초록 ▼

Glass or the like is melted by liquefying batch materials in a first stage by means of radiant heating, and further advancing the melting process in a second stage where the melt is heated by induction heating. Another aspect of the invention provides a residence zone at the exit of the induction he

Glass or the like is melted by liquefying batch materials in a first stage by means of radiant heating, and further advancing the melting process in a second stage where the melt is heated by induction heating. Another aspect of the invention provides a residence zone at the exit of the induction heating stage to aid elimination of gaseous inclusions.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for melting material comprising: feeding a stream of pulverulent material to a first vessel in which the material is supported on a sloped surface and liquefied by primarily radiant heat transfer, draining the liquefied material from the first vessel to a second vessel, in the second vessel

A method for melting material comprising: feeding a stream of pulverulent material to a first vessel in which the material is supported on a sloped surface and liquefied by primarily radiant heat transfer, draining the liquefied material from the first vessel to a second vessel, in the second vessel increasing the temperature of the liquefied material by imposing an alternating electromagnetic field on a volume of the liquefied material held in the second vessel so as to induce electric currents in the liquefied material. Apparatus for melting materials comprising: a first vessel having means for feeding a stream of pulverulent material, a sloped surface adapted to receive the incoming stream and to drain liquefied material from the vessel, and radiant heating means for liquefying the pulverulent material fed to the vessel; and a second vessel adapted to receive liquefied material drained from the first vessel, and having means to impose an alternating electromagnetic field on liquefied material held in the second vessel so as to increase the temperature of the liquefied material.