CA2037426C - Open bottomed spinner for mineral fibers - Google Patents
Open bottomed spinner for mineral fibersInfo
- Publication number
- CA2037426C CA2037426C CA002037426A CA2037426A CA2037426C CA 2037426 C CA2037426 C CA 2037426C CA 002037426 A CA002037426 A CA 002037426A CA 2037426 A CA2037426 A CA 2037426A CA 2037426 C CA2037426 C CA 2037426C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- spinner
- bore
- peripheral wall
- spoke members
- bottom wall
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C03—GLASS; MINERAL OR SLAG WOOL
- C03B—MANUFACTURE, SHAPING, OR SUPPLEMENTARY PROCESSES
- C03B37/00—Manufacture or treatment of flakes, fibres, or filaments from softened glass, minerals, or slags
- C03B37/01—Manufacture of glass fibres or filaments
- C03B37/04—Manufacture of glass fibres or filaments by using centrifugal force, e.g. spinning through radial orifices; Construction of the spinner cups therefor
- C03B37/045—Construction of the spinner cups
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y02P40/00—Technologies relating to the processing of minerals
- Y02P40/50—Glass production, e.g. reusing waste heat during processing or shaping
- Y02P40/57—Improving the yield, e-g- reduction of reject rates
Abstract
A spinner for centrifuging molten glass into glass fibers comprises a spinner peripheral wall having orifices for forming mineral fibers, and an annular spinner bottom wall defining an open bore, the bottom wall being connected at its outer periphery to the peripheral wall and adapted to receive a stream of molten glass, a central hub, and spoke members connecting the hub and the bottom wall to enable rotational force to be transferred from the hub to the peripheral wall, the spoke members enabling a substantial flow of air downwardly through the bore.
Description
DESCRIPTION
OPEN BOTTOMED SPINNER FOR MINERAL FIBERS
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to the production of mineral fibers and mineral fiber products. More specifically, this invention relates to a spinner and a - 10 fiberizer for converting molten mineral material into mineral fibers.
BACKGROUND ART
The common practice in forming fibers of mineral materials, such as glass fibers, is to pass the material in a molten state to the orifices of the peripheral wall of a centrifuge or spinner to create primary fibers.
Thereafter, the primary fibers are further attenuated into secondary fibers of smaller diameter by the action of a flow of gases discharged downwardly from an external annular blower. Some fiber forming processes, such as the Supertel process, use a high velocity gaseous burner for the secondary attenuation of the mineral fibers. Other fiberizing processes, such as low energy processes, use blowers only for turning the mineral fibers into a downwardly moving cylindrical veil, rather than for attenuation.
The manner of supplying molten glass to the spinner peripheral wall for fiberization varies. One method uses a distributor or slinger cup mounted for rotation radially inwardly of the spinner peripheral wall.
A single stream of molten glass is supplied to the slinger cup, and the slinger cup distributes the molten glass as a multiplicity of coarse streams which are thrown by centrifugal force to the spinner peripheral wall. In such a process the spinner bottom wall serves little function, `~L
2037~2~
and is generally provided with a large opening or central bore.
In another process for supplying molten glass to the spinner, a single stream of molten glass is supplied to the spinner bottom wall, and the molten glass flows by centrifugal force to the spinner peripheral wall. In such a method of molten glass distribution, the spinner bottom wall is an essential element in the distribution process.
In order to improve mineral fiberization - 10 processes, it has become desirable to stabilize the veilof mineral fibers produced from the spinners. As the throughput from fiberizers is increased, and as the diameter of the spinners is increased, it becomes increasingly important to stabilize the veil of mineral fibers. The veil of mineral fibers has a tendency to "dance" or wobble in an unstable manner, and this adversely affects the distribution of mineral fibers into the insulation products being formed.
Another problem in mineral fiberization is that the veils have a tendency to collapse or neck down to a smaller diameter. This causes greater fiber entanglement and presents problems in evenly distributing the fibers into a thermally efficient insulation product. An improved system is needed to prevent the veils from collapsing.
One means for providing veil stabilization is the use of a cone attached to the spinner bottom wall.
Another attempt in the past to stabilize the veil is the use of air introduced via a small conduit threaded down through the hollow quill of the spinner. These efforts to stabilize veils of mineral fibers have been only partially successful. An improved method for stabilizing the veil is needed.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
There has now been invented a method and apparatus for stabilizing the veil which employs the use of massive quantities of air being drawn through or blown through a central bore in the spinner bottom wall of a mineral f~berizer. These massive quantities of air provide veil stabilization in a manner which greatly improves the mineral fiberization process. The veil stabilization enables the use of spinners of larger and larger diameters, while maintaining excellent veil distribution qualities.
According to this invention, there is provided a - spinner for centrifuging molten mineral material into mineral fibers comprising a spinner peripheral wall mounted for rotation, the peripheral wall having a plurality of orifices for passing molten mineral material to form mineral fibers, an annular spinner bottom wall having an inner and outer periphery, the inner periphery defining an open bore, the bottom wall being connected at its outer periphery to the peripheral wall and adapted to ~- receive a stream of molten mineral material and direct the molten mineral material by centrifugal force to the peripheral wall, a central hub, and spoke members connecting the hub and the bottom wall to enable rotational force to be transferred from the hub to the peripheral wall, the spoke members enabling a substantial flow of air downwardly through the bore.
Operation of the invention has been found not only to stabilize the veil, but also to expand the veil and keep it from necking down or collapsing. Further, because the veil does not collapse, fiber distribution within the insulation product is improved, resulting in a better insulation pack structure and improved thermal performance. Also, the introduction of such a large bore in the spinner bottom wall significantly reduces the 203742~
-weight of the spinner, thereby facilitating the ease of handling of the spinners. In addition, the significantly ` large flow of air introduced into the center of the veil tends to cool the veil to a greater extent than prior art 5 processes. This increased veil cooling helps prevent binder vaporization during the binder application process.
In a specific embodiment of the invention, the bore has a radius of at least 60% of the radius of the peripheral wall. Preferably, the bore has a radius of at 10 least 75~ of the radius of the peripheral wall.
In another specific embodiment of the invention, the spoke members are adapted with an angular surface to impel air downwardly through the bore when the spinner is rotated.
In yet another specific embodiment of the invention, the spinner has vanes which are juxtaposed between spoke members, the vanes being adapted with an angular surface to impel air downwardly through the bore when the spinner is rotated.
According to this invention, there is also provided a fiberizer for making mineral fibers comprising a spinner for centrifuging molten mineral material into mineral fibers, the spinner having a spinner peripheral wall mounted for rotation, the peripheral wall having a 25 plurality of orifices for passing molten mineral material - to form mineral fibers, an annular spinner bottom wall having an inner and outer periphery, the inner periphery defining an open bore, the bottom wall being connected at its outer periphery to the peripheral wall and adapted to 30 receive a stream of molten mineral material and direct the molten mineral material by centrifugal force to the peripheral wall, a central hub, and spoke members connecting the hub and the bottom wall to enable rotational force to be transferred from the hub to the 35 peripheral wall, the spoke members enabling a substantial -flow of air downwardly through the bore, a burner for heating the mineral material, means for rotating the spinner, a blower for turning the mineral fibers downward, and an air supply passageway positioned above the spinner and adapted to supply a flow of air to the bore.
In a specific embodiment of the invention, the spinner bottom wall, the burner, the blower, and the passageway are adapted to enable an air flow through the bore within the range of from about 200 to about 1,000 scfm.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the air flow through the bore is within the range of from about 400 to about 800 scfm.
According to this invention, there is also provided a method of centrifuging molten mineral material into mineral fibers comprising rotating a spinner having a peripheral wall, the peripheral wall having a plurality of orifices for passing molten mineral material to form mineral fibers, the spinner having an annular spinner bottom wall having an inner and outer periphery, the inner periphery defining an open bore, the bottom wall being connected at its outer periphery to the peripheral wall and adapted to receive a stream of molten mineral material and direct the molten mineral material by centrifugal force to the peripheral wall, the spinner also having a central hub and spoke members connecting the hub and the bottom wall to enable rotational force to be transferred from the hub to the peripheral wall, the spoke members enabling a substantial flow of air downwardly through the bore, supplying molten mineral material to the spinner, and supplying a flow of air downwardly through the bore.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the present invention, Figure 1 is a schematic view in elevation of the fiberizer according to the principles of the invention;
Figure 2 is a plan view of the spinner of Figure 1 shown from the spinner peripheral wall inwardly;
Figure 3 is a plan view of the radial support flange;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a spoke member as shown along lines 4-4 of Figure 2;
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a spoke member in an additional embodiment of the invention in which the spoke member is adapted with an angular surface to impel air downwardly;
Figure 6 is a schematic view in elevation of a spoke member and a vane mounted on the hub in order to impel air downwardly through the bore of the spinner; and Figure 7 is a schematic partial plan view of a hub having spokes and vanes.
BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE I~v~ lON
The invention will be described in terms of a glass fiber forming operation, although it is to be understood that the invention can be practiced using other heat softenable mineral material, such as rock, slag and basalt.
As shown in Figure 1, a spinner is comprised of a spinner peripheral wall 10, a spinner bottom wall 12 and a spinner top flange 14. The spinner bottom wall 12 is adapted to receive a stream of molten glass 18, and the molten glass flows by centrifugal force to the spinner peripheral wall 10. The spinner peripheral wall 10 is adapted with orifices 20 for the passage of molten glass therethrough. The molten glass emanates from the spinner peripheral wall 10 as primary fibers. The primary fibers are maintained in a soft attenuable condition by hot gases from an external burner 22. The primary fibers are A
attenuated into glass fibers 24 of the final diameter by the action of a blower 26. It is to be understood that the invention can be practiced with a low energy fiberizing method in which all of the attenuation is accomplished by centrifugal force through the orifices 20. The resultant glass fibers 24 travel downwardly in a cylindrically swirling veil 28. In order to maintain the molten glass in proper condition for fiberization, an internal burner 30 can be positioned to provide heat to the spinner.
Preferably, a heat baffle 32 is positioned radially inwardly from the spinner peripheral wall 10 to contain the heat at the edge of the spinner.
The spinner bottom wall 12 is attached to a central hub 34 by any suitable spoke members, such as spokes 36. Therefore, the central hub 34 is indirectly connected to the peripheral wall 10. The central hub 34 is mounted for rotation by any suitable means, such as a quill 38. Preferably, the quill 38 is rotatably mounted in bearings 40, which are preferably mounted in an appropriate framing member, such as a center pipe 42, which can be supported by a support flange 44. The quill 38 can be adapted with any suitable means for rotation, such as a motor 46.
As shown in Figure 2, the spinner bottom wall 12 has an inner periphery 48 and an outer periphery 50. The inner periphery 48 defines an opening or bore 52 through which air flows during the fiberization process. Since the spokes 36 connect the central hub 34 to the bottom wall 12 to enable rotational force to be transferred from the central hub 34 to the peripheral wall 10, the spokes 36 divide the bore 52 into a series of openings.
The outer radius of the bore 52 is the inner periphery 48 of the spinner bottom wall 12. Preferably, the bore 52 has a radius of at least 60% of the radius of the peripheral wall 10. Most preferably, the bore 52 has a radius at least 75% of the radius of the peripheral wall 10 .
A
The spokes 36 can be of any suitable design for supporting the spinner and providing rotational force, while allowing a substantial flow of air to pass through the bore 52. As shown in Figure 4, the spokes 36 can be generally linear in the vertical direction.
In order to provide the appropriate flow of air through the spinner bore 52, it is important to have free access of air above the spinner. As shown in Figure 1, an open area or a passageway 54, positioned above the spinner, enables the free flow of air downwardly through the spinner. The air flow is indicated generally by the arrows shown in Figure 1. The passageway 54 need only be defined as an open area to enable the free flow of air into the spinner. The passageway 54 can be generally defined by the hardware associated with a fiberizer, shown schematically as a baffle 56. In practice, the flow of air through the spinner bore 52 is preferably within the range of from about 200 to about 1,000 scfm. More preferably, the air flow through the bore 52 is within the range of from about 400 to about 800 scfm. This is a relatively massive amount of air relative to any previously known mineral fiberizing process, and in an amount which would be expected to freeze the coarse streams of a slinger cup method of molten glass distribution. The air supply passageway 54 can also be a conduit, not shown, connected to a source of compressed air.
The flow of air through the bore 52 is induced naturally as a result of the downward blast of the blower.
The downward flow of air can be enhanced by modifications to the spinner. As shown in Figure 5, spoke 36a can be mounted at an angle or adapted with an angular surface to impel air downwardly through the bore 52 when the spinner is rotated. This further acts to drive air downwardly and to stabilize the veil 28 beneath the fiberizer.
Preferably, the angle of orientation of the spoke 36a would be at about 45 degrees to the vertical, although other angles would be suitable.
A
, g As shown in Figures 6 and 7, an additional embodiment of the invention provides vanes 58 which can be mounted on the central hub 34 for rotation by any suitable means, such as mounting brackets 60. Preferably the vanes 58 are juxtaposed between the spokes 36 to drive air downwardly through the veil 28 upon rotation of the spinner.
It will be evident from the foregoing that various modifications can be made to this invention. Such, however, are considered as being within the scope of the invention.
lNvu~lKIAL APPLICABILITY
This invention will be found useful in the production of mineral fibers and mineral fiber products, such as glass fibers and glass fiber products, for such uses as thermal insulation and acoustical insulation.
OPEN BOTTOMED SPINNER FOR MINERAL FIBERS
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to the production of mineral fibers and mineral fiber products. More specifically, this invention relates to a spinner and a - 10 fiberizer for converting molten mineral material into mineral fibers.
BACKGROUND ART
The common practice in forming fibers of mineral materials, such as glass fibers, is to pass the material in a molten state to the orifices of the peripheral wall of a centrifuge or spinner to create primary fibers.
Thereafter, the primary fibers are further attenuated into secondary fibers of smaller diameter by the action of a flow of gases discharged downwardly from an external annular blower. Some fiber forming processes, such as the Supertel process, use a high velocity gaseous burner for the secondary attenuation of the mineral fibers. Other fiberizing processes, such as low energy processes, use blowers only for turning the mineral fibers into a downwardly moving cylindrical veil, rather than for attenuation.
The manner of supplying molten glass to the spinner peripheral wall for fiberization varies. One method uses a distributor or slinger cup mounted for rotation radially inwardly of the spinner peripheral wall.
A single stream of molten glass is supplied to the slinger cup, and the slinger cup distributes the molten glass as a multiplicity of coarse streams which are thrown by centrifugal force to the spinner peripheral wall. In such a process the spinner bottom wall serves little function, `~L
2037~2~
and is generally provided with a large opening or central bore.
In another process for supplying molten glass to the spinner, a single stream of molten glass is supplied to the spinner bottom wall, and the molten glass flows by centrifugal force to the spinner peripheral wall. In such a method of molten glass distribution, the spinner bottom wall is an essential element in the distribution process.
In order to improve mineral fiberization - 10 processes, it has become desirable to stabilize the veilof mineral fibers produced from the spinners. As the throughput from fiberizers is increased, and as the diameter of the spinners is increased, it becomes increasingly important to stabilize the veil of mineral fibers. The veil of mineral fibers has a tendency to "dance" or wobble in an unstable manner, and this adversely affects the distribution of mineral fibers into the insulation products being formed.
Another problem in mineral fiberization is that the veils have a tendency to collapse or neck down to a smaller diameter. This causes greater fiber entanglement and presents problems in evenly distributing the fibers into a thermally efficient insulation product. An improved system is needed to prevent the veils from collapsing.
One means for providing veil stabilization is the use of a cone attached to the spinner bottom wall.
Another attempt in the past to stabilize the veil is the use of air introduced via a small conduit threaded down through the hollow quill of the spinner. These efforts to stabilize veils of mineral fibers have been only partially successful. An improved method for stabilizing the veil is needed.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
There has now been invented a method and apparatus for stabilizing the veil which employs the use of massive quantities of air being drawn through or blown through a central bore in the spinner bottom wall of a mineral f~berizer. These massive quantities of air provide veil stabilization in a manner which greatly improves the mineral fiberization process. The veil stabilization enables the use of spinners of larger and larger diameters, while maintaining excellent veil distribution qualities.
According to this invention, there is provided a - spinner for centrifuging molten mineral material into mineral fibers comprising a spinner peripheral wall mounted for rotation, the peripheral wall having a plurality of orifices for passing molten mineral material to form mineral fibers, an annular spinner bottom wall having an inner and outer periphery, the inner periphery defining an open bore, the bottom wall being connected at its outer periphery to the peripheral wall and adapted to ~- receive a stream of molten mineral material and direct the molten mineral material by centrifugal force to the peripheral wall, a central hub, and spoke members connecting the hub and the bottom wall to enable rotational force to be transferred from the hub to the peripheral wall, the spoke members enabling a substantial flow of air downwardly through the bore.
Operation of the invention has been found not only to stabilize the veil, but also to expand the veil and keep it from necking down or collapsing. Further, because the veil does not collapse, fiber distribution within the insulation product is improved, resulting in a better insulation pack structure and improved thermal performance. Also, the introduction of such a large bore in the spinner bottom wall significantly reduces the 203742~
-weight of the spinner, thereby facilitating the ease of handling of the spinners. In addition, the significantly ` large flow of air introduced into the center of the veil tends to cool the veil to a greater extent than prior art 5 processes. This increased veil cooling helps prevent binder vaporization during the binder application process.
In a specific embodiment of the invention, the bore has a radius of at least 60% of the radius of the peripheral wall. Preferably, the bore has a radius of at 10 least 75~ of the radius of the peripheral wall.
In another specific embodiment of the invention, the spoke members are adapted with an angular surface to impel air downwardly through the bore when the spinner is rotated.
In yet another specific embodiment of the invention, the spinner has vanes which are juxtaposed between spoke members, the vanes being adapted with an angular surface to impel air downwardly through the bore when the spinner is rotated.
According to this invention, there is also provided a fiberizer for making mineral fibers comprising a spinner for centrifuging molten mineral material into mineral fibers, the spinner having a spinner peripheral wall mounted for rotation, the peripheral wall having a 25 plurality of orifices for passing molten mineral material - to form mineral fibers, an annular spinner bottom wall having an inner and outer periphery, the inner periphery defining an open bore, the bottom wall being connected at its outer periphery to the peripheral wall and adapted to 30 receive a stream of molten mineral material and direct the molten mineral material by centrifugal force to the peripheral wall, a central hub, and spoke members connecting the hub and the bottom wall to enable rotational force to be transferred from the hub to the 35 peripheral wall, the spoke members enabling a substantial -flow of air downwardly through the bore, a burner for heating the mineral material, means for rotating the spinner, a blower for turning the mineral fibers downward, and an air supply passageway positioned above the spinner and adapted to supply a flow of air to the bore.
In a specific embodiment of the invention, the spinner bottom wall, the burner, the blower, and the passageway are adapted to enable an air flow through the bore within the range of from about 200 to about 1,000 scfm.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the air flow through the bore is within the range of from about 400 to about 800 scfm.
According to this invention, there is also provided a method of centrifuging molten mineral material into mineral fibers comprising rotating a spinner having a peripheral wall, the peripheral wall having a plurality of orifices for passing molten mineral material to form mineral fibers, the spinner having an annular spinner bottom wall having an inner and outer periphery, the inner periphery defining an open bore, the bottom wall being connected at its outer periphery to the peripheral wall and adapted to receive a stream of molten mineral material and direct the molten mineral material by centrifugal force to the peripheral wall, the spinner also having a central hub and spoke members connecting the hub and the bottom wall to enable rotational force to be transferred from the hub to the peripheral wall, the spoke members enabling a substantial flow of air downwardly through the bore, supplying molten mineral material to the spinner, and supplying a flow of air downwardly through the bore.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the present invention, Figure 1 is a schematic view in elevation of the fiberizer according to the principles of the invention;
Figure 2 is a plan view of the spinner of Figure 1 shown from the spinner peripheral wall inwardly;
Figure 3 is a plan view of the radial support flange;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a spoke member as shown along lines 4-4 of Figure 2;
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a spoke member in an additional embodiment of the invention in which the spoke member is adapted with an angular surface to impel air downwardly;
Figure 6 is a schematic view in elevation of a spoke member and a vane mounted on the hub in order to impel air downwardly through the bore of the spinner; and Figure 7 is a schematic partial plan view of a hub having spokes and vanes.
BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE I~v~ lON
The invention will be described in terms of a glass fiber forming operation, although it is to be understood that the invention can be practiced using other heat softenable mineral material, such as rock, slag and basalt.
As shown in Figure 1, a spinner is comprised of a spinner peripheral wall 10, a spinner bottom wall 12 and a spinner top flange 14. The spinner bottom wall 12 is adapted to receive a stream of molten glass 18, and the molten glass flows by centrifugal force to the spinner peripheral wall 10. The spinner peripheral wall 10 is adapted with orifices 20 for the passage of molten glass therethrough. The molten glass emanates from the spinner peripheral wall 10 as primary fibers. The primary fibers are maintained in a soft attenuable condition by hot gases from an external burner 22. The primary fibers are A
attenuated into glass fibers 24 of the final diameter by the action of a blower 26. It is to be understood that the invention can be practiced with a low energy fiberizing method in which all of the attenuation is accomplished by centrifugal force through the orifices 20. The resultant glass fibers 24 travel downwardly in a cylindrically swirling veil 28. In order to maintain the molten glass in proper condition for fiberization, an internal burner 30 can be positioned to provide heat to the spinner.
Preferably, a heat baffle 32 is positioned radially inwardly from the spinner peripheral wall 10 to contain the heat at the edge of the spinner.
The spinner bottom wall 12 is attached to a central hub 34 by any suitable spoke members, such as spokes 36. Therefore, the central hub 34 is indirectly connected to the peripheral wall 10. The central hub 34 is mounted for rotation by any suitable means, such as a quill 38. Preferably, the quill 38 is rotatably mounted in bearings 40, which are preferably mounted in an appropriate framing member, such as a center pipe 42, which can be supported by a support flange 44. The quill 38 can be adapted with any suitable means for rotation, such as a motor 46.
As shown in Figure 2, the spinner bottom wall 12 has an inner periphery 48 and an outer periphery 50. The inner periphery 48 defines an opening or bore 52 through which air flows during the fiberization process. Since the spokes 36 connect the central hub 34 to the bottom wall 12 to enable rotational force to be transferred from the central hub 34 to the peripheral wall 10, the spokes 36 divide the bore 52 into a series of openings.
The outer radius of the bore 52 is the inner periphery 48 of the spinner bottom wall 12. Preferably, the bore 52 has a radius of at least 60% of the radius of the peripheral wall 10. Most preferably, the bore 52 has a radius at least 75% of the radius of the peripheral wall 10 .
A
The spokes 36 can be of any suitable design for supporting the spinner and providing rotational force, while allowing a substantial flow of air to pass through the bore 52. As shown in Figure 4, the spokes 36 can be generally linear in the vertical direction.
In order to provide the appropriate flow of air through the spinner bore 52, it is important to have free access of air above the spinner. As shown in Figure 1, an open area or a passageway 54, positioned above the spinner, enables the free flow of air downwardly through the spinner. The air flow is indicated generally by the arrows shown in Figure 1. The passageway 54 need only be defined as an open area to enable the free flow of air into the spinner. The passageway 54 can be generally defined by the hardware associated with a fiberizer, shown schematically as a baffle 56. In practice, the flow of air through the spinner bore 52 is preferably within the range of from about 200 to about 1,000 scfm. More preferably, the air flow through the bore 52 is within the range of from about 400 to about 800 scfm. This is a relatively massive amount of air relative to any previously known mineral fiberizing process, and in an amount which would be expected to freeze the coarse streams of a slinger cup method of molten glass distribution. The air supply passageway 54 can also be a conduit, not shown, connected to a source of compressed air.
The flow of air through the bore 52 is induced naturally as a result of the downward blast of the blower.
The downward flow of air can be enhanced by modifications to the spinner. As shown in Figure 5, spoke 36a can be mounted at an angle or adapted with an angular surface to impel air downwardly through the bore 52 when the spinner is rotated. This further acts to drive air downwardly and to stabilize the veil 28 beneath the fiberizer.
Preferably, the angle of orientation of the spoke 36a would be at about 45 degrees to the vertical, although other angles would be suitable.
A
, g As shown in Figures 6 and 7, an additional embodiment of the invention provides vanes 58 which can be mounted on the central hub 34 for rotation by any suitable means, such as mounting brackets 60. Preferably the vanes 58 are juxtaposed between the spokes 36 to drive air downwardly through the veil 28 upon rotation of the spinner.
It will be evident from the foregoing that various modifications can be made to this invention. Such, however, are considered as being within the scope of the invention.
lNvu~lKIAL APPLICABILITY
This invention will be found useful in the production of mineral fibers and mineral fiber products, such as glass fibers and glass fiber products, for such uses as thermal insulation and acoustical insulation.
Claims (19)
1. A spinner for centrifuging molten mineral material into mineral fibers comprising a spinner peripheral wall mounted for rotation, the peripheral wall having a plurality of orifices for passing molten mineral material to form mineral fibers, an annular spinner bottom wall having an inner and outer periphery, the inner periphery defining an open bore, the bottom wall being connected at its outer periphery to the peripheral wall and adapted to receive a stream of molten mineral material and to direct the molten mineral material by centrifugal force to the peripheral wall, a central hub, and spoke members connecting the hub and the bottom wall to enable rotational force to be transferred from the hub to the peripheral wall, the spoke members enabling a substantial flow of air downwardly through the bore.
2. A spinner according to claim 1, wherein the bore has a radius of at least 60 percent of the radius of the peripheral wall.
3. A spinner according to claim 2, wherein the bore has a radius of at least 75 percent of the radius of the peripheral wall.
4. A spinner according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the spoke members are adapted with an angular surface to impel air downwardly through the bore when the spinner is rotated.
5. A spinner according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein vanes are juxtaposed between the spoke members, the vanes being adapted with an angular surface to impel air downwardly through the bore when the spinner is rotated.
6. A fiberizer for making mineral fibers comprising:
a. a spinner for centrifuging molten mineral material into mineral fibers comprising a spinner peripheral wall mounted for rotation, the peripheral wall having a plurality of orifices for passing molten mineral material to form mineral fibers, an annular spinner bottom wall having an inner and outer periphery, the inner periphery defining an open bore, the bottom wall being connected at its outer periphery to the peripheral wall and adapted to receive a stream of molten mineral material and to direct the molten mineral material by centrifugal force to the peripheral wall, a central hub, and spoke members connecting the hub and the bottom wall to enable rotational force to be transferred from the hub to the peripheral wall, the spoke members enabling a substantial flow of air downwardly through the bore;
b. a burner for heating the mineral material;
c. means for rotating the spinner;
d. a blower for turning the mineral fibers downward; and, e. an air supply passageway positioned above the spinner and adapted to supply a flow of air to the bore.
a. a spinner for centrifuging molten mineral material into mineral fibers comprising a spinner peripheral wall mounted for rotation, the peripheral wall having a plurality of orifices for passing molten mineral material to form mineral fibers, an annular spinner bottom wall having an inner and outer periphery, the inner periphery defining an open bore, the bottom wall being connected at its outer periphery to the peripheral wall and adapted to receive a stream of molten mineral material and to direct the molten mineral material by centrifugal force to the peripheral wall, a central hub, and spoke members connecting the hub and the bottom wall to enable rotational force to be transferred from the hub to the peripheral wall, the spoke members enabling a substantial flow of air downwardly through the bore;
b. a burner for heating the mineral material;
c. means for rotating the spinner;
d. a blower for turning the mineral fibers downward; and, e. an air supply passageway positioned above the spinner and adapted to supply a flow of air to the bore.
7. A fiberizer according to claim 6, wherein the spinner bottom wall, the burner, the blower, and the passageway are adapted to enable an air flow through the bore within the range of from about 200 to about 1,000 scfm.
8. A fiberizer according to claim 7, wherein the spinner bottom wall, the burner, the blower, and the passageway are adapted to enable an air flow through the bore within the range of from about 400 to about 800 scfm.
9. A fiberizer according to claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein the bore has a radius of at least 60 percent of the radius of the peripheral wall.
10. A fiberizer according to claim 9, wherein the bore has a radius of at least 75 percent of the radius of the peripheral wall.
11. A fiberizer according to claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein the spoke members are adapted with an angular surface to impel air downwardly through the bore when the spinner is rotated.
12. A fiberizer according to claim 9, wherein the spoke members are adapted with an angular surface to impel air downwardly through the bore when the spinner is rotated.
13. A spinner according to claim 6, 7, or 8, wherein vanes are juxtaposed between the spoke members, the vanes being adapted with an angular surface to impel air downwardly through the bore when the spinner is rotated.
14. A spinner according to claim 9, wherein vanes are juxtaposed between the spoke members, the vanes being adapted with an angular surface to impel air downwardly through the bore when the spinner is rotated.
15. A method of centrifuging molten mineral material into mineral fibers comprising rotating a spinner having a peripheral wall, the peripheral wall having a plurality of orifices for passing molten mineral material to form mineral fibers, the spinner having an annular spinner bottom wall having an inner and outer periphery, the inner periphery defining an open bore, the bottom wall being connected at its outer periphery to the peripheral wall and adapted to receive a stream of molten mineral material and to direct the molten mineral material by centrifugal force to the peripheral wall, the spinner also having a central hub and spoke members connecting the hub and the bottom wall to enable rotational force to be transferred from the hub to the peripheral wall, the spoke members enabling a substantial flow of air downwardly through the bore, supplying molten mineral material to the spinner, and supplying a flow of air downwardly through the bore.
16. A method according to claim 15 comprising providing a flow of air through the bore in an amount within the range of from about 200 to about 1,000 scfm.
17. A method according to claim 16 comprising providing a flow of air through the bore in an amount within the range of from about 400 to about 800 scfm.
18. A method according to claim 15, 16 or 17 comprising providing a flow of air downwardly through the bore by the action of an angular surface on the spoke members.
19. A method according to claim 15, 16 or 17 comprising providing a flow of air downwardly through the bore by the action of vanes juxtaposed between the spoke members where the vanes are adapted with an angular surface to impel air downwardly through the bore.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US491,892 | 1990-03-12 | ||
| US07/491,892 US5015278A (en) | 1990-03-12 | 1990-03-12 | Open bottomed spinner for mineral fibers |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2037426A1 CA2037426A1 (en) | 1991-09-13 |
| CA2037426C true CA2037426C (en) | 1996-01-23 |
Family
ID=23954105
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002037426A Expired - Fee Related CA2037426C (en) | 1990-03-12 | 1991-03-01 | Open bottomed spinner for mineral fibers |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5015278A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0471822B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2971573B2 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU7487291A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2037426C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69104795T2 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1991013836A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2668470B1 (en) * | 1990-10-29 | 1992-12-24 | Saint Gobain Isover | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PRODUCING FIBERS BY INTERNAL CENTRIFUGATION AND APPLICATION TO FIBRATION OF CERTAIN GLASSES. |
| US5326241A (en) * | 1991-04-25 | 1994-07-05 | Schuller International, Inc. | Apparatus for producing organic fibers |
| US5743157A (en) * | 1996-07-31 | 1998-04-28 | Owens-Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc. | Method for making a strengthened spinner having integrally formed ribs |
| EP1142839A4 (en) * | 1999-09-16 | 2010-10-27 | Paramount Glass Mfg Co Ltd | Glass fiber production method and production device |
| US6453703B1 (en) * | 2000-12-20 | 2002-09-24 | Johns Manville International, Inc. | Spinner disc and rotary fiberization process |
| US20070000286A1 (en) * | 2005-07-01 | 2007-01-04 | Gavin Patrick M | Fiberizing spinner for the manufacture of low diameter, high quality fibers |
| WO2008116176A1 (en) * | 2007-03-21 | 2008-09-25 | Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, Llc | Rotary fiberizer |
| WO2014025800A1 (en) | 2012-08-06 | 2014-02-13 | Fiberio Technology Corporation | Devices and methods for the production of microfibers and nanofibers |
Family Cites Families (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2199309A (en) * | 1939-04-20 | 1940-04-30 | Herman O Freudenberg | Spinning bowl |
| DE1303905C2 (en) * | 1955-02-28 | 1974-03-28 | DEVICE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FIBERS FROM BULK IN VISCOSE CONDITION, IN PARTICULAR GLASS FIBERS | |
| US3014235A (en) * | 1955-05-25 | 1961-12-26 | Owens Corning Fiberglass Corp | Method and apparatus for forming fibers |
| FR1588880A (en) * | 1968-09-06 | 1970-03-16 | ||
| DE2033461C3 (en) * | 1970-07-07 | 1975-07-17 | Wilhelm 6842 Buerstadt Lausecker | Method and device for the production of glass or mineral fibers |
| US3928009A (en) * | 1972-03-02 | 1975-12-23 | Walter Merton Perry | Rotary forming unit for fine mineral fibers |
| US4046539A (en) * | 1974-05-28 | 1977-09-06 | Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation | Method and apparatus for producing glass fibers |
| US4277436A (en) * | 1978-04-26 | 1981-07-07 | Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation | Method for forming filaments |
| US4270943A (en) * | 1979-12-31 | 1981-06-02 | Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation | Rotary fiber forming spinner |
| JPS58161938A (en) * | 1982-03-17 | 1983-09-26 | Nippon Muki Zairyo Kk | Method and device for production of glass fiber by centrifugal method |
| US4534779A (en) * | 1982-12-22 | 1985-08-13 | Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation | Method and apparatus for heating a mineral fiber forming spinner |
| US4545796A (en) * | 1984-02-21 | 1985-10-08 | Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation | Spinner device for rotary production of fibers |
| US4544393A (en) * | 1984-05-22 | 1985-10-01 | Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation | Rotary fiber forming method and apparatus |
| US4670034A (en) * | 1985-12-20 | 1987-06-02 | Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation | Internal blower for expanding cylindrical veil of mineral fibers and method of using same |
-
1990
- 1990-03-12 US US07/491,892 patent/US5015278A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1991
- 1991-03-01 CA CA002037426A patent/CA2037426C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1991-03-05 EP EP91905905A patent/EP0471822B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-03-05 JP JP3506086A patent/JP2971573B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1991-03-05 WO PCT/US1991/001352 patent/WO1991013836A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1991-03-05 DE DE69104795T patent/DE69104795T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1991-03-05 AU AU74872/91A patent/AU7487291A/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE69104795T2 (en) | 1995-04-27 |
| JPH04506054A (en) | 1992-10-22 |
| US5015278A (en) | 1991-05-14 |
| JP2971573B2 (en) | 1999-11-08 |
| CA2037426A1 (en) | 1991-09-13 |
| WO1991013836A1 (en) | 1991-09-19 |
| EP0471822A1 (en) | 1992-02-26 |
| AU7487291A (en) | 1991-10-10 |
| DE69104795D1 (en) | 1994-12-01 |
| EP0471822B1 (en) | 1994-10-26 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |