LOW-E Tempering Principle

Processes
Tempering
Low E glass
A number of factors mean
that low emissivity (low E)
glass is particularly prone to
modifications during
the tempering process.
Drawing on Saint-Gobain’s
expertise in this field, this
article details tempering
procedures for counteracting
typical problems.
*Claude Morin
SAINT-GOBAIN
L ow emissivity glass is now a

well-known commodity. The
main purpose of low emissivity
coating applied to one side of the glass sheet is to
increase infrared reflection, especially long-wave-
length (10-15 microns) infrared reflection, corre-
above 3 microns and low emissivity glass behav-
iour during the tempering process is modified
when compared to regular clear float glass.
These key factors could cause surprising results
if no furnace adjustment is made when changing
from clear glass to low E processing.
sponding to black body emission at ambient tem- For a clearer understanding, the heating phase,
perature, and allows energy savings in architectur- peak temperature impact, and cooling phase will
al glazing. be reviewed separately.
In fact, reflection increase is already noticeable In general, the tempered low emissivity sheet
126
Glass-Technology International 1/1996
should be flat. This helps the semi-conductive layer will escape quicker), to
maintain low emissivity prop- micro-cracks due to coating low expansion coeffi-
erties (and square resistance if cient (this will lead to a dramatic increase in
electrical conductivity is re- square resistance), and finally to “burnt” edges
quired) and colour or absence turning brown if very hot points occur. If one or
of colour. These goals should more defects appear, the furnace temperature
be kept in mind, provided that must be decreased, though the cycle time should
a correct level of residual not be decreased.
stress has been reached.
Cooling phase
Heating phase During the quenching phase, asymmetrical be-
On entering a hot furnace, haviour of the product can also be expected.
a cold sheet of low emissivity We conducted experimental symmetrical cool-
glass, with the coated side ing in a vertical furnace to check glass bowing
facing upwards, as is the usual practise, will heat Fig. 1 caused by low emissive coating.
up slower than clear glass. The radiative heat An example Depending on the time which elapsed between
transfer to the upper side will be partially blocked of low E furnace ejection and blowing start-up, the sheet
by the coating. glass sheets shows 1 mm/metre to 3 mm/metre deformation.
featured in
Since the maximum conductive contribution to The longer the transfer time the higher the defect.
contempo-
heat transfer takes place between the hot rollers To avoid this problem in horizontal tempering
rary architec-
and the sheet’s lower side, a standard clear glass tural design conditions, it is advisable to operate at high ejec-
adjustment will lead to sheet bowing in only a few tion speeds while exiting the furnace and to com-
seconds. It must be remembered that the upper Fig. 2 pensate for bowing by increasing air pressure on
side’s heat rejection is higher if the sheet is colder An example the upper side. Adjustment depends on quenching
(minimal emissivity). of the kind of section conditions.
finish obtain-
How to counterbalance the glass behaviour?
First of all, in order to keep the glass sheet flat,
able on large Summary
low E glass
it is necessary to return to symmetrical heating by sheets using If the furnace is operated under specific condi-
activating the upper convective heat transfer. Saint-Gobain tions, the tempering of low emissive glass is pos-
Then it must be understood that heating time furnace sible with optimal results and current clear glass
may increase (approximately 30%) in order to technology efficiency. Although it is impossible to give uni-
reach the correct tempering temperature related to
blowing pressure and required stresses.
Lastly, it is advisable to avoid hot rollers due to
an empty furnace.
The key is to operate a relatively “cold” furnace
(700°C set point is an acceptable temperature).
Peak temperature
To avoid coating damage, it is advisable to not
overheat the glass sheet. If an infrared measure-
ment is available, 630°C is a safe value for both
tempering conditions and coating, thus making
sure that the surface does not exceed 650°C.
Overheating can lead to increased emissivity
(in case of tin-oxide coating, the fluorine doping
127
Entire content © 1996 by Artech Publishing S.r.l.

ADVANTAGES OF LOW E GLASS versally valid numerical set points, the
understanding of the low emissivity
• Enhanced thermal insulation, meaning: coating’s physical reaction leads to three
- reduced air conditioning costs; rules:
- energy consumption savings; - activate upper side convection;
- lower CO2 emissions. - decrease furnace temperature;
• Draft elimination, meaning: - increase heating time if necessary.
- more comfort; Once local adjustments are detected,
- greater available living space. safe and reproducible production can be
obtained.
• Absence of condensation on the
warm side of the glass due to the
high temperature of the glass *Manager, Industrial Development
sheet. Centre for flat glass processing in
Saint-Gobain
• Enhanced solar radiation protec- Saint-Gobain - France
tion (particularly if coating on face
2). This paper was first presented at
Tamglass Glass Processing Days held in
• Possibility of additional functions: How low E coating blocks Tampere, Finland, 17-19 September 1995.
- safety; long wave heat radiation
- sound insulation.
128
Entire content © 1996 by Artech Publishing S.r.l.

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Processes

L ow emissivity glass is now a

Entire content © 1996 by Artech Publishing S.r.l.

Entire content © 1996 by Artech Publishing S.r.l.

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