A process for pelletizing lead- and potash glass batches

Abstract

The use of pelletized glass batch has many advantages, compared with loose batch: Segregation and dusting is eliminated during handling and charging. Thus, the poisoning hazard from red lead and other components by charging is reduced and less corrosion occurs in the furnace. By lead-glass melting the losses of lead are reduced and the homogeneity of the melt is improved. The pelletized batch has very good floating properties which faciliates manual charging and also permits charging by machine without complicated equipment. The weight by volume of pelletized batch is higher than in the case of loose batch. By pot melting two charges instead of three are sufficient. The time to obtain batch free melt can be reduced up to about 25 % by melting 30 % lead crystal glass. A new process, applied for patent, for continuous production of practically water free pellets has been developed. The process works without addition of any binding agent influencing the composition of the glass or giving melting or discolouring troubles. The process gives directly dry pellets and thus the problem of softening by normal drying of pellets is eliminated. The process has been used in practice and works very well in batches with potash : soda ash ratio 1 or higher.