Ppg Industries, Inc.

Walter W Scott

Yih-Wan Tsai

Edward P Savolskis

The instant invention provides a method of controlling the accumulation of sodium sulfate in the checker packing of a regenerator of a cross-fired regenerative-type glass melting furnace. Typically, glass batch materials are melted within the furnace by combustion of fuel. This combustion produces exhaust gas that is drawn through the regenerator and heats the checker packing. During the melting operation, sodium sulfate gas is formed by the melted glass and is carried with the exhaust gas through the regenerator. The sodium sulfate gas may condense on a portion of the checker packing. As the sodium sulfate condensate accumulates on the checker packing, it may restrict the flow of exhaust gas and/or combustion air through the regenerator. In the instant invention, a section of the regenerator which includes the portion of the checker packing with the condensed sodium sulfate is selectively heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the sodium sulfate, while any additional heating of remaining sections of the regenerator is minimized. In one embodiment of the invention, fuel is injected into a portion of the exhaust gas that passes through the section of the regenerator where the sodium sulfate condensate has accumulated. The fuel burns with the portion of the exhaust gas and heats the portion of the checker packing with the sodium sulfate build-up to melt the sodium sulfate.

Method of controlling accumulation of sodium sulfate on the checker

Apparatus for making holes through a layer of glass batch to enhance run-off of liquid includes a plurality of tapered members adapted for vertical reciprocation to penetrate the batch layer. At least a lower portion of each member is provided with a three-dimensioned shape corresponding generally to the shape of a hole to be produced in the batch layer, the shape having a relatively wide upper portion and a relatively narrow lower portion with tapering side surfaces therebetween oriented to produce lateral compaction of batch upon vertical insertion into the batch layer. At least a lower portion of each member is provided with a three-dimensional shape corresponding generally to the shape of a hole to be produced in the batch layer, the shape having a relatively wide upper portion and a relatively narrow lower portion with tapering side surfaces therebetween oriented to produce lateral compacting of batch upon vertical insertion into the batch layer.

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Wexford, PA, United States of America

Walter W Scott