APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PURGING CONTAMINANTS FROM A GLASS MAKING SYSTEM

摘要

A purging apparatus is disclosed for varying a level of molten glass in a glass making system, thereby purging molten glass contaminated with condensed particulate, such as platinum or platinum alloy particulate, from a standpipe connected with a vessel or conduit for holding or conveying molten glass, or from the vessel itself. The purging apparatus, comprising nested tubes and sealing gaskets, is inserted into the standpipe and sealed thereto, and a pressurized gas may be forced into the standpipe through the purging apparatus. The increased pressure in the standpipe forces the contaminated molten glass from the standpipe into the vessel or conduit so that it can be removed, such as by flowing through and out of the glass making system. The apparatus may also be used to apply a vacuum to the standpipe, wherein the decreased pressure in the standpipe or vessel increases a level of the molten glass to wash contaminants from the system.