Regeneration Material for Regeneration of a Salt Melt Used for a Glass Toughening And/or Glass Strengthening Process

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a regeneration material made from potassium-containing silicate glass for use in rejuvenating a potassium nitrate salt melt typically used in glass toughening or strengthening processes. The innovation allows the salt bath used in ion-exchange glass strengthening (where smaller ions like sodium are exchanged for larger potassium ions) to maintain its effectiveness for a longer period by replenishing potassium and removing detrimental ions, thereby prolonging the operational life of the salt melt.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Industrial glass tempering and strengthening processes, especially for flat glass, containers, screens, and specialty glass products.
• Glass manufacturing plants that use ion-exchange methods for strengthening glass, including displays, architectural glass, and automotive glass.
• Optical glass production, such as IR polarizers and specialty optical components, requiring toughened or strengthened surfaces.
• Facilities seeking to reduce the frequency and cost associated with replacing or treating used salt baths in glass treatment lines.
• Recycling glass factories, where used regeneration material can be processed into new glass products.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly extends the usable life of potassium nitrate salt melts in glass strengthening processes, reducing waste and operational costs.
• Maintains process efficiency by preventing buildup of undesirable ions (like sodium) and particulate contamination in the salt bath.
• Minimizes the need for frequent salt bath replacement, lowering downtime and material usage.
• Environmentally-friendly: the regeneration material is non-toxic, recyclable, and free from hazardous substances, and can be used as raw material for other glass products after use.
• Compatible with various forms and processing lines, easy insertion and removal from salt baths, adaptable to different glass shapes and processing systems.
• Enables stable glass strengthening quality even after repeated uses of the salt bath.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates inter alia to a regeneration material for regeneration of a salt melt used for a glass toughening and/or glass strengthening process, comprising potassium nitrate or consisting of potassium nitrate. The regeneration material comprises a potassium-containing silicate glass or consists of a potassium-containing silicate glass.