FINING PACKAGES FOR GLASS COMPOSITIONS

Abstract

A fining package for a glass composition may include cerium dioxide (CeO.sub.2) and tin oxide (SnO.sub.2). CeO.sub.2 may be present in an amount of 0.08 to 0.5 wt % of the glass composition, and SnO.sub.2 may be present in an amount of 0.02 to 0.23 wt % of the glass composition. The glass composition may be used to form glass tubing. The glass tubing may be used to form a pharmaceutical packaging. For example, the pharmaceutical packaging may comprise an ampoule. The fining package may further include chloride (Cl) in an amount of 0 to 0.03 wt % of the glass composition. In some instances, the fining package may be Cl-free. In some instances, the fining package may be F-free. The glass composition may comprise a borosilicate glass composition. The glass composition may comprise an aluminosilicate glass composition.

Claims

1. A fining package for a glass composition comprising: cerium dioxide (CeO.sub.2) in an amount of 0.08 to 0.5 wt % of the glass composition, and tin oxide (SnO.sub.2) in an amount of 0.02 to 0.23 wt % of the glass composition.

2. The fining package of claim 1, further comprising chloride (Cl) in an amount of 0 to 0.03 wt % of the glass composition.

3. The fining package of claim 1, wherein the fining package is Cl-free.

4. The fining package of claim 1, wherein the fining package is F-free.

5. The fining package of claim 1, wherein the glass composition comprises: SiO.sub.2 in an amount of 70 to 76 wt % of the glass composition; B.sub.2O.sub.3 in an amount of 9 to 13.5 wt % of the glass composition; Al.sub.2O.sub.3 in an amount of 4 to 8 wt % of the glass composition; TiO.sub.2 in an amount of 0 to 0.1 wt % of the glass composition; Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 in an amount of 0 to 0.1 wt % of the glass composition; BaO in an amount of 0 to 0.1 wt % of the glass composition; CaO in an amount of 0 to 3 wt % of the glass composition; Na.sub.2O in an amount of 5 to 8.5 wt % of the glass composition; K.sub.2O in an amount of 0.5 to 3 wt % of the glass composition; MgO in an amount of 0 to 1 wt % of the glass composition; Cl in an amount of 0 to 0.03 wt % of the glass composition; F in an amount of 0 to 0.02 wt % of the glass composition; CeO.sub.2 in an amount of 0.08 to 0.5 wt % of the glass composition; SnO.sub.2 in an amount of 0.02 to 0.23 wt % of the glass composition; and ZrO.sub.2 in an amount of 0 to 0.08 wt % of the glass composition.

6. The fining package of claim 5, wherein the glass composition comprises: SiO.sub.2 in an amount of 70 to 74 wt % of the glass composition; B.sub.2O.sub.3 in an amount of 10 to 13.5 wt % of the glass composition; Al.sub.2O.sub.3 in an amount of 5 to 7 wt % of the glass composition; TiO.sub.2 in an amount of 0 to 0.03 wt % of the glass composition; Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 in an amount of 0 to 0.04 wt % of the glass composition; BaO in an amount of 0 to 0.04 wt % of the glass composition; CaO in an amount of 0.5 to 2.3 wt % of the glass composition; Na.sub.2O in an amount of 6.5 to 7.5 wt % of the glass composition; K.sub.2O in an amount of 1.0 to 1.8 wt % of the glass composition; MgO in an amount of 0 to 0.1 wt % of the glass composition; Cl in an amount of 0.01 to 0.03 wt % of the glass composition; F in an amount of 0 to 0.02 wt % of the glass composition; CeO.sub.2 in an amount of 0.08 to 0.2 wt % of the glass composition; SnO.sub.2 in an amount of 0.02 to 0.12 wt % of the glass composition; and ZrO.sub.2 in an amount of 0 to 0.08 wt % of the glass composition.

7. The fining package of claim 6, wherein the glass composition comprises: SiO.sub.2 in an amount of 70 to 73 wt % of the glass composition; B.sub.2O.sub.3 in an amount of 10.5 to 13.2 wt % of the glass composition; Al.sub.2O.sub.3 in an amount of 5 to 7 wt % of the glass composition; TiO.sub.2 in an amount of 0 to 0.03 wt % of the glass composition; Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 in an amount of 0 to 0.04 wt % of the glass composition; BaO in an amount of 0 to 0.04 wt % of the glass composition; CaO in an amount of 1 to 2.3 wt % of the glass composition; Na.sub.2O in an amount of 6.5 to 7.3 wt % of the glass composition; K.sub.2O in an amount of 1.0 to 1.5 wt % of the glass composition; MgO in an amount of 0 to 0.1 wt % of the glass composition; Cl in an amount of 0.01 to 0.02 wt % of the glass composition; F in an amount of 0 to 0.02 wt % of the glass composition; CeO.sub.2 in an amount of 0.08 to 0.2 wt % of the glass composition; SnO.sub.2 in an amount of 0.02 to 0.12 wt % of the glass composition; and ZrO.sub.2 in an amount of 0 to 0.08 wt % of the glass composition.

8. The fining package of claim 1, wherein the glass composition comprises a borosilicate glass composition.

9. The fining package of claim 1, wherein the glass composition comprises an aluminosilicate glass composition.

10. The fining package of claim 1, wherein the glass composition is used to form glass tubing.

11. The fining package of claim 10, wherein the glass tubing is used to form a pharmaceutical packaging.

12. The fining package of claim 11, wherein the pharmaceutical packaging comprises an ampoule.

13. The fining package of claim 1, wherein the fining package comprises a fining viscosity at 1550° C. of less than 350 P.

14. The fining package of claim 1, wherein the fining package is used to produce a glass article having a TL softening point of 760° C. to 782° C.

15. The fining package of claim 1, wherein the fining package is used to produce a glass article having a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of 50-59.10.sup.−7 K.sup.−1.

16. The fining package of claim 15, wherein the CTE is measured at 25° C. to 300° C.

17. A method of fining glass for forming pharmaceutical packaging comprising: adding the fining package of claim 1 to a glass composition to remove gas bubbles; and forming glass tubing from the fined glass composition.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising forming a pharmaceutical packaging from the glass tubing.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the pharmaceutical packaging comprises a pharmaceutical ampoule.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG. 1 is a comparison chart of photos of glass samples D4, D5, D6, D7, D8, and E9 formed as described in the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a comparison chart of photos of glass samples D10, D11, E12, E13, C2, and C3 formed as described in the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a comparison chart of photos of glass samples D14, D15, D16, and C4 formed as described in the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a comparison chart of photos of glass samples D17, D18, D19, D20, C5, C6, and D21 formed as described in the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Various aspects of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to drawings, if any. Reference to various aspects does not limit the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible aspects of the claimed invention.

[0033] Aspects described herein provide a simple, low-cost fining package that is fluorine-free and has a lower SnO.sub.2 level compared to conventional fining packages for glass tubing formulated for closed ampoules. Methods described herein relate to fining of borosilicate glasses for glass tubing applications for use as pharmaceutical primary packaging. The typical fining agent for such borosilicate glasses is sodium chloride (NaCl), which is particularly efficient for the borosilicate glasses. However, for glass tubing to be used as closed ampoule pharmaceutical packaging, the glass needs to contain a level of chloride (Cl) that is low enough to meet European Pharmacopoeia (EP) requirements. Per edition 10.4 of the European Pharmacopoeia, the test for chlorides for sterilized water for injections is a maximum 0.5 ppm for containers with a nominal volume of 100 mL or less. Therefore, when ampoules contain water for injection, the EP requirements allow for a maximum of 0.5 ppm Cl for containers having a nominal volume lower than 100 mL. Therefore, if NaCl is used as the fining agent for a borosilicate glass such as Corning 51-D borosilicate glass tubing (Corning Incorporated, Corning, N.Y.), the batched Cl level is limited to 0.03 wt %.

[0034] To address fining of borosilicate glasses with a low chloride (Cl) content, conventional fining techniques use fining agents such as As.sub.2O.sub.3, Sb.sub.2O.sub.3, F, CeO.sub.2, or SnO.sub.2. However, when fining glass for pharmaceutical applications, As.sub.2O.sub.3 and Sb.sub.2O.sub.3 are typically avoided. As such, the conventional fining package used for borosilicate glass to be used for pharmaceutical applications, such as the Corning 51-D borosilicate glass tubing (Corning Incorporated, Corning, N.Y.), is complex and includes four fining agents. The four fining agents in the conventional fining package may include SnO.sub.2, CeO.sub.2, F, and Cl. Despite the complexity, the fining quality is significantly lower compared to borosilicate glass fined with NaCl.

[0035] However, such a fining package is complex, requiring several raw materials, which leads to increased expenses when compared to NaCl as a fining agent. For example, SnO.sub.2 comes from an expensive raw material. As such, a need exists for a simpler, lower-cost fining package for use with pharmaceutical applications which maintains the fining performance achieved by the conventional fining package and also achieves the glass and product properties necessary for pharmaceutical applications.

[0036] In aspects, a simple, low-cost fining package is provided. The fining package may be used for fining of glass. Aspects of the fining package described herein may be used with glass compositions. In an aspect, the glass composition comprises a borosilicate glass composition. In an aspect, the glass composition comprises an aluminosilicate glass composition.

[0037] In an aspect, glass compositions using fining packages as described herein may be used to form glass tubing. In an aspect, the glass tubing formed from glass compositions that use fining packages as described herein may be used for pharmaceutical packaging. In an aspect, the pharmaceutical packaging may comprise ampoules. A nonlimiting example of clear borosilicate glass tubing formulated for closed ampoules is Corning 51-D borosilicate glass tubing (Corning Incorporated, Corning, N.Y.).

[0038] Nonlimiting examples of glass compositions are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0001076, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0001143, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0151320, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0151321, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0151370, U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,034,442, and 9,428,302, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0039] Aspects as described herein provide a fining package including at least two components. As a nonlimiting example, the fining package may comprise cerium dioxide (CeO.sub.2) and tin oxide (SnO.sub.2). In aspects, the fining package includes at least three components. As a nonlimiting example, the fining package may comprise cerium dioxide (CeO.sub.2), tin oxide (SnO.sub.2), and chloride (Cl). The fining package does not include fluorine (F).

[0040] Aspects as described herein provide a fining package comprising a low SnO.sub.2 amount, compared to conventional fining packages. For example, a low amount of SnO.sub.2 may be considered an amount less than about 0.3 wt %.

[0041] A simple fining package with fewer components is beneficial for batch mixing. For example, it is advantageous to have fewer raw materials to store and weigh before mixing, preparation, and introduction into the industrial production tank. Therefore, a fining package that allows for a F-free batch is beneficial. Such a glass composition allows for cost savings on the raw materials. The simplification of the fining package also allows for further development and a mechanistic understanding of the remaining fining agents.

[0042] Aspects described herein provide a simpler fining package than the conventional fining package used for borosilicate glass, due to the fining package described herein being fluorine free (F-free). The fining package described herein also has a lower cost than the conventional fining package used for borosilicate glass, due to a lower amount of SnO.sub.2 needed for the fining package described herein. Moreover, the fining package described herein provides a fining performance that is the same as the conventional fining package used for borosilicate glass in term of seeds number at a lab scale. When compared to glass formed with the conventional fining package used for borosilicate glass, glass formed with the fining package described herein provides similar properties in term of high temperature viscosity, liquidus, softening point TL, CTE, density, refractive index, chemical resistance, and transmission.

[0043] A glass composition range is provided, as shown in Table 1, wherein the glass composition is fined with a simple, low-cost fining package compared to conventional fining packages. Table 1 shows glass compositions according to aspects described herein, including ranges of said glass compositions and properties of said glass compositions.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Glass composition range and properties Components (analyzed wt %) Range A Range B Range C Glass SiO.sub.2 70-76 70-74 70-73 Composition B.sub.2O.sub.3   9-13.5   10-13.5 10.5-13.2 Al.sub.2O.sub.3 4-8 5-7 5-7 TiO.sub.2   0-0.1   0-0.03   0-0.03 Fe.sub.2O.sub.3   0-0.1   0-0.04   0-0.04 BaO   0-0.1   0-0.04   0-0.04 CaO 0-3 0.5-2.3   1-2.3 Na.sub.2O   5-8.5 6.5-7.5 6.5-7.3 K.sub.2O 0.5-3   1.0-1.8 1.0-1.5 MgO 0-1   0-0.1   0-0.1 Cl   0-0.03 0.01-0.03 0.01-0.02 F   0-0.02   0-0.02   0-0.02 CeO.sub.2 0.08-0.5  0.08-0.2  0.08-0.2  SnO.sub.2 0.02-0.23 0.02-0.12 0.02-0.12 ZrO.sub.2   0-0.08   0-0.08   0-0.08 Properties working point 1130-1170 1130-1170 1130-1170 T(10.sup.4 P) (° C.) forming viscosity 1100-1500 1100-1500 1100-1500 at 1350° C. (P) fining viscosity <350 <350 <350 at 1550° C. (P) liquidus (° C.) <1000 <1000 <1000 TL softening point 760-782 760-777 764-777 (° C.) CTE (25-300° C.) 50-59 52-54 52-54 (.10.sup.−7 K.sup.−1) Density 2.31-2.38 2.32-2.36 2.32-2.36 refractive index 1.48-1.50 1.48-1.50 1.48-1.50 n.sub.D (at 589 nm) DIN 12116 <1.5 <1.5 <1.5 (mg/dm.sup.2) ISO 695 (mg/dm.sup.2) <150 <150 <150 ISO 720 <0.065 <0.065 <0.065 (mL HCl/g glass) EP. 9.4 (3.2.1B) <0.065 <0.060 <0.060 (mL HCl/g glass) Y (D65) (%) 90-95 90-95 90-95 (under 1 mm) haze (%) <1 <1 <1

EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

[0044] Glass Preparation, Seeds Counting and Solids Analysis

[0045] Glass samples were prepared using two methods based on two lab melting tools. Method 1 used an electrical furnace. Method 2 used a gas-air furnace; the use of a gas-air furnace aims to reproduce melting under similar atmosphere than in a conventional melting tank used for borosilicate glass.

[0046] For Method 1, an appropriate amount of raw materials to obtain 1000 g of glass was set in 4 pur platinum crucibles and melted in an electrical furnace heated by Globar® heating elements. Two types of melting cycles were used: Cycle A and Cycle B.

[0047] Cycle A was used to assess the fining efficiency of fining packages and is associated with sample preparation methods 1.1 and 1.2. For Cycle A, the crucibles were introduced in the furnace preheated at 1450° C.; held for 1 hour at 1450° C.; heated 120-150 minutes from 1450° C. to 1550° C.; held at 1550° C. during a dwell time (labeled “D”); and the crucibles were pulled out at 1550° C.

[0048] In sample preparation and seeds counting method 1.1, after Cycle A, the glasses were rolled into a plate and annealed for 1 hour at 600° C. In each plate, samples were core-drilled and polished. The seeds were counted in each sample and the number was normalized by the involved glass volume (about 2.4 cm.sup.3). The average normalized seeds number was calculated for each plate and reported as the “seeds average (number/cm.sup.3)” in Table 2. A lower “seeds average” value corresponded to a better fining efficiency of the fining package.

[0049] In sample preparation and seeds counting method 1.2, after Cycle A, the glasses were annealed in the crucibles for 2 hours at 600° C. Samples were core drilled from glass in the crucibles. In each sample, one vertical slice was taken from the center and polished. Seeds were counted at three distances from the glass surface: 0 mm, 25 mm, and 50 mm into a specific area. The seeds numbers were normalized by the analyzed glass volume (about 0.7-0.8 cm.sup.3). For each counting, the geometric dimensions of analyzed glass volume were measured. The sum of the normalized seeds numbers at 0 mm, 25 mm, and 50 mm from the glass surface was calculated for each sample and reported as “sum seeds/cm.sup.3” in Table 8 and Table 12.

[0050] Cycle B was used to measure the glass properties on fully melted and fined samples. For Cycle B, the crucibles were introduced into the furnace preheated at 1450° C.; held for 1 hour at 1450° C.; heated 150 minutes from 1450° C. to 1550° C.; held at 1550° C. for 3-4 hours; and the crucibles were pulled out at 1550° C. After melting, the glasses were rolled into a plate and annealed for 1 hour at 600° C. The sample preparation was made according to the measured property. The crucibles were cooled in cold water, and the remaining glass in the crucibles was extracted, dried, and used as cullet for the high temperature viscosity measurements.

[0051] For Method 2, 1000 g of raw materials was set in platinum crucibles and melted in a gas-air furnace. For the melting cycle, the crucibles were introduced into the furnace preheated at 1450° C.; held for 1 hour at 1450° C.; heated 10-15 minutes from 1450° C. to 1550° C.; held at 1550° C. for 1 hour; and the crucibles were pulled out at 1550° C. After melting, the glasses were annealed in the crucibles at 600° C. Samples were core drilled from the crucible, and a vertical slice was taken from the center of each sample and polished. Seeds were counted at 3 distances from the glass surface: 0 mm, 25 mm, and 50 mm. The seeds numbers were normalized by the involved glass volume (about 0.5-0.6 cm.sup.3). The sum of the normalized numbers at 0 mm, 25 mm, and 50 mm from the glass surface was calculated for each sample and reported as “seeds sum” in Table 3, Table 4, Table 5, Table 6, and Table 7. In the glass slice, the solids were identified, the size was measured, and the volume was calculated. Table 3, Table 4, and Table 5 report the sum of the volumes of solids.

[0052] Due to observed experimental variability between each melt, the results are reported for one melt at a time for both Method 1 and Method 2.

[0053] Characterizations of Glass Composition and Properties

[0054] The glass composition was analyzed by XRF on samples. The XRF data were collected on a Panalytical Axios spectrometer and analyzed with a proprietary quantitative program. The SiO.sub.2 percentage was calculated by subtraction of the sum of all other oxides and elements from 100. The glass composition was reported in weight percent (wt %) based on oxides and on elements for Cl and F.

[0055] The high-temperature viscosity was measured from cullet using a rotational viscosimeter (Gero) from low viscosity to high viscosity. The Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann equation was fitted to the experimental data and used to calculate the working point corresponding to the temperature at which the viscosity of the glass is 10.sup.4 P; the forming viscosity at 1350° C.; and the fining viscosity at 1550° C.

[0056] The softening point (TL) was measured with a parallel plate viscometer (PPV) and corresponds to the temperature where the glass viscosity is 10.sup.7.6 P.

[0057] The liquidus was given by a range of temperature where the highest temperature corresponds to the minimum temperature at which no crystal was observed, and the lowest temperature corresponds to the maximum temperature at which crystals were observed. The devitrification characteristics (low and high liquidus temperatures) were determined as follows. Glass samples (12 mm diameter, 4 mm thick) were subjected to the following thermal treatment using pur Pt open sample holder: placing in a furnace preheated to 1050° C.; maintaining that temperature for 30 min; lowering to the test temperature, T, at a rate of 10° C./min; maintaining that temperature T for 17 hr; and quenching the samples. The crystals present, if any, were observed with a polarizing microscope in transmitted light. The primary phase was identified from the crystal shape and was assigned to cristobalite (SiO.sub.2) for these borosilicate glasses.

[0058] The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) was measured between 25° C. and 300° C. with a high temperature dilatometer at a heating rate of 5° C./min. The samples were small rods of glass (6×6×50 mm). The density was measured on glass samples with an He pycnometer at room temperature (Accupyc II 1340).

[0059] Visible-IR transmission and diffusion measurements were performed on a 1 mm thick sample with a Varian spectrophotometer (Cary 500 Scan model). Visible transmission and diffusion measurements were carried out with an integrating sphere. On the basis of the visible transmission and diffusion measurements, the integrated transmission (Y (%)) in the visible range (between 380 and 780 nm) and the haze (%) were calculated using the standard ASTM D 1003-13 (under D65 illuminant with a 2° observer). The colorimetric parameters were represented in the CIE L*a*b* color space, under D65 illuminant with a 2° observer.

[0060] The water content was estimated from the β-OH value calculated from IR transmission. The β-OH was calculated using the following equation:

β-OH (mm.sup.−1)=log (T(2600)/T.sub.min(2800))/e

with:
T(2600): transmission at 2600 nm (%);
T.sub.min(2800): lowest transmission in the vicinity of 2800 nm (%); and
e: sample thickness (1 mm)

[0061] The refractive index at 589 nm was measured on the Metricon device on a 2 mm thick glass sample.

[0062] The hydrolytic resistance of glass was evaluated according to the ISO 720:2020(E) standard and European Pharmacopoeia (Ph.Eur.) 9.4, Chapter 3.2.1, Test B: Glass Grains Test.

[0063] The acid resistance was measured according to the DIN 12116 standard, and the alkali resistance was measured according to ISO 695 standard.

[0064] Results

[0065] In FIGS. 1-4 and Tables 2-12, examples D1, D2, D4 to D9, D10, D11, D14 to D22, D24, D26, D28, D30 to D33, D48, D49 contain a fluorine (F) level higher than 0.02 wt % and may be used as comparative examples for conventional melting tank borosilicate glass fining packages and compositions.

[0066] Conventional Borosilicate Glass Tank Fining Package

[0067] The role of each main component of a conventional fining package was analyzed regarding the effect that each component has with respect to fining. In melt F5484, Method 1 was used with melting cycle A (D equals to 1 hour) and sample preparation method 1.1. Example D1 provides a comparative example of a conventional melting tank borosilicate glass composition fining package. The analyzed glass composition and seeds counting results are reported in Table 2. The SnO.sub.2 removal (E2) or the F removal (E3) lead to similar number of seeds than the conventional fining package (40-250 seeds/cm.sup.3) whereas the CeO.sub.2 removal leads to a significantly higher number of seeds (>2500 seeds/cm.sup.3) so fining is mostly driven by CeO.sub.2 in this fining package.

[0068] Table 2 shows D1, D2, E3, and C1 and the fining study of main components of the conventional fining package in melt F5484: the fining performance is mostly driven by CeO.sub.2 in this fining package.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Fining Packages and Compositions for D1, D2, E3, and C1 Example D1 D2 E3 C1 SiO.sub.2 73.02 73.07 72.68 73.77 B.sub.2O.sub.3 10.60 10.62 10.92 10.18 Al.sub.2O.sub.3 6.58 6.59 6.50 6.60 TiO.sub.2 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.007 BaO 0.003 0.006 0.003 0.012 CaO 1.33 1.34 1.31 1.34 Na.sub.2O 6.72 6.78 7.02 6.55 K2O 1.11 1.12 1.11 1.12 MgO 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.02 Cl 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 F 0.19 0.20 0.002 0.18 CeO.sub.2 0.20 0.21 0.20 0 SnO.sub.2 0.19 0.01 0.19 0.19 seeds average 137 224 45 2590 (number/cm.sup.3)

[0069] SnO.sub.2 and CeO.sub.2 Levels

[0070] Variations of SnO.sub.2 and CeO.sub.2 levels were carried out using Method 2 in melts 123436 and 123820. Conventional melting tank borosilicate glass compositions and fining packages are provided by comparative examples D8 and D10. In melt 123820, halides-free and/or SnO.sub.2-free fining packages were also investigated. Table 3, Table 4, and Table 5 report the analyzed glass composition, the slice sample pictures, seeds counting, and solids results.

[0071] Table 3 shows Melt 123436 and examples D4, D5, D6, D7, D8, and D9. Example D8 provides a nonlimiting example of a conventional fining package, and the other examples start out with the levels of the D8 conventional fining package and provide further variation of SnO.sub.2 and CeO.sub.2 levels. As shown by Table 3, the fining performances are similar for any investigated SnO.sub.2 and CeO.sub.2 levels. FIG. 1 shows a comparison of samples from melt 123436 wherein the comparison chart shows images of examples D4, D5, D6, D7, D8, and D9.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Fining Packages and Compositions for Melt 123436 and D4 to D9 Example D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 SiO.sub.2 71.95 72.43 72.26 73.08 73.02 73.42 B.sub.2O.sub.3 11.46 11.19 11.31 10.51 10.55 10.53 Al.sub.2O.sub.3 6.57 6.64 6.53 6.68 6.59 6.48 TiO.sub.2 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 0.002 0.003 0.004 0.004 0.004 0.004 BaO 0.02 0.02 0.00 0.03 0.02 0.02 CaO 1.35 1.36 1.34 1.37 1.36 1.34 Na.sub.2O 6.82 6.61 6.84 6.56 6.70 6.48 K.sub.2O 1.13 1.14 1.13 1.15 1.14 1.12 MgO 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 Cl 0.017 0.016 0.015 0.015 0.018 0.015 F 0.21 0.19 0.19 0.20 0.20 0.19 CeO.sub.2 0.41 0.30 0.24 0.20 0.18 0.17 SnO.sub.2 0.03 0.06 0.10 0.17 0.18 0.19 seeds sum 480 466 201 601 208 641 (number/cm.sup.3) solids volume 0 0.43 0.88 0 0.50 0.64 (mm.sup.3)

[0072] Table 4 shows Melt 123820 and examples D10, D11, E12, and E13. D11 shows variations of SnO.sub.2 and CeO.sub.2 levels, with results showing that the fining performances are similar for any investigated SnO.sub.2 and CeO.sub.2 levels. E12 and E13 show halides-free fining packages, with results showing no change in fining with CeO.sub.2 and SnO.sub.2 levels close to conventional fining package levels. FIG. 2 shows a comparison of samples from melt 123820 wherein the comparison chart shows images of examples D10, D11, E12, and E13 as well as comparative examples C2 and C3.

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Fining Packages and Compositions for Melt 123820 and D10, D11, E12, and E13 Example D10 D11 E12 E13 SiO.sub.2 73.05 72.99 73.31 73.69 B.sub.2O.sub.3 10.58 10.64 10.46 10.14 Al.sub.2O.sub.3 6.64 6.57 6.75 6.73 TiO.sub.2 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 0.004 0.004 0.003 0.003 BaO 0.03 0.03 0.02 0.02 CaO 1.37 1.35 1.39 1.39 Na.sub.2O 6.59 6.71 6.42 6.40 K2O 1.15 1.13 1.16 1.16 MgO 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.04 Cl 0.017 0.016 0.018 0.006 F 0.18 0.19 0.01 0.01 CeO.sub.2 0.19 0.14 0.22 0.22 SnO.sub.2 0.18 0.20 0.18 0.19 seeds sum 1011 671 1546 1228 (number/cm.sup.3) solids volume 4.02 4.28 0 1.4 (mm.sup.3)

[0073] Containing F and Cl levels close to the conventional fining package levels, wherein the F level is between 0.18 and 0.21 wt % and the Cl level is between 0.015 and 0.018 wt %, examples D4 to D11 show similar seeds sum (200-1100 seeds/cm.sup.3) and limited solids volume (<4.3 mm.sup.3) for the different SnO.sub.2 and CeO.sub.2 levels.

[0074] With CeO.sub.2 and SnO.sub.2 close to conventional fining package levels, but without batched F, or without batched F and Cl, examples E12 and E13 show similar seeds sum (1200-1600 seeds/cm.sup.3) and low solids volume (<1.5 mm.sup.3).

[0075] Table 5 shows comparative examples C2 and C3 from Melt 123820. The comparative examples provide a study of variations of SnO.sub.2 and CeO.sub.2 levels in a conventional fining package, wherein a minimum value of CeO.sub.2 is required to limit seeds number and a maximum value of SnO.sub.2 is identified due to solids. Furthermore, the comparative examples provide a study of a fining package including only CeO.sub.2. Minimum values of Cl or SnO.sub.2 are required to limit the seeds number.

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Fining Packages and Compositions of Comparative Examples C2 and C3 from Melt 123820 Comparative example C2 C3 SiO.sub.2 72.90 74.02 B.sub.2O.sub.3 10.67 9.88 Al.sub.2O.sub.3 6.63 6.85 TiO.sub.2 0.01 0.01 Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 0.005 0.004 BaO 0.03 0.03 CaO 1.36 1.42 Na.sub.2O 6.72 6.31 K2O 1.14 1.18 MgO 0.03 0.04 Cl 0.016 0.006 F 0.19 0.02 CeO.sub.2 0.06 0.23 SnO.sub.2 0.25 0.01 seeds sum 2150 2429 (number/cm.sup.3) solids volume 8.50 0 (mm.sup.3)

[0076] Comparative example C2 shows that a lower CeO.sub.2 level (<0.06 wt %) and a larger SnO.sub.2 level (>0.25 wt %) leads to a higher seeds number (>2000 seeds/cm.sup.3) as well as a larger solids volume (>8 mm.sup.3). Solids are visible in the C2 sample picture as white spots in FIG. 2. A minimum value of CeO.sub.2 is required to limit seeds number and a maximum value of SnO.sub.2 is identified due to solids.

[0077] Comparative example C3 shows that having only CeO.sub.2 as a fining agent at 0.23 wt % leads to the highest seeds number (>2400 seeds/cm.sup.3). Minimum values of Cl or SnO.sub.2 are required to limit the seeds number.

[0078] SnO.sub.2 Reduction

[0079] Reduction of SnO.sub.2 level was carried out to identify the impact on fining using Method 2 during melts 126438 and 127082. The advantage of reducing the level of SnO.sub.2 relates to batch cost reduction, since SnO.sub.2 comes from an expensive raw material. Results are reported in Table 6 and Table 7.

[0080] Table 6 shows Melt 126438 with various SnO.sub.2 levels, with results showing similar fining performance for SnO.sub.2 levels between 0.122 and 0.049 wt %. FIG. 3 shows a comparison of samples from melt 126438 wherein the comparison chart shows images of examples D14, D15, D16, and C4.

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Fining Packages and Compositions of Melt 126438 and D14, D15, D16, and C4 with various SnO.sub.2 levels Example D14 D15 D16 C4 SiO.sub.2 74.92 73.91 74.04 75.24 B.sub.2O.sub.3 9.17 9.92 9.82 8.85 Al.sub.2O.sub.3 6.78 6.70 6.78 7.05 TiO.sub.2 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 0.004 0.004 0.005 0.004 BaO 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 CaO 1.38 1.37 1.38 1.45 Na.sub.2O 6.00 6.40 6.30 5.70 K.sub.2O 1.17 1.16 1.16 1.22 MgO 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 Cl 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 F 0.20 0.20 0.21 0.22 CeO.sub.2 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.21 SnO.sub.2 0.122 0.080 0.049 0.006 seeds sum 1333 1736 1751 — (number/cm.sup.3)

[0081] Table 7 shows Melt 127082 with various SnO.sub.2 levels, with results showing similar fining performance for SnO.sub.2 levels between 0.120 and 0.031 wt %. Melt 127082 also includes example E18 having no batched Cl, with results showing that there was no fining change observed without Cl in the conventional fining package. FIG. 4 shows a comparison of samples from melt 127082 wherein the comparison chart shows images of examples D17, D18, D19, D20, C5, C6, and D21.

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Fining Packages and Compositions of Melt 127082 and D17-D21, C5, and C6 with various SnO.sub.2 levels Example D17 D18 D19 D20 C5 C6 D21 SiO.sub.2 74.25 74.20 74.57 74.20 74.69 73.76 74.61 B.sub.2O.sub.3 9.75 9.78 9.45 9.69 9.30 10.16 9.33 Al.sub.2O.sub.3 6.81 6.83 6.95 6.87 7.08 6.75 6.95 TiO.sub.2 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 0.004 0.004 0.004 0.004 0.004 0.004 0.004 BaO 0.003 0.003 0.004 0.002 0.010 0.004 0.003 CaO 1.40 1.41 1.42 1.41 1.45 1.39 1.42 Na.sub.2O 6.06 6.05 5.91 6.17 5.71 6.31 5.92 K.sub.2O 1.17 1.18 1.20 1.18 1.22 1.17 1.20 MgO 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 Cl 0.017 0.007 0.017 0.017 0.016 0.019 0.017 F 0.20 0.21 0.21 0.21 0.24 0.21 0.21 CeO.sub.2 0.19 0.18 0.19 0.19 0.23 0.19 0.19 SnO.sub.2 0.120 0.118 0.047 0.031 0.018 0.005 0.120 seeds sum 861 667 716 824 — — 799 (number/cm.sup.3)

[0082] Example E18 has no Cl batched and shows the same seeds counting as references D17 and D21 (660-870 seeds/cm.sup.3).

[0083] In both melts, a similar fining was observed for D14 to D21 having from 0.12 to 0.031 wt % SnO.sub.2. The seeds sum was in the same order of magnitude as references D14 and D17 (1300-1800 seeds/cm.sup.3 for melt 126438 and 700-900 seeds/cm.sup.3 for melt 127082). However, a significant increase in small seeds was visible for the lowest SnO.sub.2 levels of 0.018 and 0.005 wt % (C4-05-C6), and in those cases, the seeds were so numerous that they were not counted.

[0084] The results of the experimental study indicated that a lower cost fining package may be provided than the conventional fining package.

[0085] F Removal

[0086] Examples E3 and E12 did not include batched F and showed similar seeds numbers as references D1 and D10, respectively. Accordingly, the fining package may be further simplified by removing F.

[0087] Fining without F

[0088] To study fining packages that remove F, lower SnO.sub.2 and CeO.sub.2 levels in the composition were studied. Levels of SnO.sub.2 around 0.1 wt % and levels of CeO.sub.2 around 0.15 wt % were studied using Method 1, melting Cycle A, and sample preparation method 1.2 (melts F5521 and F5522). Results are provided in Table 8.

[0089] Table 8 shows seeds counting for various dwell fining time (D) for reference compositions and for F-free compositions, with results showing that the F-free fining package had the same fining efficiency as the fining package including F.

TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Fining Packages and Compositions and Seeds counting for various dwell fining time (D) for D22, E23, D24, E25, D26, E27, D28, and E29 Example D22 E23 D24 E25 D26 E27 D28 E29 Melt ID F5521 F5522 F5521 F5522 F5521 F5522 F5521 F5522 Reference FSP 56 57 56 57 56 57 56 57 (analyzed wt %) SiO.sub.2 72.64 73.07 72.75 72.81 72.29 72.75 72.59 72.58 B.sub.2O.sub.3 11.14 10.84 10.99 11.01 11.3 11.04 11.09 11.16 Al.sub.2O.sub.3 6.43 6.48 6.52 6.48 6.51 6.51 6.48 6.51 TiO.sub.2 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 0.006 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.006 0.005 0.006 0.005 BaO 0.006 0.01 0.007 0.011 0.007 0.01 0.007 0.009 CaO 1.30 1.31 1.32 1.31 1.33 1.31 1.31 1.33 Na.sub.2O 6.92 6.86 6.84 6.94 6.98 6.95 6.97 6.97 K.sub.2O 1.1 1.11 1.12 1.11 1.12 1.12 1.11 1.13 MgO 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 Cl 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.03 F 0.17 0.01 0.16 0.01 0.17 0 0.16 0 CeO.sub.2 0.14 0.15 0.14 0.16 0.14 0.15 0.13 0.15 SnO.sub.2 0.1 0.11 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.11 0.1 0.1 D (min) 0 30 60 90 sum seeds/cm.sup.3 1130 1161 437 285 25 55 17 7

[0090] At each dwell fining time (D) from 0 minute to 90 minutes, the seeds counting was similar for the reference compositions (D22, D24, D26, and D28) and for the F-free compositions (E23, E25, E27, and E29). As such, results showed that the F-free fining package had the same fining efficiency as the reference fining package.

[0091] There is an interest to have a simpler, lower cost fining package that maintains the fining performance as well as the glass and product properties. Removing F allows for simplification of the fining package. However, F is well known to reduce the viscosity of the melt. Though removing F may allow for simplification of the fining package, the stability of the softening point as well as of the critical glass and product properties is required.

[0092] Glass Properties without Fluorine (F)

[0093] Glass samples were prepared by Method 1 with melting Cycle B. Examples D30 to D33 correspond to a reference composition (FSP 56) and examples E43 and E44 correspond to a reference composition without F (FSP 57). As expected, the F removal generated an increase of the softening point of about 6° C. (see comparison of examples D30 and E43).

[0094] To compensate for the F removal, glass compositions added Na.sub.2O, B.sub.2O.sub.3, CaO, and K.sub.2O and combined additions of Na.sub.2O and B.sub.2O.sub.3. The appropriate additions of B.sub.2O.sub.3 or of Na.sub.2O and B.sub.2O.sub.3 allow for compositional changes that compensate for the softening point increase while keeping the glass properties (CTE, density, hydrolytic resistance) close to the reference values.

[0095] The glass compositions and properties for examples and comparatives examples are reported in Table 9, Table 10, and Table 11. Examples in Table 9 have both CTE and TL values in the target ranges of CTE between 52-54.10.sup.−7 K.sup.−1 (25-300° C.) and TL between 764-777° C.

[0096] Because comparative example C7 has a high B.sub.2O.sub.3 level, the TL is too low (758.7° C.). Because comparative example C8 has a high K.sub.2O level, the CTE and density are too large (63.6.10.sup.−7 K.sup.−1 and 2.39, respectively). Because comparative example C9 has a high CaO level, the hydrolytic resistance is damaged according to the EP. 9.4 (3.2.1 B) test (0.069 mL HCl/g glass).

[0097] Table 9 shows glass compositions and properties for reference compositions D30, D31, D32, and D33.

TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Fining Packages and Glass Compositions and Properties for D30-D33 Example D30 D31 D32 D33 Melt ID F5523 F5534 F5537 F5539 Reference FSP 56-2 56 56 56 (analyzed wt %) SiO.sub.2 72.921 72.547 72.575 72.105 B.sub.2O.sub.3 10.87 11.12 11.01 11.48 Al.sub.2O.sub.3 6.50 6.50 6.57 6.47 TiO.sub.2 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 0.006 0.006 0.005 0.005 BaO 0.003 0.009 0.004 0.003 CaO 1.31 1.32 1.33 1.32 Na.sub.2O 6.88 6.94 6.93 7.08 K.sub.2O 1.09 1.11 1.12 1.12 MgO 0.02 0.01 0.02 0.02 Cl 0.020 0.019 0.017 0.016 F 0.140 0.154 0.160 0.151 CeO.sub.2 0.13 0.15 0.14 0.12 SnO.sub.2 0.100 0.105 0.110 0.098 working point T(10.sup.4 P) (° C.) 1160 1155 1155 forming viscosity at 1350° C. (P) 1402 1351 1339 fining viscosity at 1550° C. (P) 314 311 304 liquidus (° C.) — 942-957 — TL softening point (° C.) 775.7 767.3 767 770.4 β-OH (mm.sup.−1) 0.68 0.74 0.68 0.61 CTE (25-300° C.) (.10.sup.−7 K.sup.−1) 52.5 53.0 52.5 52.5 density 2.340 2.340 2.341 2.340 refractive index n.sub.D (589 nm) 1.48985 — — DIN 12116 (mg/dm.sup.2) 0.54 — — Class S1 — — ISO 695 (mg/dm.sup.2) 115.7 — — Class A2 — — ISO 720 (ml HCl/g glass) — — 0.047 Class — — HGA 1 EP. 9.4 (3.2.1 B) (ml HCl/g glass) — 0.046 — 0.049 Class — Type I — Type I Y (D65) (%) (1 mm) — — 92.30 L* — — 96.9437 a* — — 0.0200 b* — — 0.1452 haze (%) — — 0.49

[0098] Table 10 shows glass compositions and properties for E34, E35, E36, E37, E38, E39, E40, E41, and E42, which are F-free examples having CTE and TL values in the target ranges.

TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Fining Packages and Glass Compositions and Properties for E34-E42 Example E34 E35 E36 E37 E38 E39 E40 E41 E42 Melt ID F5527 F5534 F5537 F5537 F5525 F5534 F5528 F5539 F5539 Reference FSP 62 74 74-1  74-2  60 72 66 75 76 (analyzed wt %) SiO.sub.2 70.951 71.999 71.874 72.162 71.687 72.082 71.819 72.144 72.140 B.sub.2O.sub.3 13.03 11.77 11.73 11.59 11.89 11.80 11.24 11.68 11.72 Al.sub.2O.sub.3 6.50 6.47 6.53 6.52 6.50 6.49 6.45 6.47 6.40 TiO.sub.2 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.006 0.006 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.004 BaO 0.003 0.009 0.004 0.005 0.004 0.009 0.004 0.003 0.003 CaO 1.34 1.31 1.32 1.33 1.32 1.31 2.19 1.31 1.30 Na.sub.2O 6.80 7.02 7.12 7.00 7.22 6.88 6.90 7.01 7.05 K.sub.2O 1.09 1.11 1.12 1.09 1.10 1.12 1.10 1.10 1.10 MgO 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.03 0.02 0.02 0.04 0.02 0.02 Cl 0.016 0.018 0.018 0.018 0.016 0.017 0.018 0.017 0.018 F 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.003 CeO.sub.2 0.13 0.15 0.14 0.14 0.13 0.15 0.13 0.13 0.13 SnO.sub.2 0.103 0.106 0.100 0.100 0.097 0.106 0.098 0.101 0.102 working point 1141 1149 1151 — — 1149 — 1150 1145 T(10.sup.4 P) (° C.) forming viscosity 1142 1245 1267 — — 1250 — 1240 1180 at 1350° C. (P) fining viscosity at 261 287 291 — — 289 — 274 274 1550° C. (P) liquidus (° C.) 901-926 — 952-962 — 932-942 — — — — TL softening point 765.7 772.3 770 — 769.7 769.0 775.3 773.0 770.8 (° C.) β-OH (mm.sup.−1) — — 0.74 0.71 — — — 0.63 0.72 CTE (25-300° C.) 52.8 53.4 52.8 — 53.7 53.2 53.6 52.8 52.8 (.Math.10.sup.−7 K.sup.−1) density 2.329 2.341 2.34 — 2.343 2.336 2.355 2.343 2.344 DIN 12116 — — — 0.73 — — — — — (mg/dm.sup.2) Class — — — S2 — — — — — ISO 695 (mg/dm.sup.2) — — — 122.7 — — — — — Class — — — A2 — — — — — ISO 720 (ml HCl/g — — 0.050 — — — — — — glass) Class — — HGA1 — — — — — — EP. 9.4 (3.2.1 B) — 0.05 — — — 0.051 — 0.047 0.046 (ml HCl/g glass) Class — Type I — — — Type I — Type I Type I Y (D65) (%) — — 92.31 — — — — — — (1 mm) L* — — 96.9476 — — — — — — a* — — 0.0254 — — — — — — b* — — 0.1415 — — — — — — haze (%) — — 0.31 — — — — — —

[0099] Table 11 shows glass compositions and properties for F-free examples E43, E44, E45, E46, and E47 and comparative examples C7, C8, and C9.

TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 Fining Packages and Glass Compositions and Properties for E43-E47, C7, C8, and C9 Example E43 E44 E45 E46 E47 C7 C8 C9 Melt ID F5523 F5525 F5527 F5527 F5528 F5527 F5528 F5528 Reference FSP 57-2 57 61 63 65 64 67 68 (analyzed wt %) SiO.sub.2 72.784 72.668 72.194 71.147 71.383 70.152 69.883 70.940 B.sub.2O.sub.3 11.07 11.18 11.25 11.42 11.17 13.83 11.34 11.20 Al.sub.2O.sub.3 6.55 6.50 6.49 6.49 6.49 6.51 6.50 6.48 TiO.sub.2 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 0.005 0.006 0.005 0.006 0.007 0.005 0.009 0.007 BaO 0.011 0.004 0.004 0.000 0.029 0.003 0.054 0.004 CaO 1.33 1.33 1.31 1.33 1.24 1.35 1.22 3.08 Na.sub.2O 6.86 6.93 7.36 8.30 6.84 6.77 6.78 6.87 K.sub.2O 1.09 1.11 1.11 1.08 2.57 1.10 3.96 1.11 MgO 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.06 Cl 0.020 0.017 0.016 0.016 0.018 0.017 0.018 0.018 F 0 0.001 0.002 0 0 0.002 0 0 CeO.sub.2 0.15 0.13 0.13 0.10 0.13 0.13 0.11 0.13 SnO.sub.2 0.100 0.095 0.100 0.087 0.095 0.102 0.097 0.096 working point T(10.sup.4 P) 1161 1160 — — — 1130 — — (° C.) forming viscosity at 1420 1400 — — — 1017 — — 1350° C. (P) fining viscosity at 318 315 — — — 240 — — 1550° C. (P) liquidus (° C.) — 936-954 — — — — — — TL softening point 781.7 778.0 771.3 764.0 771.3 758.7 761.7 774.3 (° C.) β-OH (mm.sup.−1) 0.66 0.66 — — — — — CTE (25-300° C.) 52.7 52.3 54.9 58.1 58.2 53.0 63.6 55.5 (.Math.10.sup.−7 K.sup.−1) density 2.338 2.339 2.351 2.374 2.366 2.325 2.39 2.369 refractive index n.sub.D 1.49069 — — — — — — — (589 nm) DIN 12116 (mg/dm.sup.2) 0.49 — — — — — — — Class S1 — — — — — — — ISO 695 (mg/dm.sup.2) 110.4 — — — — — — — Class A2 — — — — — — — EP. 9.4 (3.2.1 B) (ml — — 0.046 — — — — 0.069 HCl/g glass) Class — — Type I — — — — Type I

[0100] Fining Performances of F-Free Modified Composition and F-Free Low SnO.sub.2 Modified Composition

[0101] The fining performance of an F-free modified composition (E40: FSP 75) and of an F-free low SnO.sub.2 modified composition (FSP 78) has been compared to conventional borosilicate tank glass (FSP 56) to study whether the composition change (addition of Na.sub.2O and B.sub.2O.sub.3 and reduction of SnO.sub.2) impacts fining. The FSP 75 composition was selected to compare fining performances of glasses having very close high temperature viscosity (working point 1150° C. and 1155° C.) and TL values (773° C. and 770° C.).

[0102] Method 1, melting Cycle A, and sample preparation method 1.2 were used in melts F5543 and F5550 with D equals 30 min. Results are provided in Table 12 and show similar fining performances for the compositions: the Reference (FSP 56) vs the F-free modified (FSP 75) and the Reference (FSP 56) vs the F-free low SnO.sub.2 modified (FSP 78). Due to furnace inhomogeneity, the results for examples D48 and E50 can be compared, and results for examples D49 and E51 can be compared. Due to furnace inhomogeneity, the results for examples E52 and E54 can be compared, and results for compositions E53 and E55 can be compared.

[0103] Table 12 shows results of Melts F5543 and F5550 with D equals 30 min showing similar fining performances for the reference composition (FSP 56) and the F-free modified composition (FSP 75) and similar fining performances for the reference composition (FSP 56) and the F-free low SnO.sub.2 modified composition (FSP 78).

TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 12 Fining Packages and Compositions of Melts F5543 and F5550 for D48, D49, and E50-E55 Melt F5543 F5550 Example D48 D49 E50 E51 E52 E53 E54 E55 Reference FSP 56-1 56-2 75-1 75-2 56-1 56-2 78-1 78-2 (analyzed wt %) SiO.sub.2 72.896 72.550 72.268 72.310 72.978 73.646 72.699 72.849 B.sub.2O.sub.3 10.83 11.09 11.53 11.5 10.75 10.27 11.26 11.19 Al.sub.2O.sub.3 6.55 6.53 6.5 6.5 6.57 6.72 6.59 6.53 TiO.sub.2 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.004 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 BaO 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.011 0 0 0 0 CaO 1.33 1.32 1.32 1.31 1.32 1.36 1.28 1.32 Na.sub.2O 6.78 6.91 6.93 6.92 6.84 6.43 6.83 6.77 K.sub.2O 1.12 1.12 1.12 1.12 1.12 1.14 1.13 1.12 MgO 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.02 Cl 0.018 0.016 0.019 0.018 0.017 0.017 0.018 0.017 F 0.170 0.160 0.002 0 0.158 0.165 0.002 0.004 CeO.sub.2 0.16 0.15 0.16 0.16 0.13 0.13 0.13 0.13 SnO.sub.2 0.109 0.109 0.108 0.109 0.096 0.096 0.033 0.034 sum seeds/cm.sup.3 408 153 203 65 353 1232 2516 653

[0104] “Include,” “includes,” or like terms means encompassing but not limited to, that is, inclusive and not exclusive.

[0105] “About” modifying, for example, the quantity of an ingredient in a composition, concentrations, volumes, process temperature, process time, yields, flow rates, pressures, viscosities, and like values, and ranges thereof, or a dimension of a component, and like values, and ranges thereof, employed in describing the aspects of the disclosure, refers to variation in the numerical quantity that can occur, for example: through typical measuring and handling procedures used for preparing materials, compositions, composites, concentrates, component parts, articles of manufacture, or use formulations; through inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of starting materials or ingredients used to carry out the methods; and like considerations. The term “about” also encompasses amounts that differ due to aging of a composition or formulation with a particular initial concentration or mixture, and amounts that differ due to mixing or processing a composition or formulation with a particular initial concentration or mixture.

[0106] “Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0107] The indefinite article “a” or “an” and its corresponding definite article “the” as used herein means at least one, or one or more, unless specified otherwise.

[0108] Abbreviations, which are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art, may be used (e.g., “h” or “hrs” for hour or hours, “g” or “gm” for gram(s), “mL” for milliliters, and “rt” for room temperature, “nm” for nanometers, and like abbreviations).

[0109] Specific and preferred values disclosed for components, ingredients, additives, dimensions, conditions, and like aspects, and ranges thereof, are for illustration only; they do not exclude other defined values or other values within defined ranges. The systems, kits, and/or methods of the disclosure can include any value or any combination of the values, specific values, more specific values, and preferred values described herein, including explicit or implicit intermediate values and ranges.

[0110] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that any particular order be inferred.

[0111] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed aspects. Since modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and variations of the disclosed aspects incorporating the spirit and substance of the aspects may occur to persons skilled in the art, the disclosed aspects should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.