Removing glass from the tin bath

Franz Krommer explains how Grenzebach’s dross box has been designed to ensure that ribbons of float glass are handled with utmost precision when being transferred to a roller conveyor. The full version of this article appears in the Nov/Dec 2022 issue that has been mailed globally and is also now available free of charge in the digital archive*.

Removing glass from the tin bath

In float glass production, the dross box is the interface and sluice between the tin bath and annealing lehr. This point in the production process poses particular challenges, because the glass ribbon, which is still very fragile, requires the utmost precision in handling under extreme ambient conditions. The trick is to transfer the glass ribbon from a liquid and full-surface support to a roller conveyor. The Grenzebach dross box can master this tricky process step thanks to innovative technology. Valuable process improvements are achieved with customisable roller technology, special roller sealing and safe maintenance options.

Roller technology

The rollers are special features of the Grenzebach dross box. The glass ribbon, which is still flexible, is lifted out of the tin bath by three individually driven rollers and conveyed to the annealing lehr. The lift-out rollers form a curve geometry, which can be adapted to customers’ production requirements by individually adjusting the height of each roller. This also allows for an equal distribution of the load on all rollers. The result is a flexibly adjustable lift-out curve with settings that can be optionally saved for the varying glass thicknesses.

The roller sealing contributes to a particularly high level of insulation for the Grenzebach dross box. This results in less heat loss and a more homogeneous temperature distribution across the entire width of the glass. The ambient temperature at the edge no longer substantially deviates from the temperature in the centre of the glass ribbon. This provides better glass quality and reduces the risk of a cross breakage.

The rollers are constantly cleaned over three-part graphite bars with pneumatically adjustable contact pressure to ensure a clean process.

Dross box housing

The dross box is not welded to the tin bath but attached to it by means of a clamping device, which is firmly fixed after the tin bath has heated up to 620°C. This way, thermal expansion is accounted for and deformations due to heat effects will not occur on the housing nor on the U-channel.

Maintenance and operation

The Grenzebach dross box is controlled via an innovative user interface. During maintenance, operators benefit from increased work safety and improved access to the end plate and when changing rollers. Rollers can be changed during operation, conserving glass loss. Similarly, the graphite bar change can be performed quickly and easily.

Additional features

The standard Grenzebach dross box is designed for up to 650°C; it can also be specified for up to 850°C. The dross box is suitable for normal and extra-wide float lines. Retrofitting of existing equipment is possible, as is injection of N2 and SO2. The dross box’ housing has a stainless steel lining; it is insulated and gas-tight, offering protection against corrosion and SO2 [emissions]. Retrofitting of camera systems and illumination is also possible.

About the Author: 

Franz Krommer is Product Manager Business Unit Glass at Grenzebach

Further Information: 

Grenzebach Maschinenbau GmbH, Hamlar, Germany
tel: +49 906 982 2000
email: glass@grenzebach.com
web: www.grenzebach.com

Visit Grenzebach’s entry in the recently expanded Virtual Marketplace (Glass Worldwide’s digital showcase): https://www.glassworldwide.co.uk/virtual-marketplace-directory/A-Z

 

 * The full version of this article appears in the Nov/Dec issue that has been mailed globally. The digital version of this issue can also currently be read free of charge in its entirety in the Digital Archive (sponsored by FIC) of over 60 issues of Glass Worldwide at https://www.glassworldwide.co.uk/Digital-Issues. To receive the paper copy, all future issues and a free copy of the Who’s Who / Annual Review 2022-23 yearbook, subscribe now at https://www.glassworldwide.co.uk/subscription-choice