Method for removal of gaseous inclusions from viscous liquids

1. A method for removal of gaseous inclusions from molten glass comprising said gaseous inclusions, the method comprising the steps of:

positioning a layer of filter particles in said molten glass;

passing said molten glass in a downward direction through said layer of filter particles, whereby said gaseous inclusions combine or coalesce within said layer of filter particles, forming larger gaseous inclusions which rise to a top of said molten glass and escape therefrom.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising positioning at least one wire mesh screen one of horizontally above, horizontally within, and horizontally below said layer of filter particles.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein said filter particles have a diameter in a range of about 100 μm to about 1000 μm.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein said layer of filter particles has a thickness in a range of about 3 mm to about 20 mm.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein a velocity of said molten glass passing through said layer of filter particles is in a range of about 0.5 cm/h to about 10 cm/h.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein said molten glass is introduced into a refractory channel sized to provide a residence time for said molten glass in said refractory channel in a range of about 20 to about 30 minutes prior to passing said molten glass through said layer of filter particles.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein said molten glass is passed through at least one wire mesh screen disposed within said refractory channel.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein said filter particles are made of a refractory material.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein said filter particles are coated with a refractory metal.