SYSTEMS FOR MONITORING GLASS AND/OR GLASS FOAM DENSITY AS A FUNCTION OF VERTICAL POSITION WITHIN A VESSEL

摘要

Methods and systems for determining density or density gradient of molten foamed glass in a glass melter, an apparatus downstream of a glass melter, or both. A molten foamed glass is generated having molten glass and bubbles entrained therein and/or a layer of glass foam on a top surface thereof in a melter. At least a portion of the molten foamed glass is transferred into an apparatus positioned downstream of the melter, and the density or density gradient of the molten foamed glass in the melter or downstream apparatus is determined as a function of distance from a structural feature of the melter or downstream apparatus, or both, using one or more electromagnetic (EM) wave-based sensors.

主权项

1. A system comprising:
a melter comprising a floor, a roof, and a wall structure connecting the floor and roof, configured to generate a molten foamed glass comprising molten glass and bubbles entrained therein and/or a layer of glass foam on a top surface thereof; a downstream apparatus positioned downstream of and fluidly connected to the melter, the downstream apparatus comprising at least a floor and a sidewall structure defining an internal space sufficient for containing a non-flowing or flowing stream of the molten foamed glass; and one or more EM wave-based sensors a configured and positioned to determine density of the molten foamed glass in either the melter, the downstream apparatus, or both as a function of distance from a structural feature of the melter or downstream apparatus, or both.