A flow distribution system for distributing and dividing the flows of at least two separate fluids, the distribution system comprising: a three-dimensional nested structure of at least two fluid transporting fractals comprising at least a first fluid transporting fractal and a second fluid transporting fractal, each fluid transporting fractal having a respective fluid inlet which bifurcates to a plurality of fluid outlets, each fluid transporting fractal being configured to facilitate a flow therethrough independent from a flow in the other fluid transporting fractal, each fluid transporting fractal extending along and about a central axis between fluid inlet and a plurality of fluid outlets; wherein each fluid transporting fractals comprises of a series of recursive bifurcation units assembled in a selected number of stages, each bifurcation unit comprising a Y-shaped bifurcated element which is fluidly connected to two successive bifurcation units, each successive bifurcation unit being rotated relative to the central axis by an angle of between 60 and 120 degrees relative to the previous stage; each fluid transporting fractal is intertwined with the other fluid transporting fractal; each fluid transporting fractal is positioned offset from the other fluid transporting fractal about the central axis and are arranged such that each fluid outlet from one of the fluid transporting fractals is located adjoining a fluid outlet of the other fluid transporting fractal, and each fluid transporting fractal is centered about a flow axis which is laterally inclined from greater than 0 to 20 degrees from the central axis and longitudinally inclined from greater than 0 to 20 degrees from the central axis.

A flow distribution system for distributing and dividing the flows of at least two separate fluids, the distribution system comprising: a three-dimensional nested structure of at least two fluid transporting fractals comprising at least a first fluid transporting fractal and a second fluid transporting fractal, each fluid transporting fractal having a respective fluid inlet which bifurcates to a plurality of fluid outlets, each fluid transporting fractal being configured to facilitate a flow therethrough independent from a flow in the other fluid transporting fractal, each fluid transporting fractal extending along and about a central axis between fluid inlet and a plurality of fluid outlets; wherein each fluid transporting fractals comprises of a series of recursive bifurcation units assembled in a selected number of stages, each bifurcation unit comprising a Y-shaped bifurcated element which is fluidly connected to two successive bifurcation units, each successive bifurcation unit being rotated relative to the central axis by an angle of between 60 and 120 degrees relative to the previous stage; each fluid transporting fractal is intertwined with the other fluid transporting fractal; each fluid transporting fractal is positioned offset from the other fluid transporting fractal about the central axis and are arranged such that each fluid outlet from one of the fluid transporting fractals is located adjoining a fluid outlet of the other fluid transporting fractal, and each fluid transporting fractal is centered about a flow axis which is laterally inclined from greater than 0 to 20 degrees from the central axis and longitudinally inclined from greater than 0 to 20 degrees from the central axis.

A glass furnace for continuous operation, including a melting tank for containing a glass melt, and at least one magnetic actuator configured to generate a time-varying magnetic field suitable for moving a stirring body immersed in the glass melt.

A glass furnace for continuous operation, including a melting tank for containing a glass melt, and at least one magnetic actuator configured to generate a time-varying magnetic field suitable for moving a stirring body immersed in the glass melt.