阅读说明：本技术 玻璃产品及其制造方法 (Glass product and method for making same ) 是由 K·O·霍夫曼 T·法伊弗 O·克劳森 R-D·维尔纳 D·佩利茨 于 2021-07-01 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于生产玻璃产品、优选片状玻璃产品的方法,其包括通过包含贵金属的管道系统将熔融硅酸盐玻璃从玻璃产品生产设备的一个区域输送到玻璃产品生产设备的另一个区域,并且其中所述包含贵金属的管道系统是载流的,这样使得通过所述贵金属传导的电流在所述包含贵金属的管道系统中、特别是在所述贵金属内产生焦耳热,其中所述电流为正半波和负半波上的时间积分基本上取得零值的交流电流。本发明还涉及一种玻璃产品,优选片状玻璃产品,其使用这种方法生产或者可以使用这种方法生产。(The invention relates to a method for producing a glass product, preferably a sheet-like glass product, comprising transporting molten silicate glass from one region of a glass product production plant to another region of the glass product production plant via a precious metal-containing pipe system, and wherein the precious metal-containing pipe system is current-carrying, such that an electric current conducted through the precious metal generates joule heat in the precious metal-containing pipe system, in particular within the precious metal, wherein the electric current is an alternating current whose time integral over a positive half wave and a negative half wave substantially assumes a value of zero. The invention also relates to a glass product, preferably a sheet-like glass product, which is produced or can be produced using this method.)

1. A method for producing a glass product, preferably a sheet-like glass product, comprising conveying silicate molten glass from one region of a glass product production facility to another region of the glass product production facility through a precious metal-containing pipe system, and wherein the precious metal-containing pipe system is current-carrying such that an electric current conducted through the precious metal generates joule heat in the precious metal-containing pipe system, in particular within the precious metal; the current is an alternating current I (ω) in which the time integral over the positive and negative half-waves substantially assumes the value zero.

2. A method for producing a glass product according to claim 1, characterized in that the pipe system comprises a substantially tubular pipe element having a coating comprising a noble metal on its inner surface, and wherein the alternating current is conducted substantially in the longitudinal direction of the tubular pipe element.

3. A method for producing a glass product according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the alternating current I (ω) is substantially sinusoidal with a fundamental frequency ω₀。

4. The method for producing a glass product according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the time integral of the alternating current signal over the full wave deviates less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, most preferably less than 2% from the time integral of the ideal sinusoidal pulse signal profile.

5. Method for producing a glass product, preferably a sheet-like glass product, in particular according to any of the preceding claims, comprising transporting silicate molten glass from one region of a glass product production plant to another region of the glass product production plant by means of a precious metal-containing pipe system, and wherein the precious metal-containing pipe system is current-carrying, such that an electric current conducted through the precious metal generates joule heat in the precious metal-containing pipe system, in particular within the precious metal; wherein the method comprises measuring the signal, preferably at least onceFundamental frequency omega₀Phase angle theta between current and voltage₀，

Preferably, the method comprises basing the phase angle θ between current and voltage₀Adjusting the fundamental frequency ω₀，

Preferably, said fundamental frequency ω is adjusted₀Such that said phase angle θ between current and voltage as a function of frequency₀At a local minimum at which the local derivative of the phase angle theta with respect to the frequency omega becomes zero,

preferably, said phase angle θ between current and voltage₀Less than ± 10 °, preferably less than ± 5 °, most preferably less than ± 2 °.

6. Method for producing a glass product according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the course of the voltage profile U (ω) over time that generates the alternating current I (ω) has signal components with more than one discrete frequency ω, i.e. preferably discrete frequency ω₁、ω₂、ω₃、...、ω_nWherein n is a non-zero natural number, and wherein the total voltage curve U (ω) resulting from the superposition of the individual signal components is as follows:

U(ω)＝U₁(ω₁)+U₂(ω₂)+U₃(ω₃)+…U_n(ω_n)，

wherein, U₁(ω₁)、U₂(ω₂)、U₃(ω₃)、...、U_n(ω_n) Are respectively of corresponding frequency omega₁、ω₂、ω₃、...、ω_nA sine-shaped or cosine-shaped voltage signal of,

wherein preferably for each has ω₁、ω₂、ω₃、...、ω_nSatisfies the following conditions: for each of these has ω₁、ω₂、ω₃、...、ω_nAre all applied to the corresponding frequency theta₁(ω₁)、θ₂(ω₂)、θ₃(ω₃)、...、θ_n(ω_n) The phase angle between the current and the voltage at is less than ± 10 °, preferably less than ± 5 °, particularly preferably less than ± 2 °.

7. Method for producing a glass product according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the time-varying signal component of the voltage curve U (ω) generating the alternating current I (ω) has a sine-shaped or cosine-shaped signal component U_i(ω_i) Of different frequencies omega_iFrom ω_xTo omega_yIn which the frequency ω for each of these signal components_iThe method is applicable to:

ω_x<ω_i<ω_y

wherein, ω is_xDenotes the frequency at which the phase angle theta between current and voltage is-10 deg., and omega_yRepresenting the frequency at which the phase angle theta between current and voltage is +10 deg..

8. Method according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the fundamental frequency ω is the fundamental frequency ω₀At least 2 x 10²Hz, preferably 5X 10²Hz and at most 2 x 10⁴Hz, preferably 1.5 x 10⁴Hz.

9. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature of the molten glass is between 1000 ℃ and 1650 ℃.

10. A glass product, in particular a sheet-like glass product, preferably having a thickness of at most 1000 μ η ι and at least 15 μ η ι, produced by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or producible by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising silicate glass, characterized in that the glass product comprises a number of particles of the noble metal per kg of glass of less than 4, preferably a number of particles of the noble metal per kg of glass of less than 3, preferably the particle size is less than 200 μ η ι.

11. Glass product, in particular sheet glass product, in particular according to claim 10, preferably having a thickness of at most 1000 μ ι η and at least 15 μ ι η, comprising silicate glass, characterized in that the glass product comprises less than 3 bubbles per kg of glass, preferably the bubble size is less than 200 μ ι η.

12. Glass product according to any of claims 10 or 11, comprising a glass comprising at least 50 wt% SiO₂Preferably up to 87 wt% SiO₂，

Wherein, except for the component SiO₂In addition, the glass preferably further contains the component Al₂O₃Preferably up to 25 wt.%, particularly preferably up to at least 3 wt.%, and B can also be contained in the glass₂O₃，

Or

Wherein, except for the component SiO₂In addition, the glass preferably further contains a component B₂O₃Preferably at least 5 wt.%, particularly preferably at most 25 wt.%, and Al can furthermore be contained in the glass₂O₃。

13. A glass product according to any of claims 10 to 12, comprising glass comprising SnO in an amount of up to 2500ppm by weight₂Preferably up to 500ppm by weight of SnO₂More preferably up to 100ppm by weight of SnO₂And/or at least 100ppm by weight of chlorine, preferably at most 2500ppm by weight of chlorine.

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to a glass product and a method for producing such a glass product.

Background

In the manufacture of glass, particularly in the manufacture of products made of or containing glass, molten glass is conveyed from a fusion tank region to a shaping region by a conduit system. In order to provide a temperature suitable for the respective molten glass and forming process at the respective location, the piping system must be maintained at a constant temperature by appropriate arrangement of heat-generating components. The pipe system must therefore usually be heated, in particular also in order to ensure the corresponding viscosity required for the molten glass during the conveying process with the necessary production reliability.

For example, indirect heating techniques are known that use band heaters or other differently configured heat sinks that indirectly maintain the glass delivery tubing at the proper temperature through a thermal conduction process.

Direct heating techniques are also known which heat the walls of glass delivery piping systems by electrical resistance heating, where joule heating is typically emitted to the glass.

Australian patent AU 473784B discloses a method of making sheet glass in which the viscosity of the glass to be thermoformed is adjusted by electrical heating prior to forming the glass into a ribbon of glass. To this end, an electric current is passed through the glass to control the temperature and flow of the glass. A disadvantage of such processes is that this may induce bubble formation and electrochemical reactions.

DE 102016107577 a1 describes an apparatus and a method for producing glass products by melting glass, wherein the apparatus comprises a crucible, for example a stirring crucible, in which a component, such as a stirring member, is arranged, which component is mounted for rotation for processing the molten glass, and wherein for heating the molten glass the apparatus comprises an alternator which supplies power to the crucible or the stirring crucible by means of electrical connection elements.

DE 102005015651 a1 discloses in general a method and a circuit arrangement for determining the impedance on an electrically heated glass melting tank, and the use of such a method and arrangement for producing glass. This publication also describes passing the heating current employed through the glass itself. In order to detect the consumption of the heating electrode or the consumption of the fences of the melting tank and to determine whether the platinizing stirrer is performing an eccentric stirring movement, an impedance measurement is used. Furthermore, the aim is to track unwanted earth grounds in or on the glass melting tank, to calculate the current flowing between all electrodes of the glass melting tank and to calculate or identify direct current paths that may cause unwanted bubble formation and corrosion.

International patent application WO 2020/023218 a1 describes a method of directly heating a metal container during the glass manufacturing process. A plurality of electric heating circuits, for example, differing from each other in phase angle, may be selected for heating.

When heating the current-carrying pipe elements, the applied voltage and the current flowing through the pipe system, and optionally the modulation of the alternating current, are generally controlled in order to regulate the generated heat. The modulation can be achieved by a transformation or by pulse modulation of the pulse packet, in particular by phase angle control (also referred to as phase cutting or phase angle control). In terms of circuitry, this is typically achieved using transformers, transducers or thyristors.

A general disadvantage of direct heating is that in the presence of electricity, precious metals and glass, electrochemical reactions occur, especially at the interface, which can lead to glass defects in the product, such as bubbles and/or metal particles and/or reduced optical transparency.

A disadvantage of indirect heating is that the heat conduction process introduces a time delay in the temperature control of the glass temperature in the pipe system.

In the case of direct heating, defects may occur on the way of conveying the molten glass from the melting tank to the forming zone, which may be due to, for example, interaction between the molten glass and the refractory material. Typically, the molten glass is directed from the fusion trough region to the shaping region by a conduit system made of or containing a precious metal (e.g., platinum or a platinum alloy). For example, platinum may be alloyed with rhodium, iridium and/or gold, and/or may additionally comprise zirconium dioxide and/or yttrium oxide for fine grain stabilization. An advantage of using components comprising noble metals as conductive material is that these components are electrically conductive. Thus, the components may be electrically heated by preferably conducting an alternating current through the components to generate joule heating that heats the components.

However, it has been found that interactions can occur during the transfer of the molten glass, particularly at the contact points between one or more components of the precious metal-containing piping system and the molten glass. These interactions are manifested by the formation of defects (e.g., bubbles) or the introduction of particles (e.g., noble metal particles). This is disadvantageous, since bubbles and/or particles are generally disadvantageous for the correspondingly obtained product and may lead to increased waste.

This is particularly critical for specialty glasses which have specific, often very high, requirements for product quality. In particular for the production of very thin glass products, so-called ultra-thin glass or ultra-thin glass sheets, only a very small number of defects are allowed to occur. Not only is the absolute number of defects important, but their type and size, depending on the specific requirements of the product. For example, it is possible to allow only very small particles, whereas larger particles will always lead to waste, regardless of their number.

Thus, there is a need for glass products containing only a small number of defects (e.g., bubbles and/or particles), particularly thin glass or thin glass sheets containing only a small number of defects (e.g., bubbles and/or particles). There is also a need for a method of manufacturing such products.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention consists in providing a glass product and a method for producing such a glass product which at least alleviate the drawbacks of the products and methods of the prior art.

This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments and/or specific embodiments will be apparent from the dependent claims and from the description and the drawings.

According to a first aspect, the present invention relates generally to a glass product, in particular a sheet-like glass product, preferably having a thickness of at most 1100 μm and at least 15 μm, comprising silicate glass, wherein the glass product comprises less than 4 particles of noble metal per kg of glass, preferably less than 3 particles of noble metal per kg of glass, preferably the particles have a size of less than 200 μm, wherein the particle size Gp is understood to mean the maximum distance of the particle composition (atoms or molecules) in one spatial direction. Thus, the average particle diameter may be smaller than the particle size as defined above.

In the context of the present disclosure, silicate glass is understood to mean a glass having a higher SiO content₂A content of non-metallic glass having for example at least 50 wt%, preferably at least 55 wt%, and most preferably at most 87 wt% of SiO₂And (4) content.

Molten silicate glass is understood to be a molten glass comprising a silicate glass as defined in the preceding paragraph.

The glasses used for manufacturing the glass products of the present disclosure include, for example, the group of Borosilicate (BS) glass, Aluminosilicate (AS) glass or boroaluminosilicate glass or lithium aluminosilicate glass ceramic (LAS), which are mentioned herein AS examples without loss of generality.

According to an embodiment, the glass product comprises a glass comprising at least 50 wt.% of SiO₂Preferably up to 87 wt% SiO₂。

According to a variant of the glass product, except for the component SiO₂In addition, the glass contains Al as a component₂O₃Preferably at most 25 wt.%, particularly preferably at least 3 wt.%, and B may also be present in the glass₂O₃。

According to another variant of the glass product, in addition to the component SiO₂In addition, the glass contains component B₂O₃Preferably at least 5 wt.%, particularly preferably at most 25 wt.%, and Al may also be contained in the glass₂O₃。

In particular, glasses useful as Li-Al-Si glasses have 4.6 to 5.4 wt% Li₂O content and Na of 8.1 to 9.7 wt%₂O content, and 16 to 20 wt% of Al₂O₃And (4) content.

The component contains 3.0 wt% to 4.2 wt% of Li₂O, 19 to 23 wt% of Al₂O₃60 to 69 wt% of SiO₂And TiO₂And ZrO₂The Li-Al-Si glass of (a) can be used as a glass which can be vitrified into a glass ceramic, also referred to as green glass.

Glass containing the following components may be used as borosilicate glass:

in particular, glasses having the following composition may also be used as borosilicate glasses:

or glass, in particular alkali borosilicate glass, containing

Or a glass, in particular an alkali borosilicate glass, comprising the following constituents:

glasses having the following composition may be used as the alkali-free alkaline earth silicate glasses, for example:

provided that the sum of the contents of MgO, CaO and BaO thereof is in the range of 8 to 18 wt%.

The silicate glass used to make the presently disclosed glass products may also comprise the following constituents (in wt% on an oxide basis):

in addition, the glass may contain 0 to 1 wt.% of P₂O₅SrO, BaO, and further contains 0 to 1 wt% of refining agent SnO₂、CeO₂Or As₂O₃Or other refining agents, and optionally other ingredients, such as fluorine.

According to a second aspect, the invention generally relates to a glass product, in particular a sheet-like glass product, preferably having a thickness of at most 1100 μm and at least 15 μm, comprising silicate glass, wherein the glass product comprises a number of bubbles per kg of glass of less than 3, preferably the bubble size is less than 200 μm, wherein bubble size is understood to mean the maximum distance in any spatial direction inside the bubbles. Thus, the average diameter of the bubbles may be smaller than the bubble size as defined above.

This is advantageous because particles and/or bubbles, in particular particles containing precious metals, are glass defects which may lead to waste products. Whether a glass product comprising glass defects (e.g. particles or bubbles) is rejected or still acceptable for a particular application is a matter of glass defect occurrence (i.e. the frequency with which such defects occur), which is usually specified for each unit weight of glass, meaning that it is also a matter of glass defect size. For example, glass defects exceeding a certain size always lead to waste, but if the glass defects are small enough and not too many glass defects are present, the smaller glass defects may still be unimportant for a particular application of the glass product.

This is also a growing requirement, especially for special glasses. Therefore, there is a continuing need to provide glass products having only a very small number of defects, especially in order to be able to continue to be manufactured in a cost-effective manner in very demanding product areas.

Such glass products having improved product quality, i.e. reduced frequency of occurrence of particles and/or bubbles and/or having only small glass defects (e.g. particles and/or bubbles) can be produced in an unexpectedly simple manner by a method for producing glass products according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure.

In fact, it has been found that the type, number and/or size of defects that occur can be affected by the manner in which current is conducted within one or more precious metal-containing components that are in contact with the molten glass.

It has also proven to be advantageous to exclude, with the method according to the invention, also components of the glass component which are critical for the stability and durability of the noble-metal-containing component.

Thus, with the method according to the examples, it is also advantageously possible to dispense with SnO₂The glass is melted as a refining agent. In particular, for example, common salt can be used for refining. In general, the above-described embodiments of the glass product are not limited, and therefore the glass contained in the glass product may have SnO in an amount of at most 2500ppm, preferably 2000ppm, particularly preferably at most 1000ppm, more preferably at most 500ppm₂Preferably even up to 100ppm SnO₂(all by weight). In other words, the glass contained in the glass product may generally contain up to SnO in the form of unavoidable impurities₂. The glass contained in the glass product may also generally contain chloride Cl^-Preferably at least 100ppm and at most 2500ppm (all by weight).

This design of the glass product is advantageous, in other words, because the glass product thus comprises glass which can be melted with a milder refining agent which, in particular, does not attack the component comprising the precious metal seriously and which can or does also contribute to a reduction in the formation of particles and/or bubbles.

The electrochemical reaction generally depends on the current density at the reaction site.

The invention therefore relates to a method for producing a glass product, preferably a sheet-like glass product, wherein silicate molten glass is conveyed from one region of a glass product production plant to another region of the glass product production plant by a precious metal-containing pipe system, and wherein the precious metal-containing pipe system is current-carrying, such that an electric current conducted through the precious metal generates joule heat in the precious metal-containing pipe system, in particular within the precious metal, the electric current being an alternating current whose time integral over the positive and negative half waves assumes substantially zero values. This also means that, on the time average, the direct component of the current for generating joule heat has become zero over a full wave.

The pipe system according to the invention is preferably used only for transport and, if necessary, for controlling the temperature of the silicate glass melt during this transport and not for other functions, such as refining or homogenization.

In the context of the present disclosure, a conduit system comprising a noble metal is understood to mean that the conduit system may, for example, be predominantly (i.e. at least 50 wt%), or essentially (i.e. at least 90 wt%), or be made entirely of a noble metal or an alloy comprising at least one noble metal (e.g. also referred to as a noble metal alloy). However, other configurations are also contemplated. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that the precious metal-containing ductwork system can also be configured, for example, such that the ductwork has a coating disposed on an inner surface thereof, for example, in a ductwork element such as a tubular ductwork system, the coating containing at least one precious metal.

Thus, in contrast to the prior art, not only the time-averaged current density is taken into account, but substantially all current densities flowing at any point in time. This is unexpected and there is no mention in any publication that pulse modulation has an effect on defect formation.

This is particularly unexpected, above all, when the pipe system comprises a substantially tubular pipe element having a coating comprising a noble metal on its inner surface and wherein the alternating electrical current is carried substantially in the longitudinal direction of the tubular pipe element. Since in this case it can also be assumed that the alternating current is conducted entirely within the noble metal, while the space outside the noble metal is potential-free, the shape of the voltage and current curves has little influence on the defects in the glass.

In a preferred embodiment, the alternating current is substantially sinusoidal and comprises only a single fundamental frequency ω₀And substantially no other frequency components.

In a preferred embodiment, the time integral of the alternating current signal over the full wave deviates less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, most preferably less than 2% from the time integral of the ideal sinusoidal pulse signal profile.

In a further particularly preferred method for producing a glass product, preferably a sheet-like glass product, silicate molten glass is conveyed from one region of a glass product production plant to another region of the glass product production plant by a conduit system containing noble metals, and the conduit system containing noble metals is current-carrying, such that an electric current conducted through the noble metals generates joule heat in the conduit system containing noble metals, in particular within the noble metals, and wherein the fundamental frequency ω is measured₀Phase angle theta between current and voltage₀。

For each glass of the silicate glass melt used in the method of the present disclosure, the phase angle θ between current and voltage was measured₀Fundamental frequency of time omega₀Preferably, at least one measurement is performed, i.e. before or at the beginning of the method. Although it has proven advantageous in principle to use this as the frequency ω only₀Phase angle theta between current and voltage of function of₀At or infinitely close to the value at that value when at a local minimum or at a phase angle θ between current and voltage₀The fundamental frequency ω is measured at those locations which are less than. + -. 10 °, preferably less than. + -. 5 °, particularly preferably less than. + -. 2 °₀It is sufficient, but preferably in the range of about 4 to 10^-2Hz to about 10⁶Measuring or tuning the fundamental frequency in the range of Hz to enableA higher process reliability identifies the respective aforementioned phase angle range.

This gives the angle theta of the individual panes at which the phase angle theta between current and voltage as a function of frequency is given₀At a local minimum where the local derivative of the phase angle theta with respect to the frequency omega assumes a value of zero, and the phase angle theta between current and voltage is also derived₀Those ranges of less than. + -. 10 °, preferably less than. + -. 5 °, particularly preferably less than. + -. 2 °.

The concept given here "measuring the fundamental frequency ω at least once for a silicate glass melt₀Phase angle theta between current and voltage₀"also indicates that for each silicate glass melt used in the presently disclosed method, a measure of the phase angle θ between current and voltage is provided as a function of frequency ω. This measurement can continue to be used for the adjustment of the fundamental frequency ω described below as long as the composition of the glass melt remains unchanged₀In particular, it is left to carry out the method further without the phase angle θ having to be measured again₀。

However, if the composition of the silicate melt changes, which means, for example, that its composition changes, it is preferred that for silicate glass melts whose glass composition changes, the fundamental frequency ω is measured again at least once as described above₀Phase angle theta between down current and voltage₀. The measurements obtained can then be used further if the changed silicate melt composition remains, as long as the changed silicate melt composition remains unchanged. A change in at least one composition of the glass of the silicate melt that exceeds +/-0.5 weight percent is considered a change in the glass composition of the silicate melt.

Based on the above measurements and then on the measured phase angle θ between the current and the voltage₀Advantageous adjustment of the fundamental frequency ω₀To further perform the method.

Particularly preferably, the fundamental frequency ω is adjusted₀So that the phase angle theta between current and voltage as a function of frequency₀At a local minimum at which the phase angle theta isThe local derivative with respect to frequency becomes zero.

In addition to this optimal and preferred setting, the phase angle θ between current and voltage during the execution of the method₀It may also be less than ± 10 °, preferably less than ± 5 °, most preferably less than ± 2 °. In the foregoing context, the term "phase angle θ₀"subscript" 0 "means the phase angle θ₀Not only at the minimum of the derivative of the phase angle theta with respect to the frequency omega, but also within the preferred range in which the phase angle theta between current and voltage is less than + -10 deg., preferably less than + -5 deg., particularly preferably less than + -2 deg., and within the scope of the present disclosure₀Respectively also referred to as the minimized phase angle.

Similarly, reference to the subscript "0" when referring to frequency ω means frequency ω₀The phase angle theta minimized in the above definition sense₀The frequency of (c).

In the presently described embodiment, it is also possible to use a time-varying voltage, in particular a time-periodically varying voltage, having a voltage curve U (ω) which generates the alternating current used in the presently disclosed method, the signal components of which have more than one discrete frequency ω, i.e. for example a discrete frequency ω₁、ω₂、ω₃、...、ω_nWhere n is a non-zero natural number, then the total voltage curve U (ω) resulting from the superposition of the individual voltage signals is as follows:

U(ω)＝U₁(ω₁)+U₂(ω₂)+U₃(ω₃)+…U_n(ω_n)

here, U₁(ω₁)、U₂(ω₂)、U₃(ω₃)、...、U_n(ω_n) Are respectively of corresponding frequency omega₁、ω₂、ω₃、...、ω_nSine-shaped or cosine-shaped voltage signals. Such signals may be generated with a sinusoidal generator, superimposed accordingly, and then amplified as necessary (according to application requirements).

Even in voltage profiles with a plurality of discrete frequency componentsIn the case of each having ω₁、ω₂、ω₃、...、ω_nSatisfies the condition given above for the fundamental frequency ω 0, i.e. for each of these with ω₁、ω₂、ω₃、...、ω_nOf frequency component of (a) corresponding to frequency theta₁(ω₁)、θ₂(ω₂)、θ₃(ω₃)、...、θ_n(ω_n) The phase angles at (b) are each less than ± 10 °, preferably less than ± 5 °, particularly preferably less than ± 2 °.

In a further embodiment, a time-dependent voltage, in particular a time-periodically varying voltage, with a voltage curve U (ω) can also be used, which voltage generates the alternating current used in the presently disclosed method, the signal component of which alternating current has a sine-shaped or cosine-shaped signal component Ui (ω) or a sine-shaped or cosine-shaped signal component U (ω)_i) In which different frequency components ω_iFrom ω_xTo omega_yFor the frequency ω of each of these signal components_iThe method is applicable to:

ω_x<ω_i<ω_y

wherein, ω is_xRepresents the frequency at which the phase angle theta between the current and the voltage is-10 deg., and omega_yRepresenting the frequency at which the phase angle theta between current and voltage is +10 deg..

For example, a signal having such a frequency component may be generated using a noise generator that provides substantially white noise as the output voltage signal, which is then filtered using a band-pass filter having a passband that allows the frequency to be at about ω_xTo about omega_yIs passed through the interval (2). The signal thus obtained can then be correspondingly further amplified in an application-specific manner.

For the presently disclosed glasses, without loss of generality, for the presently disclosed temperature range of the silicate melt, the fundamental frequency ω₀Is at least 5 x 10²Hz, preferably at least 1 x 10³Hz and range of at most 2 x 10⁴Hz, preferably 1.5 x 10⁴Hz. In the same way, frequency ω₁、ω₂、ω₃、...、ω_nAnd ω_iAt least 5 x 10²Hz, preferably at least 1 x 10³Hz to at most 2 x 10⁴Hz, preferably at most 1.5 x 10⁴Within the range of Hz.

Preferably, it has a value below ω_xThe other components of the voltage curve U (ω) of the frequency component of (c) are less than 15%, preferably less than 5%, particularly preferably less than 3%, of the time-averaged magnitude of the voltage curve U (ω) at the time-averaged magnitude of the frequency component.

It is also preferred to have higher than ω_yThe other components of the voltage course U (ω) of the frequency component (e.g. harmonic) of (a) are less than 15%, preferably less than 5%, particularly preferably less than 3%, of the time-averaged magnitude of the voltage course U (ω) at the time-averaged magnitude of the frequency component.

Surprisingly, it has been found that such process control, also referred to as process control with minimized phase angle, enables glass products with significantly lower amounts of particles and/or bubbles to be obtained compared to process control with conventional resistive heating of components comprising precious metals.

The inventors are unaware of what this effect is due to. In any case, it is assumed that this is due to the fact that the charge carriers in the noble metal-containing component are better able to follow the alternating current signal when the phase angle is minimized, or the movement of positive charge carriers and the movement of negative charge carriers cancel, which therefore results in a lower load on the noble metal-containing component, thereby improving its mechanical stability. Less particles were observed to be incorporated into the glass product.

In the presently disclosed method, the temperature of the molten glass is between 1200 ℃ and 1500 ℃. The temperature of the molten glass may be between 1000 ℃ and 1650 ℃ under production conditions.

With the presently disclosed method, a glass product, in particular a sheet-like glass product, is or can be produced, having a thickness of at most 1100 μm and at least 15 μm, comprising silicate glass, the glass product comprising a number of particles of noble metal per kg of glass of less than 4, preferably a number of particles of noble metal per kg of glass of less than 3, preferably the particle size being less than 200 μm.

With the presently disclosed method, a glass product, in particular a sheet-like glass product, is or can be produced, having a thickness of at most 1100 μm and at least 15 μm, comprising a silicate glass, which glass product contains less than 3 bubbles per kg of glass, preferably said bubbles having a size of less than 200 μm.

In the context of the present disclosure, the following definitions will apply.

In the context of the present disclosure, the metal referred to as noble metal is one selected from the following list: platinum, rhodium, iridium, osmium, rhenium, ruthenium, palladium, gold, silver, and alloys of these metals.

In the context of the present disclosure, a component is referred to as a component comprising a noble metal if it comprises a significant amount, i.e. at least one metal of the above list having a content of more than unavoidable traces, in particular at least 0.1 wt.%, preferably at least 1 wt.%, particularly preferably at least 5 wt.%. This includes in particular also components which consist predominantly (i.e. over 50% by weight thereof), or essentially (i.e. over 90% thereof), or even entirely of at least one noble metal or a mixture of noble metals or an alloy consisting of one or more noble metals. Commonly used alloys are PtIr1 and/or PtIr5, for example platinum alloys with an iridium content of 1 wt% or an iridium content of 5 wt%, respectively.

Types of molten glass of the present invention include oxidized molten glass, particularly silicon-containing oxidized molten glass, and thus include silicate molten glass.

In the context of the present disclosure, glass is understood to mean an amorphous material obtainable in a melting process. A glass product is understood to mean a product (or article) comprising raw glass, which in particular may be made predominantly (i.e. over 50% by weight thereof), or essentially (i.e. over 90% by weight thereof), or even entirely, of glass.

In the context of the present disclosure, a sheet-like product is understood to mean a product whose transverse dimension in a first spatial direction of a cartesian coordinate system is at least one order of magnitude smaller than the transverse dimensions in the other two spatial directions perpendicular to the first spatial direction. This first spatial direction may also be understood as the thickness of the product, and the other two spatial directions may also be understood as the length and width of the product. In other words, in a sheet-like product, the thickness is at least one order of magnitude smaller than its length and width.

In the context of the present disclosure, gas bubbles are understood to mean fluid-filled, typically gas-filled cavities in the material and/or in the product. The gas bubbles may be closed, i.e. surrounded by material in all directions, e.g. the material of a product made of the material, or open, e.g. if the gas bubbles are located at the edge of the product, in which case they are not completely surrounded by the material of which the product is made or the material the product comprises.

In the context of the present disclosure, particles are understood to mean particles which are in particular made of or at least comprise noble metals. In particular, the particles may comprise or may consist of platinum or a platinum alloy. The morphology of the particles may be different. For example, spherical particles, i.e. particles having an at least approximately spherical shape, are possible, but also needle-shaped or needle-shaped particles or rod-shaped particles are possible. The size of the particles may be in the range up to 100 μm; typically, the size of the particles is up to about 30 μm. The dimensions specified in the context of the present disclosure are as defined above referring to the respective largest lateral dimension of the respective particle or the respective bubble. Thus, in the case of needle-shaped particles, the specified dimension is the length in the longitudinal direction of the particle.

A glass product production plant is understood to mean a plant in which the typical process steps for producing glass and products made of glass are or can be carried out. Typical process steps include providing and melting glass batch materials, refining, conditioning, and thermoforming. Regions of such a plant are understood to mean certain sections of the plant in which particular process steps are carried out and which are spatially separated from other regions of the plant, so that, for example, transfer or conveying means can be provided between one region of the plant and another. In the context of the present disclosure, such conveying means that transfer molten glass from one area of the apparatus to another are also referred to as piping elements or piping systems. Such a pipe element or pipe system may also be referred to as a channel. For example, a typical area of a glass product production facility includes a refining chamber or processing tank. More specifically, a glass product production facility may include a so-called melting tank in which batch materials are melted, for example, a refining tank in which molten glass is refined, and a holding tank or a processing tank in which adjustment is made. Homogenization generally occurs in a stirring section, where the molten glass is homogenized by a stirring rod.

Such an optimized process control with minimized phase angle can be achieved, for example, by amplitude modulation. Typically, thyristor controllers are used to generate alternating current to directly heat the piping that transports the molten glass. If this is retained, a near sinusoidal or at least sinusoidal-like pulse signal profile can be achieved by using another circuit that obscures the phase cut to obtain an at least partially sinusoidal signal profile.

In this case, the circuit may comprise, for example, on the primary side, a further variable transformer in addition to the thyristors connected in anti-parallel. This makes it possible to reduce the voltage on the primary side as far as possible to the operating point, so that the further phase cut is slight and the shape of the signal curve no longer exhibits any discontinuity or at least only very slight discontinuity and is therefore significantly more sinusoidal.

Furthermore, preferably, according to an embodiment of the method, the time-averaged amount of harmonic components of the pulse signal profile is less than 15%, preferably less than 5%, most preferably less than 3%.

Drawings

The invention will now be further explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an experimental set-up;

FIGS. 2 and 3 show photographs of silicate molten glass according to the experimental setup of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another experimental setup for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy;

fig. 5 shows an impedance spectrum of the experimental setup according to fig. 4, showing the absolute value of the complex impedance Z as a function of the frequency ω;

FIG. 6 shows an impedance spectrum of the experimental setup according to FIG. 4, showing the phase angle θ as a function of the frequency ω;

figure 7 shows a generally tubular pipe element of a pipe system having a coating comprising at least one precious metal on its inner surface and wherein an alternating current is passed through the precious metal using a generator G;

FIG. 8 shows an oscilloscope image showing a periodic voltage curve as a function of time, which shows strong deviation from a sinusoidal shape, which is mainly caused by phase cutting;

FIG. 9 shows an oscilloscope image showing a periodic voltage curve as a function of time that exhibits only a very small deviation from a sinusoidal shape;

FIG. 10 illustrates the introduction of particulate matter into molten glass under various forms of alternating current for heating the molten glass in a pipe element containing precious metals; and

FIG. 11 shows a time T for explaining FIG. 10₁An oscilloscope image of a voltage curve of current flow during a period;

FIG. 12 shows a time T for explaining FIG. 10₃An oscilloscope image of a periodic voltage curve of current flow during the period;

FIG. 13 shows a basic circuit diagram of an exemplary circuit arrangement; and

fig. 14 and 15 are exemplary scanning electron micrographs of particles comprising noble metals;

fig. 16 shows a further substantially tubular pipe element of a pipe system, which has a coating comprising at least one precious metal on its inner side and in which an alternating current is passed using a generator G, shown as floodingOverflowOverflowOf the three parts of (a) noble metal in each part.

Detailed Description

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an experimental setup, not to scale, for determining the effect of pulsing on the generation of an alternating current I (ω) in a silicate molten glass. Silicate molten glass 2 is prepared by melting SiO₂Of refractory material, e.g. so-called cruciblesMelting in a crucible.

Two electrodes 31, 32 of the same size and having a surface area of 0.5cm x 1cm, containing noble metal, are respectively inserted in the respective halves of the crucible 1. The crucible halves are connected via a molten glass bridge, which means that the current I (ω) flowing between the electrodes 31, 32 is conducted completely through the molten glass 2. The respective electrodes 31, 32 are made of a noble metal alloy, such as an alloy of platinum and rhodium, which may also be referred to as "PtRh 10", i.e. 10 wt% rhodium and 90 wt% platinum. The molten glass 2 is a molten silicate glass.

The space around the crucible 1 is flushed with an inert gas (here argon) to prevent gas phase transport reactions with respect to the electrodes 31, 32 comprising noble metals.

The crucible 1 is brought to a temperature of, for example, 1450 c in the furnace.

Then, between the electrodes 31, 32, the signal shape of the current I (ω) flowing between the two electrodes 31, 32 was varied using different modulators within the generator G representing the alternating current source, so that the geometric time-averaged current density flowing between the electrodes 31, 32 under the boundary conditions in each test was 25mA/cm²。

Three tests were performed, during which both electrodes 31, 32 were exposed to the modulation and contacted with the molten glass for 24 hours, as will be described in more detail below.

After a holding time of 24 hours, one of the electrodes 31, 32 was removed from the crucible half and quickly frozen together with the attached glass. The photograph thereof can be seen in FIG. 2.

It can be seen in fig. 2 that in the case of currentless heating (section a of fig. 2) and at least approximately sinusoidal signal curves (section b of fig. 2), the noble metal of the electrodes and the structure of the individual electrodes exhibit no change in the grain structure.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary oscilloscope image with a display at a fundamental frequency ω₀A periodic voltage curve U (ω) as a function of time and which shows only a very small deviation from a sinusoidal shape and represents the shape of the alternating current I (ω). Here, an exemplary sinusoidal full wave is represented as interval Vw₁. As an example, the fundamental frequency ω₀Is 50 Hz.

However, when an alternating current I (ω) is generated using, for example, phase cutting using a thyristor (panel c of fig. 2), it can be seen that the reflection characteristics of the coarse-grained noble metal crystals are significantly changed, and it can be concluded that a chemical reaction has occurred.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary oscilloscope image with a display at the fundamental frequency ω₀The periodic voltage curve U (ω) below as a function of time and shows a strong deviation from a sinusoidal shape, which is mainly caused by phase cutting and represents the shape of the alternating current I (ω) used here. As an example, the fundamental frequency ω₀Is 50 Hz. Here, an exemplary first non-sinusoidal half-wave resulting from phase slicing is represented as the interval Hw₁And the second non-sinusoidal half-wave resulting from the phase cut is represented as the interval Hw₂。

Once the entire crucible 1 is tempered, the glass body of the crucible half, from which the respective electrode was previously removed, is drilled out and the base body is polished. Figure 3 shows an image of a sample taken in transmitted light.

It can clearly be seen that in the absence of a current signal curve (partial diagram a of fig. 3), no bubbles are visible, whereas in the case of an at least approximately sinusoidal signal curve (partial diagram b of fig. 3) only a few bubbles are present.

However, if phase cutting is carried out with a thyristor (panel c of fig. 3), not only a pronounced bubble formation is observed, but also the glass surrounding the formed bubbles becomes dark, which can be attributed to the formation of noble metal particles.

In a further process, the inventors used electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in order to be able to identify in more detail the properties of the respectively employed glass.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic experimental setup of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Here, the glass was melted in a platinum crucible 50 having a diameter of about 10cm, and the filling height of the silicate molten glass 51 was about 10 cm. The crucible 50 is maintained at a suitable temperature in the furnace and the electrode is introduced into the molten glass 51 to be examined, in this case a rectangular platinum electrode 53 having dimensions of about 2 x 4 cm.

Both the crucible 50 and the electrodes 52, 53 are electrically addressable by respective platinum wires 54. Further, adding O₂|Pt|ZrO₂Reference electrode 52 (with 1 bar of O₂Washing is performed as a reference) is introduced into the molten glass 51 to provide an independent reference potential for electrochemical measurements.

The electrochemical impedance spectrometer was connected in the following configuration.

Working electrode 53 is the platinum electrode to be measured, reference electrode 52 is the introduced O₂|Pt|ZrO₂Reference electrode, counter electrode is defined by crucible 50.

The impedance spectra were recorded by potentiostatic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and the excitation potential was chosen to be 25 mV.

The following impedance spectrum is 10 ℃ at a melting temperature of 1200 ℃, 1300 ℃, 1400 ℃ and 1500 DEG C⁶Hz to 5 x 10^-3The composition recorded at the frequency of Hz corresponds to the impedance spectrum of the molten glass 51 of the AS87 glass.

By way of example only, the current generated in this case is designated as I (ω), while the voltage appearing here is designated as U (ω). The complex impedance is generated as a function of frequency, for example, Z (ω) ═ U (ω)/I (ω), and absolute values of complex impedance Z | at different temperatures are shown in the impedance spectrum of fig. 5.

The frequency-dependent phase angle θ (ω) between the current I (ω) and the voltage U (ω), denoted by "theta" in fig. 6, shows a significant frequency dependence with a significant minimum, and its utilization with respect to the method will be described in more detail below.

These tests were intended to simulate an arrangement such as that shown in figure 7, and in particular the interaction of precious metals, especially pipe systems containing precious metals, with silicate melts.

Surprisingly, the test results obtained with the arrangement shown in fig. 1 and 4 can also be substantially transferred to other embodiments, for example to the embodiment shown in fig. 7, in which the current is not substantially directed directly through the silicate melt or glass melt 2, but rather is substantially directed through the region containing the noble metal, thereby directing the current through a coating or lining 62, which will be described in more detail below. Although it seems that this positive effect is not fully understood, one reason that the current results may be transferred is probably the skin effect of the alternating current in the conductor, where the surface of the conductor shows a higher current density under the alternating current than inside it, as the conductor tries to keep the inside field-free and voltage-free. These higher current densities that occur on the surfaces of the respective conductors are in direct contact with glass melt 2 adjacent to conductor 62.

FIG. 7 shows a generally tubular piping element 60 of a piping system for conveying molten glass. For example, the piping may extend between the melting unit and the device for thermoforming.

The pipe element 60 comprises a tubular portion 61 made of refractory material and having on its inner surface a coating 62 comprising at least one precious metal or a lining 62 comprising precious metal.

As described above, the noble metal may, for example, comprise platinum or a platinum alloy. For example, platinum may be alloyed with rhodium, iridium and gold, and/or may additionally comprise zirconium dioxide and/or yttrium oxide for fine grain stabilization.

The generator G is used to pass an alternating current I (ω) through the precious metal to generate an alternating voltage U (ω) at the generator, as shown in fig. 8 and 9.

Fundamental frequency omega₀Based on the phase angle θ between the current and the voltage₀Setting.

Fundamental frequency omega₀Is particularly arranged such that the phase angle theta between current and voltage as a function of frequency omega₀At a local minimum at which the local derivative of the phase angle theta with respect to frequency becomes zero.

As an example, for frequency ω₀Can be seen in the graph of fig. 6.

However, according to this process, this minimum does not exhibit a local sudden change of the distinct peak, but rather is in a range of low slopes which, in the presently disclosed embodiment, is advantageous, the phase angle θ between current and voltage being₀Less than ± 10 °, preferably less than ± 5 °, most preferably less than ± 2 °.

In general, as can be seen, for example, from the graph of FIG. 6, in the presently disclosed glass, the phase angle θ between current and voltage is within the temperature range of 1000 ℃ to 1650 ℃₀Less than + -10 deg. of fundamental frequency omega₀Preferably the phase angle theta between current and voltage₀At least about 2 x 10 in the case of-10 DEG²Hz to 5 x 10²Hz, corresponding to ω_xAnd a phase angle theta between the current and the voltage₀In the range of at most 1.5 x 10 in the case of +10 °⁴Hz to 2 x 10⁴Hz, corresponding to ω_y。

Although the arrangement shown in fig. 7 includes substantially only the current I (ω) flowing within the molten glass 2 in the direction of arrow P, as described above, it has been found that the results obtained experimentally with the apparatus shown in fig. 1 are surprisingly well-transferable to the pipe element 60 shown in fig. 7, and bubble formation and particle introduction can be greatly reduced by a process with minimized phase angle.

Fig. 5 and 6 show two graphs illustrating the results of the impedance spectrum. In fig. 5, the absolute value of the complex impedance Z is plotted as a function of frequency. Curve 101 was measured at a melting temperature of 1500 ℃, curve 102 was measured at a melting temperature of 1400 ℃, curve 103 was measured at a melting temperature of 1300 ℃ and curve 104 was measured at a melting temperature of 1200 ℃.

It can be clearly seen that the absolute value of the impedance varies with temperature, at about at least 5 x 10²Hz of about 2 x 10²Hz to and at most about 1.5 x 10⁴Hz to 2 x 10⁴Passing a minimum at frequencies between Hz.

In fig. 6, the phase angle θ is plotted as a function of frequency. Curve 105 was measured for the same glass at a melting temperature of 1500 ℃, curve 106 was measured for the same glass at a melting temperature of 1400 ℃, curve 107 was measured for the same glass at a melting temperature of 1300 ℃, and curve 108 was measured for the same glass at a melting temperature of 1200 ℃. Here, it can also be seen that at these temperatures, the phase angle is at least 5 x 10²Hz and at most 2 x 10⁴Hz has a minimum value, i.e. a very low value ranging between not more than ± 10 °, for example at most ± 5 °, even at most ± 2 °.

By way of example only, the results that may be obtained with the method according to the invention are shown in fig. 10.

Fig. 10 shows the results of producing an alkali-free alkaline earth silicate glass having the exemplary composition as specified above in an exemplary apparatus (also referred to simply as a cell) for manufacturing a glass product.

In this cell there is a connection between the refining tube and the crucible upstream of the apparatus of the thermoforming process or forming part of the thermoforming process, which connection comprises a transfer tube, i.e. a pipe element 60 as shown in the further embodiment in fig. 7 and 16. The pipe element 60 is initially referred to as an overflowOverflowOverflowThe three heating circuits of (a) heat.FIG. 16 shows, as an example, overflows arranged one after the otherOverflowOverflowBut they may also take the parallel arrangement of the embodiment shown in figure 16.

All 3 heating circuits initially operate using a transformer with a tap of 10V, substantially corresponding to the schematic diagram in fig. 7, but by way of example and for the sake of clarity only one heating circuit is shown in fig. 7, which provides a voltage U (ω) and a current I (ω) by means of a generator G. This situation can be seen in particular in fig. 16.

The effect of the heating circuit is illustrated by the respective current measurement curves 701, 703, 705, wherein measurement curve 701 is associated with overflow 2, measurement curve 703 is associated with overflow 1, measurement curve 705 is associated with overflow 0, and electrode potential E (plotted as voltage U) is illustrated by measurement curves 702, 704, 706, wherein measurement curve 702 is associated with overflow 2, measurement curve 704 is associated with overflow 1, and measurement curve 706 is associated with overflow 0.

Also by way of example, the number 8 of particles containing noble metal introduced into the molten glass during this time is plotted, i.e. in the form of square symbols, which are not all marked for the sake of clarity.

Now, 3 different states can be described.

Time period T₁Approximately six and half days.

All three heating circuits were operated using a 10V tap transformer.

Heating circuitRun at an RMS voltage of about 8.2V, an RMS current of about 1700A, and a relatively weak phase cutLine, but still produce frequencies above omega_yOf the harmonic of (c).

Heating circuitRun at an RMS voltage of about 2.9V, an RMS current of about 700A, and a strong phase cut.

Heating circuitOperating at an RMS voltage of about 3.1V, an RMS current of about 500A and an intense phase cut all resulting in frequencies above ω_yOf the harmonic of (c).

FIG. 12 shows a display period T₃Oscilloscope images of the voltage curve during flooding 1. Here, the phase cut is relatively weak.

FIG. 11 shows a display period T₁Oscilloscope images of the voltage curve during flooding 1. Here, the phase cut is very pronounced, so that the frequency is higher than ω_yThe ratio of (a) to (b) is high. As can be clearly seen in fig. 11, these frequencies all appear within the full wave of U (ω), with the voltage jumps Sp1, Sp2, Sp3 and Sp4 being evident. It has also been shown that the frequency (i.e.. omega.) is higher than the frequency given as preferred_y) With a greater adverse effect than below this frequency.

By the above process, the average number of noble metal particles, particularly platinum particles, introduced into the molten glass 2 is about 7.0 particles per kg.

Time period T₂About 15 days and a time period T₁And (4) continuous.

Heating circuitAnd a heating circuitAre combined to obtain a new heating circuit

Both heating circuits were operated using a tap RMS transformer voltage of 10V.

Heating circuitRun at an RMS voltage of about 8.2V, an RMS current of about 1650A, and a relatively weak phase cut.

Heating circuitRun at an RMS voltage of about 4.7V, an RMS current of about 640A, and a reduced phase cut relative to the graph in fig. 11.

With the process just described, the average number of precious metal particles, particularly platinum particles, introduced into the molten glass 2 is about 3.8 particles per kilogram.

Time period T₃About nine and a half days and a time period T₂And (4) continuous.

Heating circuitA variable transformer with an RMS voltage tap of 8V was used for operation.

Heating circuitA transformer with an RMS voltage tap of 10V was used for operation.

Heating circuitRun at an RMS voltage of about 7.6V, an RMS current of about 1550A and as best as possible phase cut (which means that it is smoothed).

OverflowOperating at an RMS voltage of about 4.7V, an RMS current of about 640A and reduced phase cut relative to the graph in fig. 11.

At the upper partIn the above operation, during the time period T₁To T₃The fact that the RMS voltage value is lower than the RMS voltage tap value during this period represents a normal condition for a current-carrying transformer, which may be characterized by a decrease in RMS voltage value with increasing RMS current value.

FIG. 12 shows a display period T₃Oscilloscope images of the voltage curve during flooding 1. As can be seen, the phase cut is significantly reduced here compared to the voltage profile shown in fig. 11, as already described above for the voltage profile with reduced phase cut.

With the process just described, the average number of precious metal particles, particularly platinum particles, introduced into the molten glass 2 is about 2.5 particles per kilogram.

These examples show that reducing the effect of phase cutting and correcting the chordal alternating current I (ω) minimizes the introduction of particles into the molten glass 2.

Fig. 13 shows a greatly simplified basic circuit diagram of an exemplary circuit arrangement. The lines L1, L2, L3 and N are lines which carry in particular the phases of a power supply network 70, which power supply network 70 may be part of an internal power supply network or an external power supply network. For example, the supply network 70 may provide an alternating voltage with an RMS voltage of 230V between the two respective lines L1, L2, L3 comprising the phases at a network frequency of 50Hz or, in the case of an internal supply network, at an even higher network frequency. Even if such a fundamental frequency ω is used₀An arrangement that is not yet optimally selected may show that avoiding harmonics of the frequency ω outside, in particular above, the preferred frequency range shows a positive impact on the technical object of the present disclosure.

The lines L1 and L3 of the phases are routed to another circuit via a fused contactor or protection switch 71, as will be described in more detail below.

When the contactor 71 is closed, the phase L3 is supplied to the parallel circuit including the thyristors T1 and T2, and the thyristors T1 and T2 are selectively driven, in particular turned on, by the control circuit 72.

Thyristors T1 and T2 are typically connected between potentials labeled U1 and U2 to produce a phase cut and to collectively power variable transformer 73 with phase-cut phase L3 and with phase L1.

The variable transformer 73 is adapted to transform the voltages generated by the thyristors T1 and T2 into a defined low voltage using phase cutting.

Furthermore, the use of such a variable transformer 73 is also an advantageous option to equalize, i.e. smooth, the phase cut produced by the thyristors T1 and T2.

The variable transformer 73 provides the above-mentioned voltages and currents at its connection points U and V to the electrodes 31 and 32 also described above. The connection point, indicated with PE, may be located at ground potential E for grounding the respective component, e.g. a pipe element or a pipe system, also called a channel.

The above-described generator G is mainly provided by an internal or external supply network 70, a fuse contactor or protection switch 71, a control circuit 72 and thyristors T1 and T2, and a variable transformer 73.

If the power supply network 70 is in the form of an internal supply network, it may also be at a voltage other than the 220V RMS voltage given by way of example and the fundamental frequency ω given by way of example₀Outside of the 50Hz AC voltage, or at other RMS voltages and other fundamental frequencies ω₀The operation is carried out.

Furthermore, these fundamental frequencies ω are, in particular in the case of internal supply networks₀May correspond to frequencies such as those shown in fig. 5 and 6.

Fig. 14 shows a scanning electron micrograph of exemplary needle-shaped particles comprising at least one noble metal (which may also be referred to as noble metal-containing needles). Here, the maximum lateral dimension of the needle is about 100 μm, i.e. the dimension Gp in the context of the present disclosure is about 100 μm, the aspect ratio of such needles typically being 100. This means that in the case of a needle having a length of about 100 μm, the width and depth of the needle is only about 1 μm. The scale 9 given in the lower part of fig. 14 represents a length of 60 μm.

Fig. 15 shows another scanning electron microscope image of an exemplary particle comprising at least one noble metal, which in the context of the present disclosure has a size Gp of about 32 μm, with a significantly smaller aspect ratio compared to the needle of fig. 14. Such particles are referred to as spherical despite deviations in particle shape from the ideal round or spherical shape. The scale given in the lower part of fig. 15 represents a length of 10 μm.

List of reference numerals

1 crucible

2 molten glass

8 number of particles containing noble metal

9 Scale

31, 32 electrodes

41, 42 conductor

50 crucible containing precious metal

51 molten glass

52 reference electrode

53 working electrode

54 conductor

60 a pipe element as part of a pipe system

61 tubular part of refractory material, 60

62 coating or lining of pipe element 60 comprising at least one precious metal

70 internal or external power supply network, e.g. with 220V RMS voltage and an exemplary fundamental frequency ω₀At 50Hz

71 fusing contactor or protection switch

Control circuit of 72 thyristors T1 and T2

73 variable transformer

81 particles in the form of needles comprising noble metals

82 spherical particles comprising a noble metal

101, 105 melting temperature of 1500 DEG C

102, 106 melting temperature of 1400 deg.C

103, 107 melting temperature of 1300 deg.C

104, 108 melting temperature of 1200 deg.C

701, 703, 705 current measurement curve

702, 704, 706 electrode potential measurement curves

Glass fill height during F impedance measurement

G generator

G_pSize of particles comprising noble metal

P direction of current I (ω) in molten glass 2

Voltage jump within Sp1 full wave U (ω)

Voltage jump within Sp2 full wave U (ω)

Voltage jump within Sp3 full wave U (ω)

Voltage jump within Sp4 full wave U (ω)

T1 thyristor

T2 thyristor

First potential applied to thyristors T1 and T2 by U1

A second potential applied to the thyristors T1 and T2 by U2

Connection point of U-transformer and electrode 31

Overflow 0 heating circuit

Heating circuit of overflow 1

Overflow 2 heating circuit

Connection point of the V-transformer to electrode 32

Connection point of PE to ground potential

E ground potential for grounding individual components, such as pipe elements or pipe systems, also referred to as channels

Vw₁Full wave of a substantially sinusoidal current I (ω)

Hw₁First half-wave of substantially non-sinusoidal current I (ω)

Hw₂A second half-wave of the substantially non-sinusoidal current I (ω).