THE CORROSION OF TANK BLOCKS BY OPAL GLASSES1

The manufacture of opal glass in day tanks has made it necessary to study the corrosion of tank blocks. Opacifiers have to be used in larger quantities than in batches for opal glasses melted in covered pots because of the loss of density due to higher melting temperatures and shorter melting times, and exposure of batch to reactions from the direct flame heat. Experiments have been conducted to ascertain the factors which will allow the use of the lowest amount of opacifiers, the shortest practical melting time with the highest practical melting temperature, and also to minimize the corrosion of the bottom blocks of tanks by application of a cooling system, as well as prevention of separation of batch by practising certain “filling-in” methods of the batch, and as a final result to reduce block stones in the glass. The experiments have resulted in the successful operation of day tanks for opal glass and in prolonging the life of the tanks, and have made possible the manufacture of thin blown dense opal glasses of almost as good quality from tanks as can be produced in pots.