Inventors:
Herbert A. Gessler - Venetia PA
Herbert A. Gessler - Lawrence PA
Matthew A. Gessler - Canonsburg PA
International Classification:
C03B 1818
Abstract:
In the tin float bath process of flat glass production, proposed automatic recuperative natural gas burners will replace the existing electrical heating elements. The use of natural gas instead of electricity creates a more energy-efficient bath operation, amounting to an approximately seventy percent savings. Control of the burner zones is comparable to that utilized with the replaced electrically heated zones. Combustion air and natural gas are ignited and burned within a heat-radiating chamber. The residue from burnt gases is exhausted externally to the bath and has no contact whatever with the atmosphere inside the bath. Advantages comprise a less complicated installation with minimal maintenance and with little or no replacement parts, all of which contribute to longevity not attained by prior art. Additionally, shutdown of the process is not necessary to remove and replace a possible defective burner, as is required with defective electrical heaters. Only periodic visual inspection is required.