DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of glass manufacturing, in particular, the present disclosure relates to a method and a system for manufacturing a glass body. The present application is based on, and claims priority from an Indian Application Number 201821003852 filed on 01st February, 2018, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Optical fiber communication has revolutionized the telecommunication industry in the past few years. The use of optical fiber cables has supported to bridge the gap between the distant places around the world. One of the basic components of the optical fiber cable is an optical fiber. The optical fiber is responsible for carrying a vast amount of information from one place to another. There are different methods for manufacturing glass bodies and optical fibers. These methods are primarily adapted to manufacture glass body or glass preform. The optical fiber can be drawn from the glass body or glass preform. The glass body or glass preform finds its applications not only in the optical fiber communication industry but also in other areas like nanotechnology, glass industries, and many others. There are broadly two main steps for obtaining the end product from the raw materials. The primary step involves the manufacturing of pure glass preform and the second step involves the drawing of the preform.
[0003] There are some conventional methods and processes for manufacturing the glass body or glass preform such as outside vapor deposition (OVD) method which is primarily based on the phenomenon of thermophoresis (TP). Broadly, there are three fundamental processes associated with these methods such as heat generation for particle formation, mass transport driven by thermal gradient and minimum target cross section. These methods are inherently complex with complex machine designs for manufacturing glass body or glass preform in bulk quantity. These methods further pose various drawbacks which enable the loss of material and low yield. The processes involved in these methods are discrete and thus consumes a lot of time. There is the limited scope of optimization of the processes involved in these methods.
[0004] In the light of the above-stated discussion, there is a dire need of an advanced method for manufacturing glass body or glass preform which overcomes the above-cited drawbacks of the conventional methods and processes involved.
OBJECT OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] A primary object of the present disclosure is to provide a system for manufacturing a glass body.
[0006] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for manufacturing the glass body.
[0007] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the method and the system for manufacturing the glass body with better material utilization.
[0008] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the method and the system for manufacturing the glass body of a pre-defined size.
[0009] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the method and the system for manufacturing the glass body of a pre-defined length.
[0010] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the method and the system for manufacturing the glass body in reduced time.
[0011] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the method and the system for manufacturing the core rod.
[0012] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the method and the system for manufacturing the hollow cylindrical glass body.
[0013] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method wherein the hollow cylindrical body may be enclosed within multiple concentric hollow cylindrical bodies.

[0014] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the method and the system for manufacturing the hollow cylindrical glass body with pre-manufactured core rod to make entire glass preform.
[0015] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the method and the system for manufacturing the glass body with continuous processes.
[0016] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the method and the system for manufacturing the glass body with sintering technologies that include a microwave, induction and spark plasma heating and any combination of these.
SUMMARY
[0017] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a glass body. The method includes a first step of production of a plurality of soot particles with a pre-defined size. The method includes a second step of transferring the plurality of soot particles using a carrier fluid. The method includes a third step of separation of the plurality of soot particles from the carrier fluid. The method includes a fourth step of dehydration of each of the plurality of soot particles. The method includes a fifth step of enabling the formation of the glass body.
[0018] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of soot particles is produced by enabling a chemical reaction between a first gas and a precursor material.
[0019] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of soot particles is produced by enabling a chemical reaction between a first gas and a precursor material. The first gas is selected from a group comprising of hydrogen (H2), oxygen (O2) and liquefied natural gas.
[0020] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of soot particles is produced by enabling a chemical reaction between a first gas and a precursor material. The precursor material used for the manufacturing of the glass body is one of silicon tetrachloride (SiCl4) and Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (OMCTS).
[0021] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of soot particles is produced by raising the temperature of a first gas and a precursor material with the facilitation of a burner assembly.
[0022] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the separation of the plurality of soot particles from the carrier fluid is enabled by a vortex separation mechanism.
[0023] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the glass body is an optical fiber preform.
[0024] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the dehydration of the plurality of soot particles is enabled with the facilitation of a dehydrating agent. The dehydrating agent reacts with the plurality of soot particles to remove hydroxyl (-OH) ion.
[0025] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the dehydration of the plurality of soot particles is enabled with the facilitation of a dehydrating agent. The dehydrating agent is chlorine or carbon monoxide.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of soot particles dehydrates at a temperature range of about 800 °C to 1200 °C.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pre-defined size of each of the plurality of soot particles lies in a range of 0.01 micron to 500 microns.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of soot particles corresponds to silicon dioxide (SiO2).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0029] Having thus described the disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying figures, wherein:
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for manufacturing of a glass body, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 2A illustrates another system for manufacturing of the glass body, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0032] FIG. 2B illustrates yet another system for manufacturing of the glass body, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0033] It should be noted that the accompanying figures are intended to present illustrations of a few exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. These figures are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that accompanying figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Reference will now be made in detail to selected embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with accompanying figures. The embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, and the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described. This disclosure may be embodied in different forms without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. It should be understood that the accompanying figures are intended and provided to illustrate embodiments of the disclosure described below and are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for providing better clarity and ease of understanding.
[0035] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", and the like, herein do not denote any order, ranking, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. Further, the terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for manufacturing of a glass body, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The system 100 is configured to perform a method for manufacturing of the glass body. In addition, FIG. 1 shows an arrangement of various components of the system 100. The system 100 enables a continuous process for manufacturing of the glass body. The system 100 enables the continuous process for manufacturing the glass body from raw material. The plurality of components of the system 100 collectively enables continuous manufacturing of the glass body. In general, glass is a non-crystalline amorphous solid, often transparent and has widespread applications. The applications of glass range from practical usage in daily life, technological usage, and decorative usage.
[0037] In general, the most common type of glass is silicate glass formed of chemical compound silica. The system 100 manufactures the glass body with better material utilization. The system 100 manufactures the glass body of various sizes. The system 100 manufactures the glass body of various shapes. The system 100 manufactures the glass body of various lengths. The length of the glass body manufactured continuously by the system 100 may be kept very large. The system 100 manufactures the glass body in reduced time. The system 100 manufactures the various lengths of the glass body continuously. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the system 100 manufactures the glass body of any suitable shape, size, and length. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the system 100 manufactures the glass body of any suitable form of the like. The glass body corresponds to an optical fiber preform or core rod or hollow clad cylinder. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the glass body corresponds to an optical fiber preform manufactured by using a core rod made by any method such as outside vapor decomposition (OVD), modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD), plasma-activated chemical vapor deposition (PCVD) and like.
[0038] The system 100 includes a first module 102, a second module 104 and a third module 106. The first module 102, the second module 104 and the third module 106 collectively enable continuous manufacturing of the glass body. The first module 102 is connected with the second module 104. The second module 104 is connected with the third module 106. The first module 102, the second module 104 and the third module 106 collectively address various aspects of the glass body fabrication process. The first module 102 is connected with the second module 104. However, those skilled in the art would appreciate that number of first module 102 may be connected to more number of second module 104. The second module 104 is connected with the third module 106. However, those skilled in the art would appreciate that number of second module 104 may be connected to more number of third module 106.
[0039] The system 100 includes the first module 102. The first module 102 enables a plurality of soot particles. The first module 102 enables the plurality of soot particles with the facilitation of a plurality of processes. The plurality of processes includes but is not limited to flame hydrolysis, an oxidation process, a combination of flame hydrolysis process and oxidation process, tubular flow reactor and plasma flame for generation of particles. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of processes includes any other suitable processes of the like. The first module 102 includes a burner assembly 102a and a first transfer mechanism 102b. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first module 102 includes any suitable components. The first module 102 facilitates in the generation of the plurality of soot particles. In general, soot corresponds to a powdery or flaky substance consisting largely of amorphous SiO2 or Silica. The first module 102 facilitates in the generation of silicon dioxide (SiO2) soot necessary for the manufacturing of the glass body. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first module 102 facilitates in the generation of any suitable form of soot. The first module 102 is cylindrical in shape at top and conical in shape at the bottom. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first module 102 is of any suitable shape. The outlet of the first module 102 is at bottom of the first module 102. The outlet of the first module 102 is connected with the second module 104. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first module 102 has output at any suitable position.
[0040] The first module 102 includes the burner assembly 102a. The burner assembly 102a heats one or more materials to raise the temperature of the one or more materials. The burner assembly 102a heats the first gas. The burner assembly 102a heats the first gas to a first predefined temperature. The burner assembly 102a heats the first gas to enable a chemical reaction between the first gas and a precursor material. The precursor material is raw material for manufacturing of the glass body. Heating of the first gas to the first predefined temperature facilitates the chemical reaction of the first gas with the precursor material. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the precursor material is in a vaporized state. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the precursor material is in a gaseous state. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the precursor material is in any suitable physical state.
[0041] FIG. 2A illustrates another system 200 for manufacturing of the glass body, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2B illustrates yet another system 200 for manufacturing of the glass body, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 200 reduces overall height required for the system 100. The system 200 includes the first module 202. The first module 202 includes a burner assembly 202a. The burner assembly 202a heats one or more materials to raise the temperature of the one or more materials. The burner assembly 202a heats the first gas. The burner assembly 202a heats the first gas to a first predefined temperature. The burner assembly 102a heats the first gas to enable a chemical reaction between the first gas and a precursor material. The first module 202 includes a first transfer mechanism 202b. The first transfer mechanism 202b facilitates to transfer the plurality of soot particles to the second module 104. The first transfer mechanism 202b fluidizes the plurality of soot particles with a facilitation of a carrier fluid. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the carrier fluid is a gas. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the carrier fluid is a liquid. The first transfer mechanism 202b fluidizes the plurality of soot particles to mobilize the plurality of soot particles. The mobilization of the plurality of soot particles facilitates in the transportation of the plurality of soot particles. The carrier fluid facilitates to carry the plurality of soot particles from the first module 202 to the second module 104. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first transfer mechanism 202b is a pneumatic transfer mechanism. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first transfer mechanism 202b is any suitable transfer mechanism of the like. In an embodiment of the present disclosure,
[0042] The precursor material for manufacturing the glass body is silicon tetrachloride (SiCl4). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the precursor material for manufacturing the glass body is Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (OMCTS). In another embodiment of the present disclosure, any suitable material is utilized as the precursor material for manufacturing the glass body. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first gas is hydrogen (H2). In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first gas is oxygen (O2). In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first gas is liquefied natural gas. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first gas is any suitable gas of the like.
[0043] The first gas at the first predefined temperature reacts with the precursor material to enable the production of the plurality of soot particles. The plurality of soot particles is silicon dioxide (SiO2) soot required for manufacturing of the glass body. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the soot particles are generated with the facilitation of flame hydrolysis. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the soot particles are generated with the facilitation of plasma synthesis. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the soot particles are generated with the facilitation of the induction heating process. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the soot particles are generated with the facilitation of any suitable process of the like. The burner assembly 102a facilitates to enable the production of the plurality of soot particles of pre-desired size. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pre-defined size of each of the plurality of soot particles lies in a range of 0.01 micron to 500 microns. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the soot particle size lies in any suitable range of the like. Preferably, the particle size lies in the range of 0.1 microns to 100 microns. Most preferably, the particle size lies in the range of 1 micron to 50 microns. The burner assembly 102a is configured to enable soot particles of the desired shape. The burner assembly 102a is designed to enable soot particles of the desired shape. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the burner assembly 102a is designed to generate soot particles of any suitable form of the like.

[0044] The first module 102 includes the first transfer mechanism 102b. The first transfer mechanism 102b facilitates to transfer the plurality of soot particles to the second module 104. The first transfer mechanism 102b fluidizes the plurality of soot particles with the facilitation of a carrier fluid. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the carrier fluid is a gas. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the carrier fluid is a liquid. The first transfer mechanism 102b fluidizes the plurality of soot particles to mobilize the plurality of soot particles. The mobilization of the plurality of soot particles facilitates in the transportation of the plurality of soot particles. The carrier fluid facilitates to carry the plurality of soot particles from the first module 102 to the second module 104. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first transfer mechanism 102b is a pneumatic transfer mechanism. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first transfer mechanism 102b employs gravity to transfer the plurality of soot particles to the second module 104. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first transfer mechanism 102b is any suitable transfer mechanism of the like.
[0045] The system 100 includes the second module 104. The second module includes a first inlet 104a, a second inlet 104b, a first outlet 104c, and a second outlet 104d. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second module 104 includes any suitable components. The second module 104 is designed to separate the plurality of soot particles from the carrier fluid. The second module 104 separates the plurality of soot particles from the carrier fluid with the facilitation of a mechanism. The second module 104 is designed to dehydrate the plurality of soot particles. The second module 104 dehydrates the plurality of soot particles with the facilitation of a dehydrating agent. The second module 104 dehydrates the plurality of soot particles in a second predefined temperature range. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second module 104 can be used for only the separation of soot particles and dehydration can per performed in the third module 106 before sintering (as shown in FIG. 2B). In FIG. 2B, the second inlet 104b is connected to the third module 106 for transferring the dehydrating agent to the third module 106. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second module 104 is designed for any suitable process.
[0046] The second module 104 is cylindrical in shape at top and conical in shape at the bottom. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second module 104 is of any suitable shape. The first inlet 104a is on the cylindrical periphery of the second module 104. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first inlet 104a is at any suitable position of the like. The first outlet 104c is at the uppermost portion of the second module 104. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first outlet 104c may be at any suitable position of the like. The second outlet 104d is at bottom of the second module 104. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second outlet 104d may be at any suitable position of the like.
[0047] The second module 104 includes the first inlet 104a. The first inlet 104a enables the plurality of soot particles mixed with the carrier fluid to enter the second module 104. The first inlet 104a is configured to provide a passage for the transfer of the plurality of soot particles mixed with the carrier fluid to the second module 104 tangentially. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first inlet 104a is designed or configured to enable the plurality of soot particles mixed with the carrier fluid to enter the second module 104 in any suitable manner of the like. The outlet of first module 102 is connected with the first inlet 104a of the second module 104 with the facilitation of a hollow cylindrical tube with a heat exchanger to maintain required particle size. The particle size is important from a sintering perspective. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the outlet of first module 102 is connected with the first inlet 104a of the second module 104 with the facilitation of any suitable means.
[0048] The second module 104 includes the second inlet 104b. The second inlet 104b enables the dehydrating agent to enter the second module 104. The second inlet 104b is configured to provide passage for the transfer of the dehydrating agent into the second module 104 and to react with the plurality of soot particles. The second inlet 104b is designed to enable the dehydrating agent to enter the second module 104 and react with the plurality of soot particles. The dehydrating agent is made to react with the plurality of soot particles at a temperature range. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of soot particles dehydrates in a temperature range of 800 °C to 1200 °C. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the temperature range may lie in any suitable range of the like. The temperature range is maintained in the second module 104 with the facilitation of excess heat generated by the burner assembly 102a in the first module 102. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the temperature range is maintained in the second module 104 with the facilitation of an induction furnace assembly. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the temperature range is maintained in the second module 104 with the facilitation of any suitable mean of the like.
[0049] The dehydrating agent reacts with the plurality of soot particles to ensure dehydration of each of the plurality of soot particles. In general, dehydration corresponds to the removal of particles of water from a substance. The dehydrating agent reacts with the plurality of soot particles to ensure removal of hydroxyl (-OH) ion. The dehydrating agent ensures the removal of hydroxide particles from the plurality of soot particles. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the dehydrating agent reacts with the plurality of soot particles to facilitate any suitable process of the like. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the dehydrating agent is chlorine. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the dehydrating agent is carbon monoxide. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the dehydrating agent is of any suitable type of the like. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the dehydrating agent is in a gaseous state. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the dehydrating agent is in any suitable physical state of the like.
[0050] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second module 104 includes the cyclonic separator. In general, the cyclonic separator is a device used for removing particulates from a fluid stream, without the use of filters and with the facilitation of the vortex separation mechanism. The cyclonic separator facilitates to generate a fluid vortex inside the second module 104. In general, the fluid vortex is a region in the fluid in which flow of fluid revolves around an axis line. The fluid vortex generated by the cyclone separator inside the second module 104 has a vortex axis along the length of the second module 104. The cyclonic separator facilitates in the non-contact separation of a plurality of soot particles from the fluid stream. The cyclonic separator generates the fluid vortex to induce centrifugal force within the fluid stream. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second module 104 includes any suitable mechanism for non-contact separation of solid particles from a fluid stream. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second module 104 includes any suitable mechanism for separation of solid particles from a fluid stream.
[0051] The plurality of soot particles mixed with the fluid stream enters the second module 104 from the first inlet 104a. The cyclonic separator propels the plurality of soot particles mixed with the fluid stream to create a fluid vortex. The cyclonic separator creates a double entry fluid vortex. In general, double entry fluid vortex corresponds to fluid vortex with two different entry points. The double entry fluid vortex has a top entry and a bottom entry. The top entry of the double entry fluid vortex is for the plurality of soot particles mixed with the fluid stream. The plurality of soot particles mixed with the fluid stream enters tangentially from the top into the fluid vortex. The bottom entry of the double entry fluid vortex is for the dehydrating agent. The cyclonic separator ensures uniform mixing of the dehydrating agent with the plurality of soot particles mixed with the fluid stream. The cyclonic separator ensures complete dehydration of the plurality of soot particles. The cyclonic separator ensures complete removal of hydroxyl (-OH) ions from the plurality of soot particles. The cyclonic separator operates in the second predefined temperature range. The second predefined temperature lies in the range of about 800 °C to 1200 °C. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second predefined temperature lies in any suitable range of the like. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cyclonic separator operates in any temperature range.
[0052] The cyclonic separator separates the plurality of soot particles from the fluid stream with the facilitation of non-contact cyclonic separation. The cyclonic separator propels the fluid stream containing the plurality of soot particles into a fluid vortex. The cyclonic separator induces centrifugal force in the fluid stream containing the plurality of soot particles. The cyclonic separator separates the plurality of soot particles from the fluid stream. The cyclonic separator separates the plurality of soot particles from the fluid stream with the facilitation of induced centrifugal force. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cyclonic separator is associated with the second module 104 in any suitable manner of the like. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the system 100 includes an aerodynamic particle separator for separation of the plurality of soot from the fluid stream. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the system 100 includes any suitable mechanism for separation of the plurality of soot from the fluid stream.
[0053] The fluid stream along with the dehydrating agent after removal of the plurality of soot particles move towards the top of the second module 104. The second module 104 includes the first outlet 104c and the second outlet 104d. The first outlet 104c is at the uppermost portion of second module 104. The second outlet 104d is at bottom of the second module 104. The fluid stream along with the dehydrating agent after removal of the plurality of soot particles exits the second module from the first outlet 104c. The fluid stream along with the dehydrating agent exits through the first outlet 104c to a scrubber. In general, scrubber corresponds to a diverse group of air pollution control devices that are used to remove harmful particulates and/or gases from industrial exhaust systems. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a filtration system is employed between the first outlet 104c and the scrubber. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, any suitable filtration mechanism is employed between the first outlet 104c and the scrubber. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the scrubber is of any suitable form of the like. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the scrubber is replaced with any suitable device of the like.
[0054] The plurality of soot particles separated from the fluid stream is collected at the bottom of the second module 104. The plurality of soot particles separates out from the fluid stream and gets accumulated at the bottom of the second module. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of soot particles separates out from the fluid stream and gets accumulated at any suitable position of the like. The plurality of soot particles collected at the bottom of the second module 104 is completely dehydrated. The plurality of soot particles collected at the bottom of the second module 104 is completely free from hydroxyl (-OH) ions. The plurality of soot particles collected at the bottom exits the second module 104 with the facilitation of the second outlet 104d. The dehydrated plurality of soot particles exits the second module 104 through the second outlet 104d to enter the third module 106. The second outlet 104d of the second module 104 is connected to the inlet of the third module 106.
[0055] The plurality of soot particles in the first module 102 may be mixed with one or more dopants. The plurality of soot particles in the second module 104 may be mixed with one or more dopant. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of soot particles is mixed with dopant at any suitable position. In general, a dopant is a trace impurity element inserted into a substance to alter electrical, physical or optical properties of the substance. In general, for crystalline substance, atoms of the one or more dopant take place of an atom of a crystalline substance in the crystal lattice of the crystalline substance. The one or more dopants are mixed with the plurality of soot particles in very low concentration. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one more dopants are mixed in any suitable manner.
[0056] The system 100 includes the third module 106. The third module 106 provides final shape to the glass body. The third module 106 includes a particle feed mechanism 106a and a sintering system 106b. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the third module 106 includes any suitable components. The third module 106 receives the plurality of soot particles from the second module 104. The second outlet 104d of the second module 104 is connected with the inlet of the third module 106. The third module 106 has an inlet at uppermost corner. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the third module 106 has an inlet at any suitable position of the like. The plurality of soot particles enters the third module 106 from the top and move towards the bottom of the third module 106. The third module 106 processes the plurality of soot particles to enable the glass body.
[0057] The third module 106 includes the particle feed mechanism 106a. In general, the particle feed mechanism corresponds to a mechanism that facilitates to propel a plurality of particles in a specific direction and at a specific rate. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the particle feed mechanism 106a is positioned between the second module 104 and the third module 106. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the particle feed mechanism is positioned at any suitable position. The particle feed mechanism 106a propels the plurality of soot particles received from the second module 104 at a predefined rate. The predefined rate for propelling the plurality of soot particles depends upon shape, size and physical characteristics of the glass body. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the system 100 includes any suitable mechanism to propel the plurality of soot particles at the predefined rate. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, system 100 employs any means to propel the plurality of soot particles at a defined rate.
[0058] The third module 106 includes the sintering system 106b. The sintering system 106b facilitates to perform sintering of the plurality of soot particles. In general, sintering corresponds to a process of compacting and forming a solid mass from powdered particles with the facilitation of heat or pressure without melting powdered particles to point of liquefaction. The sintering system 106b enables a traversing heat zone. The traversing heat zone facilitates in sintering of the plurality of soot particles. The sintering system 106b enables sintering of the plurality of soot particles to form the glass body. The particle feed mechanism 106a propels the plurality of soot particles at the predefined rate towards the sintering system 106b. The plurality of soot particles is sintered in the bottom to top direction. The plurality of soot particles towards the bottom is sintered first. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of soot particles is sintered in any suitable manner of the like.
[0059] The plurality of soot particles is sintered systematically from bottom to top along the third module 106. The plurality of soot particles is sintered along the length of the third module 106. The plurality of soot particles is sintered from bottom to top similar to a scanning process. The sintering system 106b reciprocates around the third module 106 to sinter the plurality of soot particles from bottom to top. The plurality of soot particles re-sintered at a predefined rate. The predefined rate of sintering of the plurality of soot particles is defined based on the predefined rate for propelling the plurality of soot particles. The predefined rate of sintering of the plurality of soot particles and the predefined rate for propelling the plurality of soot particles are defined based on the rate of manufacturing of the glass body. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the predefined rate of sintering of the plurality of soot particles and the predefined rate for propelling the plurality of soot particles are defined based on any suitable parameter of the like.
[0060] The plurality of soot particles is sintered in the sintering system 106b in a plurality of stages. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of stages includes two stages. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of stages includes any suitable number of stages. The two stages are stage-1 and stage-2. The plurality of soot particles is semi-sintered in the stage-1. The plurality of soot particles is semi-sintered to consolidate and achieve high-density. The plurality of soot particles is semi-sintered in stage-1 to achieve a semi-densified glass body. The semi-densified glass body is subjected to vacuum suction. In general, vacuum suction facilitates to remove air bubbles from the semi-densified glass. The semi-densified glass body is completely free of air pores after vacuum suction. In stage-2 the semi-sintered glass body is completely sintered to form the glass body. The semi-sintered glass body is completely sintered to the desired shape and size in stage-2. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of soot particles is sintered in the sintering system 106b in any suitable manner of the like. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of soot particles is sintered with the facilitation of any suitable mechanism of the like. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of soot particles is sintered in the plurality of stages.
[0061] The plurality of soot particles is sintered at different temperatures to form the glass body of different transparency. The plurality of soot particles is sintered at a specified temperature to obtain the glass body of desired transparency. The plurality of soot particles may be sintered at a different specified temperature to obtain the glass body of different transparency. Each sintering temperature of the plurality of soot particles corresponds to particular transparency of the glass body. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of soot particles is sintered at any suitable temperature.
[0062] The plurality of soot particles is sintered for different time durations to form the glass body of different transparency. The plurality of soot particles is sintered for a specified time duration to obtain the glass body of desired transparency. The plurality of soot particles may be sintered for different time durations to obtain the glass body of different transparency. The time duration for sintering of the plurality of soot particles corresponds to particular transparency of the glass body. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of soot particle is sintered for any suitable time duration.
[0063] The glass body is an optical fiber preform. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the glass body is the core of an optical fiber preform. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the glass body is cladding of an optical fiber preform. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the glass body is a high purity glass body. In yet another embodiment the hollow cylindrical body may be enclosed within one or more concentric hollow cylindrical bodies to differ but not limited to RI profiles. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the glass body is a doped glass body. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the glass body is a non-doped glass body. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the glass body is any suitable glass body. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the method and the system for manufacturing the glass body with sintering technologies include a microwave, induction and spark plasma heating and any combination of these. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method and the system is used for manufacturing the core rod. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the method and system is used for manufacturing the hollow cylindrical glass body. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hollow cylindrical body may be enclosed within multiple concentric hollow cylindrical bodies. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method and system is used for manufacturing the hollow cylindrical glass body with pre-manufactured core rod to make entire glass preform. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method and system is used for manufacturing the glass body with continuous processes.
[0064] The foregoing descriptions of pre-defined embodiments of the present technology have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present technology to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present technology and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present technology and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present technology.
,CLAIMS:STATEMENT OF CLAIMS
What is claimed is:
1. A method for manufacturing a glass body, the method comprising:
producing a plurality of soot particles with a pre-defined size;
transferring the plurality of soot particles using a carrier fluid;
separating the plurality of soot particles from the carrier fluid;
dehydrating each of the plurality of soot particles; and
enabling formation of the glass body.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of soot particles is produced by enabling a chemical reaction between a first gas and a precursor material.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of soot particles – is produced by enabling a chemical reaction between a first gas and a precursor material, wherein the first gas is selected from a group comprising of hydrogen (H2), oxygen (O2) and liquefied natural gas.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of soot particles is produced by enabling a chemical reaction between a first gas and a precursor material, wherein the precursor material used for the manufacturing of the glass body is one of silicon tetrachloride (SiCl4) and Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (OMCTS).

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of soot particles is produced by raising temperature of a first gas and a precursor material with facilitation of a burner assembly (102a).

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the separation of the plurality of soot particles from the carrier fluid is enabled by a vortex separation mechanism.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the glass body is an optical fiber preform.

8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dehydration of the plurality of soot particles is enabled with facilitation of a dehydrating agent, wherein the dehydrating agent reacts with the plurality of soot particles to remove hydroxyl (-OH) ion.

9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dehydration of the plurality of soot particles is enabled with facilitation of a dehydrating agent, wherein the dehydrating agent is chlorine or carbon monoxide.

10. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of soot particles dehydrates at a temperature range of about 800 °C to 1200 °C.

11. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pre-defined size of each of the plurality of soot particles lies in a range of 0.01 micron to 500 microns.

12. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of soot particles corresponds to silicon dioxide (SiO2).
Dated this 01st Day of February, 2019
Signature:
Arun Kishore Narasani(IN/PA/1049)