Theoretical Considerations Regarding the Optimum Dimensions of the Throats of Glass Tank Furnaces

JSGT 1955 V39 T145-T155

Studies by F. W. Preston and I. Peyches on the distribution of convection currents in the throat of a tank have been extended to cover the effects of superimposing a current due to withdrawal of glass, and allowance has also been made for the frictional resistance to flow introduced by the sides of the throat. It is shown that under steady working conditions the maximum flow velocity through the throat is strikingly sensitive to the height and width of the throat, and, for any predetermined throat width, it is established that the velocity has a minimum value for a particular throat height. A method is presented of determining optimum throat dimensions. These are considered by the author to be those which give minimum flow velocity through the throat. A unique solution in terms of breadth und height is not given, but a continuous series of pairs of these dimensions may be obtained, each pair of which will fulfil the optimum conditions.

A. Naruse