SELECTING THE CHARACTER OF GLASS MELT FLOW IN TANK MELTING ZONES

Requirements for the properties of the melting zones of glass furnaces were formulated on the basis of ideal conditions for the actual melting process, refining and homogenization, as well as on that of the effect of the shape of flow on power consumption. Having compared these requirements with the properties of an ideal mixer and piston flow, the authors proposed a combination of both extreme types and called it pseudopiston flow. They also defined the means of influencing the macroscopic shape of flow in the melting zone, which, in the form of theoretical models, could be used in seeking and designing new furnace types.