JP5756340B2 - Glass melting apparatus and glass melting method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a glass melting apparatus and a glass melting method. In particular, the present invention relates to a glass melting apparatus and a glass melting method that can melt even a considerable amount of glass raw material extremely quickly and stably while dropping.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a glass melting apparatus is known in which a powdery glass material is heated and melted using a predetermined gas burner to form a molten glass having a predetermined viscosity (for example, see Patent Document 1).
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, a raw material charging unit 203 and a refining chamber 204 are connected in series before and after the melting chamber 202, and a plurality of combustion flames are generated in the melting chamber 202. Glass melting device 200 provided with a gas burner 201 (201a to 201e) of at least one of a glass raw material, cullet, or a mixed raw material thereof, in at least one gas burner installed on the raw material input side of the melting chamber 202. This is a glass melting apparatus 200 provided with glass raw material supply means 207 for supplying a part of the granular material into the combustion flame of the gas burners 201a and 201b.

In addition, a glass using a plasma apparatus configured to generate a plasma flow by applying a high voltage between an anode (plasma torch) and a cathode to generate an arc and applying a working gas (air, etc.) thereto. A melting apparatus has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 12 (a) to 12 (b), when the mixed glass raw material (W) adjusted by forming part or all of the glass raw material into particles passes, A raw material heating unit 303 for forming a gas phase atmosphere and a heated glass raw material are supplied to the upper portion by a plasma heating and melting apparatus 306 that heats the salt decomposition reaction temperature or higher, and the glass melt 308 is stored. A glass melt device 301 including a glass melt portion 304 for carrying out the process.

Further, a horizontal cylindrical luminous flame burner applied to a glass melting furnace or the like has been proposed (for example, a luminous flame burner capable of forming a tubular flame, forming a luminous flame, and using flame radiation (for example, And Patent Document 3).
More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 13A to 13B, a mixture of air and fuel gas is formed on the inner surface of the burner body 401 forming the horizontal cylindrical combustion space 402 in the tangential direction. The air-fuel mixture jetted from the jet part 404 swirls in the combustion space 402 to form a tubular flame and burn.
In addition, an axial fuel injection portion 405 that injects fuel gas in the axial direction from the center of the wall surface is provided at the center of the wall surface of one end 402 a in the axial direction of the combustion space 402, and the other end in the axial direction of the combustion space 402. This is a luminous flame burner 450 configured to eject the luminous flame 408 from 402b.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-11953 (claims, etc.) JP 2006-199549 A (Claims etc.) JP 2009-222291 A (Claims etc.)

However, in the glass melting apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, although a relatively large amount of glass raw material can be melted, there is a problem that a considerable melting time of several tens of hours is required to obtain molten glass. It was.
In addition, even if it is necessary to stop the operation of the glass melting apparatus for maintenance of the melting furnace, etc., after the necessary work by lowering the glass melting apparatus to a predetermined temperature, it is brought to a high temperature state. Since it takes an excessively long time to restart, there was a problem that it was virtually impossible.
Therefore, in the disclosed glass melting apparatus, there is no concept of maintenance, and when it is necessary to stop the operation, the entire apparatus must be discarded and replaced, which is extremely uneconomical.

In addition, the glass melting apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2 uses a plasma melting apparatus to melt a relatively small amount of glass raw material, but may be melted in a relatively short time. Since it is a system, the problem that it was not applicable when a considerable amount of glass raw material was melted was seen.
In addition, there is a restriction that the glass raw material to be provided to the glass melting apparatus has to be molded into a predetermined particle size, for example, a particle shape of 3 mm or less, the number of processes increases, the manufacturing time becomes longer, There was also a problem that the production yield was reduced.

Furthermore, even when the luminous flame burner including the tubular flame disclosed in Patent Document 3 is used, there has been a problem that the soda-lime glass raw material cannot be melted quickly and uniformly.
That is, soda-lime glass raw materials and the like mainly contain natural components such as silica sand, and contain many different types of raw materials having different melting points and the like, and the variation in the average particle diameter (D50) of these glass raw materials is large. There is a fact that carbon dioxide is easily generated.
Therefore, the dispersion | variation in the average particle diameter (D50) of these glass raw materials and the influence that the melting time of a soda-lime glass raw material becomes long by the influence of a carbon dioxide gas, or the melting state became uneven was seen. .

Therefore, the inventors of the present invention have conducted intensive research, and as a result, by sequentially providing a predetermined raw material supply device and a glass melting tower including a tubular flame generating device, a falling glass raw material can be rapidly and continuously produced. The present invention has been completed by finding that it can be melted.
That is, the present invention is capable of melting quickly and continuously even if a considerable amount of glass material is used, without forming the glass material into a predetermined particle size and eliminating the influence of the generated carbon dioxide gas or the like. An object of the present invention is to provide a glass melting apparatus and an efficient method for melting glass raw materials using such a glass melting apparatus.

According to the present invention, a raw material supply device having a glass raw material supply port for supplying a glass raw material, and a vertical cylindrical glass fusing tower that heats the supplied glass raw material in a fall state to form a molten glass. A glass fusing apparatus sequentially provided, comprising a first nozzle for supplying fuel gas and a second nozzle for supplying oxygen-containing gas to a tangential direction of a vertical cylindrical glass fusing tower. Further, a glass melting apparatus provided with a tubular flame generating apparatus is provided, and the above-described problems can be solved.
More specifically, a raw material supply device that supplies a glass raw material from a glass raw material supply port by using any one stirring device of an ultrasonic vibration device, a piezoelectric vibration device, a motor vibration device, a rotary mixer, or a screw feeder; The glass raw material in the falling state supplied from the glass raw material supply port of the raw material supply device is heated to form molten glass, and has a vertical cylindrical shape with dimensions of a tube length of 800 to 2500 mm and a tube diameter of 5 to 200 mm. A glass fusing apparatus comprising a glass fusing tower in order, and a first nozzle that supplies at least a fuel gas to the vertical cylindrical glass fusing tower in the tangential direction, and an oxygen-containing gas. The glass fusing device is provided with a tubular flame generating device provided with a second nozzle to be supplied.
That is, by sequentially providing such a raw material supply device and a glass melting tower, the glass raw material is melted without being formed into a predetermined particle diameter and without the influence of generated carbon dioxide gas or the like. Regardless of the amount of the glass raw material, the falling glass raw material can be melted quickly and continuously.
And by configuring in this way, the tubular flame that contributed to the melting of the glass raw material moves along the inner wall of the vertical cylindrical glass melting tower and can reach the obtained molten glass. Can be used as a heat source for further heating and holding, and as a result, extremely high energy efficiency can be obtained when the glass raw material is melted.
In addition, a storage section for the obtained molten glass is provided at the lower end of such a glass melting tower, and there is a glass raw material or the like that is insufficiently heated and melted by retaining it for a predetermined time while stirring. Even if it is, it can be set as the molten glass of a uniform flow state.
It is preferable that a stirring device is provided in the raw material supply device, and the stirring device is any one of an ultrasonic vibration device, a piezoelectric vibration device, a motor vibration device, a rotary mixer, and a screw feeder.
Furthermore, by providing the stirring device in this way, aggregation of the glass raw material can be effectively prevented, and even a considerable amount of the glass raw material can be melted more stably.

Further, in configuring the glass melting apparatus of the present invention, as the tubular flame generating device, at least a first tubular flame generating device and a second tubular flame generating device are provided from above along the vertical direction. It is preferable that a first glass raw material supply port and a second glass raw material supply port are provided corresponding to the first tubular flame generating device and the second tubular flame generating device, respectively.
By configuring in this way, even when a plurality of types of glass raw materials are melted, a plurality of tubular flame generating devices and glass raw material supply ports are selected for each glass raw material, Can be more stably melted.

Further, in configuring the glass melting apparatus of the present invention, a slit having a predetermined width is provided below the raw material supply apparatus, and while dropping the glass raw material in a curtain shape through the slit, a vertical cylindrical shape is provided. It is preferable that a quantitative supply device for quantitatively supplying the glass melting tower is provided.
By comprising in this way, the glass raw material can be supplied continuously and quantitatively, and even a considerable amount of glass raw material can be melted more stably.

In configuring the glass melting apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that a heat insulating device or a cooling device is provided between the raw material supply device and the cylindrical glass melting tower.
By comprising in this way, even if it is a case where a glass raw material is made to retain in a raw material supply apparatus for a predetermined time, aggregation resulting from the heating in the meantime can be prevented easily.

Moreover, when comprising the glass melting apparatus of this invention, it is preferable to equip the lower end of a glass melting tower with the heating apparatus for heating and melting the obtained molten glass further.
Even if the glass raw material may not be completely melted by heating only the tubular flame generating device due to fluctuations in environmental conditions and the like, variation in mixing of the glass raw material, etc. A molten glass having a uniform temperature and a good flow state can be obtained by a heating device different from the melting tower.

Moreover, when comprising the glass melting apparatus of this invention, it is preferable to further provide the glass clarification apparatus which defoams carbon dioxide gas, making the molten glass obtained by the glass melting tower flow.
Thus, by further providing a glass clarifier at the molten glass outlet, which is the end of the glass melting tower, it is possible to effectively prevent non-uniformity of the glass state due to the generation of carbon dioxide gas. A glass container having a predetermined mechanical strength and the like can be stably produced using a molten glass with a small amount of molten glass.

Another aspect of the present invention is a glass melting method in which a glass raw material in a falling state supplied from a glass raw material supply port in a raw material supply device for supplying a glass raw material is heated to form a molten glass. The step of supplying the glass raw material from the supply port to the vertical cylindrical glass fusing tower, and the supplied glass raw material in the fall state by the tubular flame generating device provided in the vertical cylindrical glass fusing tower, And a step of heating to obtain molten glass.
More specifically, the drop state supplied from the glass raw material supply port of the raw material supply device using any one of the stirring device of the ultrasonic vibration device, the piezoelectric vibration device, the motor vibration device, the rotary mixer, or the screw feeder. A glass melting method in which a glass raw material is heated to form a molten glass, from a glass raw material supply port to a vertical cylindrical glass melting tower having a tube length of 800 to 2500 mm and a tube diameter of 5 to 200 mm. A step of supplying a glass raw material, and a step of heating the supplied glass raw material in a fall state by a tubular flame generator provided in a vertical cylindrical glass melting tower to form a molten glass. A glass melting method characterized by the above.
In other words, by heating the glass raw material in such a state using a vertical tubular flame, the glass raw material is generated without forming the glass raw material into a predetermined particle diameter regardless of the amount of the glass raw material to be melted. It can be melted quickly and continuously with extremely high energy efficiency by eliminating the influence of carbon dioxide gas.

Moreover, when implementing the glass melting method of this invention, it is preferable to make the average particle diameter of a glass raw material into the value within the range of 10-800 micrometers.
By carrying out in this way, the glass raw material can be more uniformly heated by the vertical tubular flame, and even a considerable amount or a plurality of types of glass raw materials can be melted more stably.

Moreover, when implementing the glass melting method of this invention, after using hydrocarbon gas and air as a tubular flame production | generation gas in a tubular flame production | generation apparatus, it is preferable to switch and use hydrocarbon gas and oxygen.
By carrying out in this way, a safer ignition can be ensured at first using hydrocarbon gas and air, and then the glass raw material is further changed by switching and using hydrocarbon gas and oxygen. It becomes possible to melt stably.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a glass melting apparatus of the present invention. Drawing 2 is a figure offered in order to explain an example of a tubular flame generating device. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a screw feeder as an agitation supply device. FIGS. 4A to 4B are diagrams provided for explaining an example of the quantitative supply device. 5 (a) to 5 (b) are diagrams provided to explain the solidified product of the molten glass obtained by the glass melting apparatus of the present invention and the glass raw material to be melted. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a flame temperature distribution at a radial position of the tubular flame generating device. FIGS. 7A to 7C show the effects of the types of tubular flame generating gases (CH ₄ / O ₂ , C ₃ H ₈ / O ₂ , H ₂ / O ₂ ) and their equivalent ratios on the flame temperature. It is a figure provided in order to explain. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a shutter, a heat insulating device or a cooling device, another heating device, a glass refining device, an ignition device, and a gas sensor in the glass melting tower. FIGS. 9A to 9B are views for explaining a glass melting apparatus provided with a heat-resistant protective member around it. FIG. 10 is a diagram provided for explaining the relationship between the average particle diameter of the glass raw material and the heating time. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a conventional glass melting apparatus (a glass melting apparatus including a gas burner). 12 (a) to 12 (b) are views for explaining another conventional glass melting apparatus (a glass melting apparatus including a plasma melting apparatus). FIGS. 13A to 13B are views for explaining a bright flame burner including a conventional tubular flame.

[First Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the raw material supply device 18 having a glass raw material supply port 18 a for supplying the glass raw material 28 and the supplied glass raw material 28 in a fall state are heated to melt glass. And a vertical cylindrical glass fusing tower 14 in order, and at least fuel gas is supplied to the vertical cylindrical glass fusing tower 14 in the tangential direction. A glass fusing device 10 is provided with a tubular flame generating device 12 provided with first nozzles 12a, 12c and second nozzles 12b, 12d for supplying oxygen-containing gas.
That is, by configuring the glass melting apparatus 10 in this way, the glass raw material 28 itself has a predetermined area without forming the glass raw material 28 into a predetermined particle diameter. By the tubular flame 16 having a uniform temperature distribution in the direction, the glass raw material 28 falling inside the vertical cylindrical glass melting tower 14 can be melted quickly and continuously.
Further, since the falling glass raw material 28 is melted using the tubular flame 16 moving in the vertical direction inside the vertical cylindrical glass fusing tower 14, it is less affected by the generated carbon dioxide gas. Become.
In addition, the tubular flame 16 that has contributed to the melting of the glass raw material 28 moves along the inner wall of the vertical cylindrical glass melting tower 14 and can reach the vicinity of the storage portion of the obtained molten glass. By using the tubular flame 16, the obtained molten glass can be further heated and kept warm, and as a result, extremely high energy efficiency can be obtained when the glass raw material 28 is melted.
Hereinafter, the glass melting apparatus of the first embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

1. Raw Material Supply Device (1) Basic Configuration As shown in FIG. 1, the raw material supply device 18 is provided above the vertical cylindrical glass melting tower 14, supplies a predetermined glass raw material 28, and falls. The glass raw material supply port 18a is provided.
That is, such a glass raw material supply port 18a is provided at a predetermined position of the vertical cylindrical glass fusing tower 14, and a considerable amount of the glass raw material 28 is stably supplied, and the stability of the tubular flame 16 is increased. It is preferable that the configuration does not affect the above.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, in the cylindrical raw material supply apparatus 18, the glass raw material supply port 18a as one end thereof is located near the center of the tubular flame, while the other end portion has It is preferable that a glass raw material inlet 18b for connecting a hopper or the like is provided.

Although not shown, in the raw material supply device 18, the glass raw material 28 input from the glass raw material input port 18b is sequentially and quantitatively moved by a screw screw or the like provided in the inside thereof, and the glass raw material supply port 18a. To the vicinity of the center of the tubular flame 16.
In addition, by bending the tip of the glass raw material supply port 18a downward, the glass raw material 28 can be more reliably supplied to the vicinity of the center of the tubular flame 16, and as a result, a vertical cylindrical glass melting tower. 14 can be dropped down along the central axis.

(2) A plurality of glass raw material supply ports A plurality of glass raw material supply ports (a first glass raw material supply port and a second glass raw material supply) are vertically aligned with respect to one vertical cylindrical glass fusing tower. It is preferable to provide a mouth.
The reason for this is that even when plural types of glass raw materials are melted, depending on the type of glass raw material and the average particle size, one of the plural glass raw material supply ports is selected to obtain an optimal melting state. Because it can.
Therefore, bow glass having a relatively high melting point is introduced from the first tubular flame generating device provided relatively upward, and silica sand, sodium carbonate, etc. having a relatively low melting point are relatively below. It is preferable to supply from the provided second tubular flame generating apparatus.
Furthermore, a glass material having a relatively large average particle diameter is introduced from the first tubular flame generating device provided relatively upward, and a glass material having a relatively small average particle diameter is relatively below. It is preferable to supply from the second tubular flame generating device provided in the.

When a plurality of tubular flame generating devices (first tubular flame generating device and second tubular flame generating device) are provided in the vertical direction, a plurality of glass raw material supply ports (first It is also preferable to provide a glass raw material supply port and a second glass raw material supply port.
The reason for this is that, depending on the type of glass raw material, the average particle size, etc., a plurality of tubular flame generating devices and glass raw material supply ports corresponding thereto can be selected finely, and the glass raw material can be melted more stably. Because.

(3) Stirrer It is preferable that a stirrer for supplying the glass raw material while stirring is provided in a part of the raw material supply unit.
The reason for this is that by providing such a stirring device, the aggregation of the glass raw material can be effectively prevented, and even a considerable amount of the glass raw material can be melted more rapidly and continuously.
More specifically, the smaller the average particle diameter, the more easily the glass raw material is agglomerated, but by providing such a stirring device, the glass raw material can be dropped separately into individual glass raw materials. The tubular flame generating device can be melted reliably and stably.

The type of the stirring device is not particularly limited, but is preferably any one of, for example, an ultrasonic vibration device, a piezoelectric vibration device, a motor vibration device, a rotary mixer, or a screw feeder.
The reason for this is that with this type of agitation device, the glass material is effectively prevented from agglomerating while being a relatively small and low energy agitation device, and even a considerable amount of glass material is more stable. This is because it can be melted.

For example, the ultrasonic vibration device includes an ultrasonic vibrator having a frequency of 10 to 20,000 kHz, and imparts a predetermined vibration to the glass raw material, thereby preventing aggregation and providing a stable supply. A stirring device (vibration stirring device).
In addition, the piezoelectric vibration device includes a passive element using a so-called piezoelectric effect that converts a force applied to a piezoelectric body into a voltage, or converts a voltage into a force, and applies a predetermined vibration to a glass material. It is a stirrer for preventing aggregation and providing a stable supply.
The motor vibration device is a stirring device that vibrates adjacent vibration plates by rotation of the motor and thereby prevents aggregation of the glass material.
The rotary mixer is a stirring device that includes a stirring blade that rotates at a predetermined number of rotations by a motor or the like inside a predetermined container, and rotates the glass raw material by the stirring blade to prevent aggregation. .

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the screw feeder stores a glass raw material, and a hopper 52 for dropping and supplying a predetermined amount, and a rotating screw device 54 for moving the glass raw material while rotating the glass raw material by a spiral motion, And a driving device 60 for driving the rotary screw device 54. The control device 62 controls each of these devices to supply a predetermined amount of the glass raw material 28 downward from the outlet 58 with high accuracy.
Therefore, when such a screw feeder 50 is used, not only a considerable amount of powdery glass raw material 28 can be stirred uniformly and easily, but also the glass raw material 28 is supplied to the tubular flame generating device 12. It becomes possible to supply quantitatively to a predetermined place. That is, when this screw feeder 50 is used, the function as an agitation supply device for the glass raw material can be exhibited.

(4) Fixed quantity supply apparatus FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of the fixed quantity supply apparatus 70, and FIG. 4B shows a plan view of the fixed quantity supply apparatus 70 as viewed from above. A slit 72 having a predetermined width is provided. It is preferable to provide a quantitative supply device 70 that quantitatively supplies the glass raw material 28 to the vertical cylindrical glass fusing tower 14 while dropping the glass raw material 28 in a curtain shape through the slit 72.
The reason for this is that by providing such a quantitative supply device below the raw material supply device etc., it is possible to supply the glass raw material continuously and quantitatively. This is because it can be melted stably.
And when the fixed amount supply apparatus is provided in this way between the raw material supply apparatus and the glass melting tower, the fixed amount supply apparatus exhibits a heat insulation action, so that the thermal deterioration of the glass raw material in the raw material supply apparatus. Can be effectively prevented.

In addition, when providing the slit 72 in the fixed-quantity supply apparatus 70 as shown to Fig.4 (a)-(b), although it depends on the kind of glass raw material, an average particle diameter, a melting rate, etc., the said slit width is set to 0. The slit length is preferably 10 to 100 mm.
Then, for example, a roughly rectangular shape including a rotating container 74 having a circular planar shape and rotating around the rotation shaft 78 in a direction indicated by an arrow H at a predetermined rotation speed, for example, 0.1 to 30 rpm. It is preferable to provide a wing-like object (such as a rubber propeller) 76.
That is, by rotating the blades 76, the glass raw material 28 accommodated in the rotary container 74 is sequentially pressed against the inner wall and the bottom of the rotary container 74 to prevent the glass raw material 28 from agglomerating and It is preferable that the slit 72 of the width is scraped off into a curtain shape.

2. Glass Melting Tower (1) Basic Configuration Further, the glass melting tower 14 is characterized by being a vertical cylindrical shape as shown in FIG.
That is, the use of a vertical cylindrical glass fusing tower having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and a predetermined cross-sectional area facilitates the formation of a tubular flame and maintains a stable flame state. Because it can.
As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 2, the vicinity of the center of the tubular flame 16 formed along the circular inner wall becomes hot air having the same temperature as the flame, and moves as a swirl along with the tubular flame. This is because it can be used.
Therefore, by using the raw material supply device 18 in hot air, the glass raw material 28 is charged and dropped, so that even if a considerable amount of the glass raw material 28 is dropped, the drop time to the bottom of the vertical cylindrical glass melting tower is reached. It is possible to melt quickly and stably within a few seconds.
As an example, FIG. 5 (a) shows a molten glass solidified product obtained by a tubular flame in a predetermined glass melting tower, and FIG. 5 (b) shows a powdery glass raw material before melting. Show.

Further, the form (tube diameter and tube length) of the vertical cylindrical glass melting tower is not particularly limited, but the tube diameter is usually preferably set to a value in the range of 5 to 200 mm. .
The reason for this is that when the tube diameter is less than 5 mm, the melting amount of the glass raw material per unit time may be significantly reduced, or the glass raw material once melted may be deposited on the tube wall. .
On the other hand, if the tube diameter exceeds 200 mm, the stability of the tubular flame may be reduced, or the temperature distribution in the surface direction may be uneven.
Therefore, the tube diameter in the vertical cylindrical glass melting tower is more preferably set to a value in the range of 10 to 100 mm, and the tube diameter is further preferably set to a value in the range of 25 to 80 mm.

Furthermore, the tube length of the vertical cylindrical glass fusing tower is usually preferably set to a value in the range of 300 to 10000 mm (0.3 m to 10 m).
This is because when the tube length is less than 0.3 m, the glass raw material drop time becomes excessively short and uniform heating may be difficult.
On the other hand, if the tube length exceeds 10 m, the stability of the tubular flame may be lowered, or the temperature distribution in the vertical direction may be excessively uneven.
Therefore, the tube length in the vertical cylindrical glass fusing tower is more preferably set to a value in the range of 500 to 5000 mm (0.5 m to 5 m), and 800 to 2500 mm (0.8 m to 2.5 m). More preferably, the value is within the range.

In addition, the glass melting tower can be composed of a heat-resistant material such as stainless steel, platinum, iron, ceramic material, etc., and as a whole is basically preferably a straight circular tube extending in the vertical direction, With respect to the connection point in the glass melting tower of the raw material supply device described above, that is, above the tubular flame generating device, the glass raw material dropping time, falling state, and further, in order to adjust the dropping location, 10 to An inclined tube inclined at 80 ° is also preferable.
Furthermore, also about the part which passed the tubular flame production | generation apparatus mentioned later, in order to adjust the fall time and fall state of the glass fuse | melted with the tubular flame, it is also possible to set it as the inclination pipe | tube inclined 10-80 degrees with respect to the perpendicular direction. preferable.

(2) Tubular Flame Generating Device Further, as shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 2, the tubular flame generating device 12 is a first unit that supplies at least fuel gas with respect to the tangential direction of the vertical cylindrical glass melting tower 14. Nozzles 12a, 12c and second nozzles 12b, 12d for supplying oxygen-containing gas.
As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel gas supplied from the first nozzles 12a and 12c is supplied from the fuel gas cylinder 22 through the flow meter 20 and the pipes 22a and 22b.
The oxygen-containing gas (pure oxygen) supplied from the second nozzles 12b and 12d is supplied from the oxygen-containing gas cylinder 24 via the flow meter 20 and the pipes 24a and 24b.
Furthermore, the air supplied from the middle of the second nozzles 12b and 12d is supplied from the compressor 26 via the flow meter 20 and the pipes 26a and 26b.

That is, as shown by arrows A and C in FIG. 2, the fuel gas supplied from the first nozzles 12 a and 12 c and ejected from the first nozzle outlets 14 a and 14 c, and the arrows B and D As shown in FIG. 5, the oxygen-containing gas supplied from the second nozzles 12b and 12d and ejected from the second nozzle outlets 14b and 14d is rapidly mixed along the inner wall of the glass melting tower 14. Thus, the combustible gas layer 16b can be formed.
Therefore, by igniting the combustible gas layer 16 b, a flame layer 16 a as a vortex having a predetermined thickness is formed along the inner wall of the glass melting tower 14, and a glass raw material is used as a part of the tubular flame 16. This contributes to rapid and uniform heating.

Here, with reference to FIG. 6, the temperature distribution in the radial direction position (plane direction) of the tubular flame formed by the tubular flame production | generation apparatus is demonstrated.
That is, the horizontal axis of FIG. 6 indicates the radial position (center 0 mm, ± 20 mm) in a vertical cylindrical glass melting tower (tube diameter: 40 mm), and the vertical axis is formed by a tubular flame generating device. The flame temperature (K) of the tubular flame is shown.
The characteristic curve indicating the temperature distribution shows a considerably low temperature of 500 K or less at the end portion that is approximately ± 20 mm away from the center, that is, in the vicinity of the inner wall.
On the other hand, in the surface direction region of 0 mm to about ± 18 mm from the center, it is shown that the temperature is extremely uniform and high between 2200 and 2400K.
Therefore, when a tubular flame is used, even a considerable amount of glass raw material can be melted quickly and continuously using a uniform high temperature region obtained in a wide range including the center.
Although not shown, since the tubular flame formed by the tubular flame generating device moves as a vortex, it has a uniform temperature distribution not only in the surface direction in the vertical cylindrical glass melting tower but also in the vertical direction. It has been found to have.

Next, the influence of the fuel gas / oxygen equivalent ratio in the tubular flame generating gas on the temperature of the tubular flame formed by the tubular flame generating device will be described with reference to FIGS.
In other words, the horizontal axis in FIG. 7 (a), the equivalent ratio of the fuel gas in the tubular flame generation gas _{(CH 4 / O 2) (} -) indicates a vertical axis, the flame temperature of the tubular flame formed (K) is shown.
The horizontal axis of FIG. 7 (b), the equivalent ratio of the fuel gas in the tubular flame generation gas _{(C 3 H 8 / O 2} ) (-) indicates a vertical axis, a tubular flame formed The flame temperature (K) is shown.
Further, the horizontal axis of FIG. 7C indicates the equivalent ratio (−) of the fuel gas (H ₂ / O ₂ ) in the tubular flame generating gas, and the vertical axis indicates the flame temperature of the formed tubular flame. (K) is shown.
The characteristic curves showing the temperature distributions in FIGS. 7A to 7C show the maximum flame temperature in the formed tubular flame at an equivalent ratio of about 1, regardless of the type of tubular flame generating gas. It is shown that.
Therefore, when a tubular flame is used, the maximum flame temperature can be obtained near the equivalent ratio of the tubular flame forming gas, regardless of the type of the tubular flame generating gas. Even glass raw materials can be melted stably as well as rapidly and continuously.

(3) Plural tubular flame generating apparatuses Although not shown, it is preferable that at least a first tubular flame generating apparatus and a second tubular flame generating apparatus are provided from above along the vertical direction.
The reason for this is that by providing the plurality of tubular flame generating devices, it becomes easy to adjust the temperature and size of the tubular flame and melt them quickly and stably in accordance with various glass raw materials. Because it can.
Therefore, for example, a vertical cylindrical glass melting tower is equally divided into two in the length direction, and the first tubular flame generating device is provided in the upper half of the two, and the second tubular flame generating device is divided into two. It can be provided in the equally divided lower part.

(4) Arrangement of Tubular Flame Generating Apparatus Further, regarding the arrangement of the tubular flame generating apparatus 12, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 8, it may be above the vertical cylindrical glass melting tower 14, or illustrated. However, it may be below the vertical cylindrical glass fusing tower.
That is, when the tubular flame generating device is arranged above the vertical cylindrical glass melting tower, the tubular flame descends from the upper side to the lower side while swirling, but the temperature distribution varies. The glass raw material can be accurately supplied near the center of the small tubular flame.
On the other hand, when the tubular flame generating device is disposed below the vertical cylindrical glass melting tower, the tubular flame is blown upward from below, but the glass raw material falling downward and the tubular flame Since the hot air existing in the vicinity of the center of the glass is opposed, the glass raw material can be heated more efficiently.

(5) Shutter Moreover, as shown in FIG. 8, it is preferable that one or two or more shutters 80 (80a, 80b, 80c) are provided in the middle of the vertical cylindrical glass fusing tower.
The reason for this is that a shutter for partitioning the inside of the glass melting tower for each predetermined space is provided, and by opening and closing them, the location where the tubular flame is formed in the glass melting tower and the temperature distribution of the glass melting tower are accurately determined. This is because it can be adjusted.
Therefore, by opening and closing such a shutter, the melting state of the glass material can be controlled more closely, and the safety associated with the melting operation of the glass material can be improved.

More specifically, when forming a predetermined tubular flame, before introducing a plurality of tubular flame generating gases into the glass melting tower 14 shown in FIG. 8, as indicated by arrows A, C and B, D. All the shutters 80 (the first to third shutters 80a, 80b, 80c) are substantially closed.
Next, after the first shutter 80 a is partially opened so as not to be in an overpressure state, a plurality of tubular flame generating gases are respectively introduced into the glass melting tower 14. These tubular flame generating gases are rapidly mixed along the inner wall to form a combustible gas layer, and then ignited by the ignition device 19.
At this time, although the first shutter 80a is partially opened, the volume of the tubular flame forming chamber is relatively small because the glass melting tower 14 is substantially partitioned in the middle. Therefore, the plurality of tubular flame generating gases are ready to be ignited.
Further, even when residual oxygen or the like is present in the tubular flame forming chamber, since the volume of the tubular flame forming chamber is relatively small, it is easy to eliminate the adverse effects of such residual oxygen.

Next, only the first shutter 80a is opened, and the tubular flame forming chamber is enlarged to enlarge the tubular flame forming region.
Next, not only the first shutter 80a but also the second shutter 80b are sequentially opened, and the tubular flame formation chamber is enlarged about twice as much as the original, thereby further increasing the formation area of the tubular flame.
Finally, not only the first and second shutters 80a and 80b but also the third shutter 80c are sequentially opened, and the tubular flame forming chamber is enlarged about three times the initial size, thereby further increasing the tubular flame forming region. To do.
That is, by sequentially opening the first to third shutters 80a, 80b, and 80c and gradually increasing the size of the tubular flame forming chamber, a tubular flame in a desired formation state can be finally obtained safely and stably. .

3. Other component devices (1) Heat insulation device or cooling device As shown in FIG. 8, a heat insulation device or a cooling device 82 is provided between the raw material supply device 18 and the vertical cylindrical glass fusing tower 14. Preferably there is.
More specifically, it is preferable to control the temperature of the glass raw material in the raw material supply device to, for example, a value of 100 ° C. or less by such a heat insulating device or a cooling device.
The reason for this is that by providing a heat insulating device such as a buffer chamber or a glass wool filling chamber, a cooling device such as a water-cooled tube, etc., even if the glass raw material is retained in the raw material supply device for a predetermined time, This is because aggregation during that time can be easily prevented.

(2) Additional heating apparatus Moreover, even if it is a case where glass raw materials, such as a partial melting state, are supplied as shown by the arrow J, as shown in FIG. It is preferable to provide an additional heating device 94 for further heating and melting such molten glass.
The reason for this is that by providing a heating device separately from the glass melting tower, even if the glass raw material is in a partially melted state by heating only the tubular flame generating device, heating is performed separately from the glass melting tower. It is because it can be set as the molten glass of uniform temperature and a favorable flow state with an apparatus.
More specifically, as the additional heating device, by providing at least one of a gas burner heating furnace, an infrared heating furnace, an induction heating furnace, an electric heating device, and the like, for example, the temperature is 1200 to 2500 ° C. It is a range, and it can be set as the molten glass of a uniform flow state.
In addition, when the tubular flame production | generation apparatus mentioned above is provided in the lower end of the glass melting tower, while providing the storage part of the obtained molten glass in the further downward part of this tubular flame production | generation apparatus, it adds additional heating there A device may be provided.

(3) Glass refining apparatus Moreover, as shown in FIG. 8, the molten glass 96 obtained by the glass fusing tower 14 is made to flow at the tip of the molten glass outlet 98 provided at the end of the glass fusing tower 14. However, it is preferable to further include a glass clarifier 100 for degassing carbon dioxide gas.
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, carbon dioxide gas contained therein is provided by providing a horizontally long pool-shaped glass refining device 100 and gently flowing the molten glass 96 and further stirring. Is preferably effectively defoamed in the direction indicated by the arrow K.
The reason for this is that by further providing such a glass refining device, it is possible to effectively prevent non-uniformity in the flow state of the molten glass due to the generation of carbon dioxide gas. This is because it is possible to stably produce a glass container having the above mechanical strength.

(4) Ignition device Moreover, as shown in FIG. 8, it is preferable to provide the ignition device 19 in the vicinity of the tubular flame forming device 12.
This is because by providing the ignition device in this manner, the tubular flame forming gas can be safely and easily ignited to form a tubular flame.
More specifically, at least one of a spark plug ignition device, a heating wire ignition device, a pilot flame ignition device, etc. may be provided as an ignition device inside the glass melting tower and in the vicinity of the tubular flame forming device. preferable.
That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the fuel gas supplied from the first nozzles 12 a and 12 c and the oxygen-containing gas supplied from the second nozzles 12 b and 12 d are rapidly mixed, and the glass melting tower 14. Since the gas layer 16b that can be combusted uniformly is formed on the inner wall of the gas, the flame layer 16a can be quickly and easily formed as a part of the tubular flame 16 by being ignited by the ignition device 19.

(5) Gas sensor and thermometer Moreover, as shown in FIG. 8, it is preferable to provide gas sensors 84, 86, and 90 of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc. in a predetermined place of the glass melting tower.
The reason for this is that by providing the gas sensors 84, 86, 90 in this way, it is possible to detect the retention of excess oxygen and the retention of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc. generated from the glass raw material. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent a phenomenon in which an unexpected ignition phenomenon occurs due to such a staying gas or the stability of the tubular flame is lowered.
Further, it is preferable to use a thermometer 88 together with the gas sensors 84, 86 and 90.
This is because the detection accuracy of the gas sensors 84, 86, 90 can be increased by using the thermometer 88 in this way, or for failure diagnosis of these gas sensors and the glass melting tower 14.
The oxygen and nitrogen gas sensors 84 and 86 are preferably provided relatively above the glass melting tower 14 in consideration of the retention characteristics of the gas to be detected, and the carbon dioxide gas sensor 90 is provided in the glass melting tower 14. It is preferable to provide it relatively below.

(6) Fireproof structure Further, as shown in FIG. 9 (a) from above and a side view in FIG. 9 (b), the periphery of the glass melting tower 14 is covered with a heat-resistant protective member 32, for example, fire brick It is preferable to cover with a refractory material such as a fireproof structure as a whole.
The reason for this is that by adopting such a fireproof structure, heat diffused from the glass melting tower to the outside can be prevented, and the durability and mechanical strength of the glass melting tower can be increased.
More specifically, it is preferable to cover the periphery of the glass melting tower with a refractory material such as a refractory brick composed of aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, titanium oxide, aluminum nitride, zirconium nitride, carbon material and the like.
And as shown to Fig.9 (a)-(b), it is preferable to reinforce the circumference | surroundings of the heat-resistant protection member 32 using the metal frame members 30. FIG.

[Second Embodiment]
2nd Embodiment is a glass melting method which heats the glass raw material of the fall state supplied from the glass raw material supply port in the raw material supply apparatus which supplies a glass raw material, and makes it a molten glass, Comprising: From a glass raw material supply port The vertical cylindrical glass melting tower includes a step of supplying a glass raw material (sometimes referred to as a first step), and the supplied glass raw material in a fall state is provided in the vertical cylindrical glass melting tower. And a step of heating to a molten glass by a tubular flame generating apparatus (sometimes referred to as a second step).
That is, depending on the amount of the glass raw material to be melted by including the first step of bringing the glass raw material into a falling state and the second step of heating the glass raw material in the falling state with a tubular flame to form a molten glass. In addition, the glass raw material can be melted quickly and continuously with a very high energy efficiency without forming the glass raw material into a predetermined particle size and eliminating the influence of the generated carbon dioxide gas or the like.
Hereinafter, the glass melting method of the second embodiment will be specifically described by dividing it into a first step and a second step.

1. 1st process (1) Kind of glass raw material Although the kind in particular of glass raw material supplied in 1st process is not restrict | limited, Silica sand, soda ash (sodium carbonate), potassium carbonate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, limestone Aluminum hydroxide, aluminum oxide, potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, sodium sulfate, borax, feldspar, glass cullet, metal and the like can be used singly or as a mixture of two or more.
More specifically, when configuring soda-lime glass, for example, 5 to 50 parts by weight of soda ash, 5 to 30 parts by weight of limestone, and 1 to 30 parts by weight of aluminum hydroxide with respect to 100 parts by weight of silica sand. The value is preferably within the range of parts.
Moreover, when comprising borosilicate glass, it is preferable to set it as the value within the range of 1-10 weight part of aluminum hydroxide and 1-50 weight part with respect to 100 weight part of silica sand, for example.
Furthermore, when comprising soda potash lime glass, for example with respect to 100 weight part of silica sand, 5-30 weight part of soda ash, 5-30 weight part of potassium nitrate, 5-30 weight part of limestone, aluminum hydroxide Is preferably 1 to 5 parts by weight, and borax is preferably 1 to 10 parts by weight.

And it is preferable to mix | blend and melt these glass raw materials suitably, and to specifically set it as the glass composition of the following oxide compounding quantity.
That is, when the soda-lime glass composition has a melting point of about 1500 ° C., for example, the blending amount of SiO ₂ is 73 wt%, the blending amount of Na ₂ O + K ₂ O is 14 wt%, the blending amount of CaO + MgO is 11 wt%, The blending amount of Al ₂ O ₃ is preferably 2.1% by weight.

When the antibacterial phosphate glass composition has a melting point of about 1600 ° C., for example, it contains Ag ₂ O, ZnO, CaO, B ₂ O ₃ and P ₂ O ₅ , and the total amount is 100% by weight. When the amount of Ag ₂ O is 0.2 to 5% by weight, the amount of ZnO is 2 to 60% by weight, and the amount of CaO is 0.1 to 0.1%. A value within the range of 15% by weight, a value within the range of 0.1 to 15% by weight of B ₂ O ₃ , and a value within the range of 30 to 80% by weight of P ₂ O ₅ It is preferable to do.

(2) Average particle diameter of glass raw material Moreover, it is preferable to make the average particle diameter of a glass raw material into the value within the range of 10-800 micrometers normally.
The reason for this is that when the average particle size of the glass raw material is less than 10 μm, it becomes excessively easy to agglomerate, it becomes difficult to handle, and the cost of the glass raw material increases, which is economically disadvantageous. This is because there are cases in which the
On the other hand, when the average particle diameter of the glass raw material exceeds 800 μm, it is difficult to uniformly heat the glass raw material by the tubular flame generating device, and the glass raw material may be melted only partially.
Therefore, the average particle size of the glass raw material is more preferably set to a value within the range of 20 to 500 μm, and further preferably set to a value within the range of 30 to 100 μm.

Here, the relationship between the average particle diameter of the glass raw material (SiO ₂ glass) and the heating time will be described with reference to FIG.
That is, the horizontal axis of FIG. 10 shows the average particle diameter (mm) of the glass raw material, and the vertical axis shows the heating time (sec) required to melt the glass raw material using a tubular flame. It is taken and shown.
And judging from the characteristic curves showing these relationships, if the average particle size (mm) of the glass raw material is less than 1 mm, the required heating time is 1 (sec) or less, but the average particle size of the glass raw material When (mm) exceeds 1.5 mm, the required heating time is 2 (sec) or more, and the heating time is longer than double.
Therefore, when the glass raw material is sufficiently heated by the tubular flame generating device, it should be noted that the average particle diameter of the glass raw material closely affects the heating time, and the average particle diameter can be set to a value within a predetermined range. You should control as much as possible.

The average particle diameter of the glass raw material can be measured as “arithmetic average value of particle diameter” in accordance with JIS Z8901.
More specifically, the average particle size of the glass raw material is measured, for example, as a particle size (D50) at an integrated value of 50% in a volume-based particle size distribution obtained by a laser-type particle size measuring device or an image processing device. be able to.

(3) Glass Raw Material Supply Method Although the glass raw material supply method is not particularly limited, as described in the first embodiment, the raw material supply provided with a predetermined stirring device and quantitative supply device. It is preferable to supply the powdery glass raw material uniformly and continuously using an apparatus.
Therefore, although it may vary depending on the type of glass raw material, for example, for a vertical cylindrical glass fusing tower having a cross-sectional area of 1 to 100 cm ² , usually at a supply rate of 0.01 to 1000 g / sec, It is preferable to supply a powdery glass raw material.

2. 2nd process (1) Tubular flame The 2nd process heats the glass raw material of a fall state with the tubular flame produced | generated by the tubular flame production | generation apparatus with which the vertical cylindrical glass melting tower is equipped, and it is set as molten glass. It is a process.
That is, the fuel gas supplied from the first nozzle and the oxygen-containing gas supplied from the second nozzle are rapidly mixed to form a gas layer that can be uniformly combusted on the inner wall of the glass melting tower, Furthermore, by igniting it, a tubular flame as a vortex having a predetermined thickness is formed.
Therefore, the glass raw material can be uniformly heated using a tubular flame having a very uniform temperature distribution in the cross-sectional direction of the glass melting tower.

(2) Tubular Flame Generating Gas It is preferable to use a hydrocarbon gas and oxygen after first using a hydrocarbon gas and air as a tubular flame generating gas in the tubular flame generating apparatus.
The reason for this is that by carrying out in this way, safer ignition can be ensured, and further safer and faster melting of the glass raw material becomes possible.
That is, when hydrocarbon gas and air are used as the tubular flame generating gas, the temperature of the formed tubular flame is relatively low, but ignition is safer than when other gases are used. Can do.
On the other hand, when a hydrocarbon gas and oxygen are used as the tubular flame generating gas, the temperature of the formed tubular flame is relatively high, and even when a considerable amount of glass raw material is used, it can be rapidly and continuously produced. Can be melted.

(3) Swirl number Moreover, it is preferable to make the swirl number of the tubular flame in a tubular flame production | generation apparatus into the value within the range of 0.6-15.
The reason for this is that when the swirl number is less than 0.6, the stability of the tubular flame may be significantly lowered, or the formation position in the glass melting tower may be difficult to control.
On the other hand, when the swirl number exceeds 15, the temperature distribution in the cross-sectional area direction becomes large, the inner wall temperature of the tubular flame generating device excessively increases, and the durability of the tubular flame generating device is significantly reduced. It is because there is a case to do.
Therefore, the swirl number of the tubular flame in the tubular flame generating device is more preferably set to a value within the range of 1 to 8, and more preferably set to a value within the range of 2 to 6.
The swirl number of the tubular flame is determined by the number of gas introduction parts in the tubular flame generating device, the area of the gas introduction part (length of the gas introduction part × width), the inner diameter of the vertical cylindrical glass melting tower, and the like. The value can be adjusted within a predetermined range.

3. Other Steps (1) Cooling Step Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a heat insulating device for cooling the glass raw material and a cooling device 82 are provided, and a predetermined cooling step is performed during melting of the glass raw material or before and after melting. It is preferable to implement.
More specifically, the temperature of the glass raw material in the raw material supply apparatus may be set to a temperature of 100 ° C. or less, for example, by disposing a water cooling pipe around the raw material supply apparatus or by providing air cooling fins. preferable.
The reason for this is that if the temperature of the glass raw material exceeds 100 ° C., it may be difficult to obtain a desired molten glass due to excessive aggregation or partial alteration of the surface of the glass raw material. is there.
Therefore, it is more preferable to carry out the cooling step so that the temperature of the glass raw material in the raw material supply apparatus is set to a temperature within the range of 20 to 80 ° C., more preferably 30 to 70 ° C.

(2) Heating step Moreover, as shown in FIG. 8, the additional heating apparatus 94 different from the tubular flame production | generation apparatus for further heating the glass raw material heated in the glass melting tower 14 is provided, and the heating which heats further It is preferable to carry out the step (second heat treatment).
More specifically, as described above, a gas burner heating furnace or the like is provided and heated in the glass melting tower, but the partially unmelted glass raw material or the like is additionally heated to a predetermined temperature at a uniform flow It is preferable to carry out a heating step for obtaining a molten glass in a state.
The second heat treatment does not necessarily need to be performed at all times, and is selected at the time of initial heating by the tubular flame generating device or when the type of glass raw material and the average particle size are relatively difficult to melt. Can be implemented automatically.

(3) Glass clarification step Further, as shown in FIG. 8, while letting molten glass 96 obtained in the glass melting tower 14 flow into a molten glass outlet 98 that is an end of the glass melting tower 14, It is preferable to perform a predetermined glass clarification step by providing a clarification device 100 for degassing the gas.
The reason for this is that by carrying out the glass refining process in this way, it is possible to effectively prevent a decrease in heating temperature and non-uniformity due to the generation of carbon dioxide gas. As a result, molten glass is used to obtain a predetermined mechanical strength. It is because the glass container which has etc. can be manufactured stably.

(4) Glass forming step Although not shown, it is preferable to perform a glass forming step using a known glass forming machine and to form a glass container or the like using the obtained molten glass.
More specifically, it is preferable to use one or a plurality of molds to form a glass container having a predetermined shape by a press & blow method, a blow & blow method, or a one press method.
In addition, it is also preferable to form antibacterial glass particles and antibacterial glass tablets from the obtained molten glass using the same known antibacterial glass molding machine.

  Hereinafter, the contents of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the description of only these examples, and can be appropriately changed within the scope of the object of the present invention.

[Example 1]
1. Melting of glass raw material (1) Preparation of glass raw material A glass raw material having the following composition was prepared as a raw material for soda-lime glass (type A).
Silica sand (average particle size D50: 300 μm): 100 parts by weight Soda ash (D50: less than 1000 μm): 30 parts by weight Limestone (D50: 30 μm): 25 parts by weight Aluminum hydroxide (D50: 55 μm): 3 parts by weight

(2) Melting of glass raw material by tubular flame Next, using the glass melting apparatus shown in FIG. 1, a tubular flame is formed by a tubular flame generating device, and glass raw material is continuously supplied from a raw material supply device (screw screw). The glass raw material was melted with a tubular flame while dropping the inside of a vertical cylindrical glass melting tower (tube diameter: about 50 mm, length: 1200 mm).
A tubular flame was formed by using a hydrocarbon gas (C ₃ H ₈ ) and air as the tubular flame generating gas in the tubular flame generating apparatus so that the equivalence ratio was 1.0 and ignited.

2. Evaluation of molten glass (1) Evaluation 1
The obtained molten glass was collected, the solidified product was visually observed, and the molten state and the like were evaluated according to the following criteria. The obtained results are shown in Table 1.
A: Completely melted and uniformly vitrified.
○: almost completely melted and almost uniformly vitrified.
Δ: Some are melted and non-uniformly vitrified, and there are many residual powders.
X: Almost not melted, not vitrified, and there are very many residual powders.

(2) Evaluation 2
The melt obtained was the same as in Evaluation 1, except that the type of tubular flame generating gas was changed to use hydrocarbon gas (C ₃ H ₈ ) and oxygen so that the equivalence ratio was 1.0. The glass was collected, the solidified product was visually observed, and the molten state and the like were evaluated according to the criteria of Evaluation 1. The obtained results are shown in Table 1.

[Example 2]
In Example 2, the type of glass raw material in Example 1 was changed to the following content, and a molten glass was prepared and solidified in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the raw material for borosilicate glass (type B) was used. The thing was evaluated.
Silica sand (D50: 300 μm): 100 parts by weight Aluminum hydroxide (D50: 55 μm): 5 parts by weight Borax (D50: 20 μm): 38 parts by weight

[Example 3]
In Example 3, the type of the glass raw material in Example 1 was changed to the following content,
A molten glass was prepared and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the raw material for soda potash lime glass (type C) was used.
Silica sand (D50: 300 μm): 100 parts by weight soda ash (D50: less than 1000 μm): 20 parts by weight potassium nitrate (D50: 5 μm): 24 parts by weight limestone (D50: 30 μm): 16 parts by weight aluminum hydroxide (D50: 55 μm) : 3 parts by weight borax (D50: 20 μm): 5 parts by weight

[Example 4]
In Example 4, the type of the glass raw material in Example 1 was changed to the following content,
An antibacterial molten glass was prepared and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the raw material for antibacterial glass (type D) containing zinc oxide as an antibacterial component was used.
Phosphoric acid (D50: 1 μm): 100 parts by weight Magnesium carbonate (D50: 5 μm): 18 parts by weight Potassium carbonate (D50: 25 μm): 10 parts by weight Zinc oxide (D50: 1 μm): 13 parts by weight

[Comparative Example 1]
In Comparative Example 1, a molten glass was prepared and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a gas burner (flame temperature 1600 ° C.) was used instead of the tubular flame device.

[Examples 5 to 8]
In Examples 5 to 8, fusion was performed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that city gas (CH ₄ ) was used instead of the hydrocarbon gas (C ₃ H ₈ ) used in Examples 1 to _4. Glass was created and evaluated.

[Comparative Example 2]
In Comparative Example 2, a molten glass was prepared and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 5 except that a gas burner (flame temperature 1600 ° C.) was used instead of the tubular flame apparatus.

According to the glass melting apparatus and the glass melting method using the same of the present invention, a raw material supply apparatus that supplies a predetermined glass raw material to make it fall, and a vertical cylindrical glass melting tower including a tubular flame generating apparatus, The glass raw material can be melted quickly and stably by using the vertical tubular flame generated by the tubular flame generating device regardless of the amount of the glass raw material to be melted.
That is, according to the present invention, an economical glass melting apparatus and a glass melting method using the same, which are easy to exchange glass raw materials and maintain equipment, have high production efficiency of glass containers and antibacterial glass, etc. Can be provided.

10: Glass melting device 12: Tubular flame generating device 12a, 12c: First nozzle 12b for supplying fuel gas, 12d: Second nozzle for supplying oxygen-containing gas 14: Glass melting tower 14a, 14c: First Nozzle outlets 14b and 14d: Second nozzle outlet 16: Tubular flame 16a: Flame layer 16b: Gas layer 18: Raw material supply device 18a: Glass raw material supply port 18b: Glass raw material inlet 20: Flow meter 22: Fuel gas cylinder 24: Oxygen-containing gas cylinders 24a, 24b: piping 26: compressors 26a, 26b: piping 28: glass raw material 30: metal frame 32: heat-resistant protective member 50: screw feeder 70: quantitative feeder 82: heat insulating device or cooling device 84, 86, 90 : Gas sensor 88: Thermometer 94: Additional heating device 96: Molten glass 98: Removal of molten glass Mouth 100: Glass fining chamber

Claims (9)

A raw material supply device that supplies a glass raw material from a glass raw material supply port using any one stirring device of an ultrasonic vibration device, a piezoelectric vibration device, a motor vibration device, a rotary mixer, or a screw feeder ;
A vertical cylindrical glass with dimensions of a tube length of 800 to 2500 mm and a tube diameter of 5 to 200 mm is obtained by heating a glass material in a falling state supplied from a glass material supply port of the material supply device. A glass melting apparatus comprising a melting tower in sequence,
The vertical cylindrical glass fusing tower is provided with a tubular flame generating device provided with at least a first nozzle for supplying a fuel gas and a second nozzle for supplying an oxygen-containing gas in the tangential direction. A glass fusing apparatus characterized by that.   As the tubular flame generating device, at least a first tubular flame generating device and a second tubular flame generating device are provided from above along the vertical direction, and these first tubular flame generating device and second tubular tube are provided. The glass melting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a first glass raw material supply port and a second glass raw material supply port are provided corresponding to the flame generating device.   A slit having a predetermined width is provided below the raw material supply device, and the glass raw material is dropped into the curtain shape through the slit, and quantitatively with respect to the vertical cylindrical glass melting tower. The glass melting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a constant supply apparatus for supplying is provided. The glass melting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein a heat insulating apparatus or a cooling apparatus is provided between the raw material supply apparatus and the cylindrical glass melting tower.   The glass melting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a heating device for further heating and melting the obtained molten glass at a lower end of the glass melting tower.   The glass melting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a glass refining device for defoaming carbon dioxide gas while flowing the molten glass obtained in the glass melting tower. The glass raw material in a falling state supplied from the glass raw material supply port of the raw material supply device is heated using any one stirring device of an ultrasonic vibration device, a piezoelectric vibration device, a motor vibration device, a rotary mixer, or a screw feeder. A glass melting method for making molten glass,
Supplying the glass raw material from the glass raw material supply port to a vertical cylindrical glass fusing tower having a tube length of 800 to 2500 mm and a tube diameter of 5 to 200 mm ;
The step of heating the supplied glass material in a fall state with a tubular flame generating device provided in the vertical cylindrical glass melting tower to obtain a molten glass;
A glass melting method comprising:   The glass melting method according to claim 8, wherein an average particle diameter of the glass raw material is set to a value within a range of 10 to 800 μm.   The glass melting method according to claim 8, wherein a hydrocarbon gas and air are used as the tubular flame generating gas in the tubular flame generating apparatus, and then the hydrocarbon gas and oxygen are used by switching.