The Principles Underlying the Electric Melting of Glass

JSGT 1948 V32 T399-T424

The variation of the conductivity of glass in a glass tank furnace is discussed, having regard to the varying degrees of homogeneity of the melt at different stages of the procedure, and to the variation in temperature with location, both superficial and with the depth of the glass. A practical method of cornputing the effective conductivity is demonstrated. The distribution of the lines of current used in melting glass electrically is considered as affected by the dimensions, nature of the material and setting of the electrodes and by the shape and number of compartments into which the tank furnace is divided. Principles are illustrated by reference to various types of commercial furnaces. The economics of electric melting are discussed and the advantages, in countries possessing normal cheap fuel resources, of adopting combined fuel and electric heating are set out for alternative schemes, including horizontal and vertical positions of electrodes, and also where the two methods of heating are applied to the same and to different compartments of the furnace.

Ivan Peyches