Method of pelletizing glass batch materials
Abstract
Abstract A method of pelletizing glass batch materials including commercially available sand, soda ash, salt cake, other minor glass forming materials, dolomite having an average (statistical mean) particle size less than 15 microns, and limestone having an average (statistical mean) particle size less than 250 microns is disclosed. The process involves the steps of mixing the glass batch materials together. A pelletizing regime is established on a rotating, pelletizing disc in which three zones of pelletization exist in the form of a pellet nucleation zone, a pellet growth zone, and a pellet tumbling zone. Each of the zones exists generally from the top of the pelletizing disc downwardly in a curved fashion over an area of the pelletizing disc with each zone having a discernable width. A prescribed amount of water is added to a portion of a pellet growth zone established on the pelletizing disc. A prescribed amount of a caustic soda solution is also added to a portion of the pellet growth zone spaced downwardly from the top of the pellet growth zone. The caustic addition is in the form of a wide stream generally centered with respect to the centerline of the pellet growth zone and spread across a substantial portion of the width of the pellet growth zone. A prescribed amount of the mixed glass batch materials are added to a portion of the pellet growth zone spaced downwardly from the caustic addition position. The batch materials addition stream is in the form of a wide stream generally centered with respect to the centerline of the pellet growth zone. The stream of batch materials is spread across a substantial portion of the width of the pellet growth zone. The caustic addition stream has a width in the range from slightly less than the width of the batch materials addition stream to a width of about 70% of the batch materials addition stream. Both the addition streams are centered with repsect to one another.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenneth J. Kuna
- 👤 James P. Sowman
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-07-13 | 1980-01-12 | 1980-07-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-07-13 | 1984-01-12 | 1984-07-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-07-13 | 1988-01-12 | 1988-07-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |