|
Glass
Melting Electrodes – (GME’s)
 Due
to its strength at high temperature, sag resistance and high electrical
conductivity, molybdenum is the most commonly used material for
electrodes in electric glass melting. Though molybdenum oxidizes at
760°C when exposed to air, the glass bath protects the immersed
electrode from oxidation. Areas of the glass melting electrode that
project into open are can be gas or water cooled to protect from
oxidation. Coatings can also be applied to protect the electrode when
exposed to air. Standard GME’s are an excellent choice in the production
of fiberglass.
The purity
of molybdenum electrodes results in a uniform glass free of
discoloration. Even at 9.95% purity, residual impurities can cause the
formation of bubbles in the manufacturing of plate and container glass.
The bubbles, resulting from a reaction between impurities in the
electrode and the glass, result in unacceptable defects and losses.
Special electrodes with very low carbon levels have been developed for
this application resulting in uniform, bubble free glass.
 |
