Method and Apparatus for Vitreous Bead Manufacture

Author:  R.W. Lange, Waldwick, NJ
Source:  US Patent 3,495,961
Doc ID:  1970046
Year of Publication:  1970
Abstract:  
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A method of and apparatus for the manufacture of glass beads in which a falling molten stream of glass is struck in rapid succession by the fins of a rotatable chopper wheel to disperse the stream into tiny particles and to fling them into a path of long trajectory. The particles are heated sufficiently during the first portion of their flight to enhance their formation into spheres by surface tension, this heating occurring in a heated zone being maintained by burners mounted in a substantially diametrically opposed relationship with each other, the heat from said burners being kept away from said rotatable chopper wheel. During the latter part of the flight, the spherical particles or beads are cooled by the atmosphere and solidified to then land in a collecting zone. A liquid quench may be located at the collecting zone.