OXYGEN-FIRED FRONT END FOR GLASS FORMING OPERATION

摘要

A front end for a glass forming operation comprises an open channel (22) and at least one burner (44). The channel has at least one surface (40). The surface has at least one hole (42A) therein. The burner is oriented in the hole at an acute angle relative to the surface. In another embodiment of the invention, the channel has a top (24C) and a pair of sidewalls (28A) each having a surface (40, 46). At least one hole (42A, 42C) is in at least one of the surfaces. The hole is at an acute angle relative to at least one surface. The burner is an oxygen-fired burner. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the top (24C) and sidewalls (28A) each have a super structure surface constructed of refractory material. The channel has an upstream end (30A) and a downstream end (32A). At least one of the surfaces has a plurality of holes therein. The burners extend at an acute angle relative to at least one surface and in a plane extending between the upstream end and the downstream end and perpendicular to at least one surface. Oxygen-fired burners extend axially through corresponding holes.