The Temperature Gradient in Glass Tank Melting Furnaces

JSGT 1947 V31 T213-T217

A formula of exponential type is suggested for the relation between temperature and depth below the surface of a glass in a tank furnace. It is shown that such a formula fits very well the data obtained by R. Halle and W. E. S. Turner in an experimental tank. The constants in the formula are shown to be related to the iron oxide content in the case of oxidised soda–lime–silica glasses. The difference in mean temperature gradient found between small experimental tanks and full sized commercial tanks is entirely explained by the curved relation between depth and temperature given by the formula.

C. E. Gould