FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A GLASS MELTER

摘要

The glass melter has an outlet portion formed as a heating device for controlling the outlet flow rate of molten glass from the melter. Raw batch material that is used to form the molten glass is heated to a molten state at a first temperature range. The molten glass, while flowing toward the outlet of the melter, is cooled to a second temperature range to increase the viscosity of the molten glass to a desired level. The outlet member then heats the exiting molten glass a predetermined amount to decrease the glass viscosity in accordance with desired flow rate requirements. Heating of the outlet member is accomplished by imposing a relatively low voltage and a relatively high amperage on the outlet member. Accordingly, by using the outlet member as a heater a controlled flow rate of molten glass from the melter is achieved.