METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HANDLING HEAT-SOFTENABLE BATCH MATERIAL

摘要

A method and apparatus are provided for handling heat-softenable batch material. The batch components are mixed together and then mixed with liquid and formed into pellets of substantially uniform size and shape. The pellets are preheated in a heat-exchange chamber through which hot gases are passed from a melting unit to which the preheated pellets are supplied, saving considerably on energy requirements. A physical characteristic such as the depth of a portion of the batch being formed into the pellets is sensed, the depth being related to moisture content. The ratio of the batch material and liquid is regulated in dependence upon this sensing to achieve uniformity in pellet size. Size uniformity is important in maintaining relatively free flow of the hot gases through the pellets in the heatexchange chamber.