an Au layer 14 which is laminated on a surface of the base body 12, and an Rh layer 16 which is laminated on a surface of the Au layer 14. On a surface of the Rh layer 16, an Ir-containing layer may be further laminated. The Au layer 14 functions as a bonding layer, the Rh layer 16 functions as an anti diffusion layer, and the Ir-containing layer functions as a mold releasing layer. The Au layer 14, the Rh layer 16, and the Ir-containing layer are preferably formed by plating.

Abstract: The apparatus for reduced-pressure refining of a glass melt includes a refining bank formed so that a reduced pressure is generated by a glass flow in it. The refining bank has a component, which is made from a refractory metal or refractory alloy acting as glass-contact material. The refractory metal or alloy contains molybdenum, tungsten, tantalum, and/or hafnium. The device of the present invention includes a protective gas reservoir for a protective gas and an automatically operating valve connecting the reservoir with the refining bank so that an inner side of the component that would otherwise be exposed when a pressure rise or a falling glass melt column occurs is protected from oxidation by the protective gas. A process for using the device during refining of the glass melt is also part of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for press-forming a molten gob made of meltable material, especially of glass or glass ceramics, into a body of specific shape with compression moulds which form with each other a form cavity for receiving the gob. The compression moulds consist at least in the zone of the forming surfaces of an open-pore material and the compression moulds are connected to a pressure gas source in order to produce a gas stream which emerges from the forming surfaces. The open-pore material of the forming surfaces the pores close to the forming surfaces are smaller than the pores remote from the forming surfaces.