A system and a method of manufacturing continuous glass filament fiberglass media comprises melting glass within a temperature controlled melter. Molten glass exits through a bushing plate with orifices of varying row configurations and orientations. The resulting fiberglass filaments are received on a rotating drum and sprayed with resin and aqueous solution. The resulting fiberglass mat is placed onto a let-off table then sprayed with aqueous solution before further processing.

A system and a method of manufacturing continuous glass filament fiberglass media comprises melting glass within a temperature controlled melter. Molten glass exits through a bushing plate with orifices of varying row configurations and orientations. The resulting fiberglass filaments are received on a rotating drum and sprayed with resin and aqueous solution. The resulting fiberglass mat is placed onto a let-off table then sprayed with aqueous solution before further processing.

Disclosed is an apparatus for conditioning molten glass. The apparatus includes a connecting tube assembly having a conduit for conveying the molten glass, the conduit (108) including at least two flanges (112, 114) and a sealing member (118) disposed between the at least two flanges (112, 114) around an outer peripheral region of the flanges, thereby forming an enclosed volume between an outer wall (110) of the conduit, the at least two flanges (112, 114) and the sealing member (118). An atmosphere within the volume may be controlled such that a predetermined partial pressure of hydrogen or a predetermined partial pressure of oxygen may be maintained within the volume. A current may be established between the at least two flanges to heat the conduit.

Disclosed is an apparatus for conditioning molten glass. The apparatus includes a connecting tube assembly having a conduit for conveying the molten glass, the conduit (108) including at least two flanges (112, 114) and a sealing member (118) disposed between the at least two flanges (112, 114) around an outer peripheral region of the flanges, thereby forming an enclosed volume between an outer wall (110) of the conduit, the at least two flanges (112, 114) and the sealing member (118). An atmosphere within the volume may be controlled such that a predetermined partial pressure of hydrogen or a predetermined partial pressure of oxygen may be maintained within the volume. A current may be established between the at least two flanges to heat the conduit.

Disclosed is an apparatus and method of making molten glass. The apparatus includes a vessel for conveying the molten glass and at least one flange (100) configured to supply an electric current to the vessel through the flange (100), the flange (100) including a first ring (112) extending completely around the vessel in a closed loop, the first ring (112) comprising a first portion (118) including a first thickness and a second portion (128) including a second thickness different from the first thickness, wherein the first portion (118) and the second portion (128) overlap in a plane of the flange (100) such that at least a portion of the first portion (118) is positioned between at least a portion of the second portion (128) and the vessel wall, and neither the first portion nor the second portion extends completely around the vessel. Also disclosed is a method of making glass using the disclosed flange. When the vessel comprises two flanges each connected to an electrode portion (116), current is more uniformly distributed about the vessel, which prevents hot spots.

Disclosed is an apparatus and method of making molten glass. The apparatus includes a vessel for conveying the molten glass and at least one flange (100) configured to supply an electric current to the vessel through the flange (100), the flange (100) including a first ring (112) extending completely around the vessel in a closed loop, the first ring (112) comprising a first portion (118) including a first thickness and a second portion (128) including a second thickness different from the first thickness, wherein the first portion (118) and the second portion (128) overlap in a plane of the flange (100) such that at least a portion of the first portion (118) is positioned between at least a portion of the second portion (128) and the vessel wall, and neither the first portion nor the second portion extends completely around the vessel. Also disclosed is a method of making glass using the disclosed flange. When the vessel comprises two flanges each connected to an electrode portion (116), current is more uniformly distributed about the vessel, which prevents hot spots.

Processes of controlling submerged combustion melters, and systems for carrying out the methods. One process includes feeding vitrifiable material into a melter vessel, the melter vessel including a fluid-cooled refractory panel in its floor, ceiling, and/or sidewall, and heating the vitrifiable material with a burner directing combustion products into the melting zone under a level of the molten material in the zone. Burners impart turbulence to the molten material in the melting zone. The fluid-cooled refractory panel is cooled, forming a modified panel having a frozen or highly viscous material layer on a surface of the panel facing the molten material, and a sensor senses temperature of the modified panel using a protected thermocouple positioned in the modified panel shielded from direct contact with turbulent molten material. Processes include controlling the melter using the temperature of the modified panel. Other processes and systems are presented.

Processes of controlling submerged combustion melters, and systems for carrying out the methods. One process includes feeding vitrifiable material into a melter vessel, the melter vessel including a fluid-cooled refractory panel in its floor, ceiling, and/or sidewall, and heating the vitrifiable material with a burner directing combustion products into the melting zone under a level of the molten material in the zone. Burners impart turbulence to the molten material in the melting zone. The fluid-cooled refractory panel is cooled, forming a modified panel having a frozen or highly viscous material layer on a surface of the panel facing the molten material, and a sensor senses temperature of the modified panel using a protected thermocouple positioned in the modified panel shielded from direct contact with turbulent molten material. Processes include controlling the melter using the temperature of the modified panel. Other processes and systems are presented.

An apparatus and method for producing a glass article includes a melting vessel, a fining vessel located downstream from the melting vessel, and a bubbling vessel that is downstream from the melting vessel and upstream from the fining vessel. The fining vessel may include at least a first zone and a second zone downstream from the first zone, wherein the average temperature of the first zone is higher than the average temperature of the second zone.

An apparatus and method for producing a glass article includes a melting vessel, a fining vessel located downstream from the melting vessel, and a bubbling vessel that is downstream from the melting vessel and upstream from the fining vessel. The fining vessel may include at least a first zone and a second zone downstream from the first zone, wherein the average temperature of the first zone is higher than the average temperature of the second zone.