Date of Publication :20th December 2023

Abstract: during the melting process of batch materials, different types of gases from diverse sources are released, resulting in a huge amount of bubbles and gaseous inclusions in the glass melt. These bubbles have undesirable effects on the optical quality and mechanical properties of final products. Therefore, it is necessary to remove bubbles from the melt. This process is called refining. Behavior of bubbles inside the molten glass depends on factors including diameter, composition and position of bubbles which are functions of temperature. Bubbles can be eliminated from glass melts either by physically rising to the surface or by chemical dissolution of the gaseous species into the surrounding melt. Chemical agents are used to improve the fining process, but most of these common chemical agents are harmful. Although there are some alternative physical refining methods which can be used instead; in practice, bubbles can be eliminated by using combination of two methods simultaneously. In this study, the different methods of glass refining are reviewed.

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