Patent Publication Number: US-2016238279-A1

Title: Methods of processing a furnace

Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to methods of processing a furnace and, more particularly, to methods of processing a furnace including moving a furnace together with a support member relative to a support surface. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It is known to provide a furnace that may include a melting vessel configured to receive batch material and process the batch material into a glass melt. In some examples, the glass melt may be further processed into a glass ribbon for subsequent division into a plurality of glass sheets. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some example aspects described in the detailed description. 
     In accordance with one aspect, a method of processing a furnace comprises the step (I) of supporting the furnace with a support member configured to span across and beyond a footprint of a mounting area. A support surface outside of the footprint is configured to support at least one pair of opposite end portions of the support member such that the furnace is suspended over the mounting area. The method further includes the step (II) of levitating the opposite end portions of the support member over the support surface on a cushion of fluid, and the step (III) of moving the furnace together with the support member relative to the support surface while the opposite end portions of the support member are levitated over the support surface with the cushion of fluid. 
     In one example of the aspect, during step (I), the furnace is positioned within the footprint such that the furnace is suspended over the mounting area. In one particular example, step (III) moves the furnace to a position outside of the footprint. In another particular example, after step (III), the method further comprises the step of removing the support member. For instance, in one example, the step of removing the support member includes the step of lifting the furnace off the support member. In another particular example, after step (III), the method further comprises the step of servicing the furnace. 
     In another example of the aspect, step (III) comprises moving the furnace from a position outside the footprint to a position within the footprint such that the furnace is suspended over the mounting area. In one particular example, after step (III), the method further comprises the step of removing the support member and then placing the furnace on a support structure within the mounting area. In another example, the furnace comprises a glass melting furnace and the method further comprises the step of operably connecting the glass melting furnace to a downstream glass manufacturing apparatus after placing the furnace on the support structure. In still another example, the step of removing the support member comprises lifting the furnace off the support member. In yet another example, the step of placing the furnace includes lowering the furnace to the support structure. In one particular example, the step of lowering the furnace includes the steps of lifting the furnace with a jack, removing a set of elevation spacers, and lowering the furnace with the jack. In another example, the furnace is assembled at a location outside the footprint. In still another example, the furnace is serviced at a location outside the footprint. 
     In still another example of the aspect, step (III) moves the furnace by guiding the furnace along a predetermined path. In one particular example, step (III) includes guiding the support member along the predetermined path with a guide rail. 
     In yet another example of the aspect, the cushion of fluid comprises a cushion of air. 
     The aspect can be provided alone or in combination with one or any combination of the examples of the aspect discussed above. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure are better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view of a fusion down-draw apparatus configured to draw a glass ribbon including the step of removing a furnace and installing a furnace; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic partial cross-section of a mounting area for the furnace of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a schematic sectional view of the furnace within the mounting area along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates the furnace of  FIG. 3  with the furnace being lifted off a support structure by a jack such that feet of a base of the furnace are spaced from the support structure; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates the lifted furnace of  FIG. 4  with at least one first elevation spacer positioned within the space between the feet of the base and the support structure; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates the lifted furnace of  FIG. 5  being supported by the at least one first elevation spacer with at least one first jack spacer positioned over a retracted jack; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates further lifting of the furnace of  FIG. 6  by extending the jack such that the feet of the base of the furnace are spaced from the underlying elevation spacers; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates the further lifted furnace of  FIG. 7  with at least one second elevation spacer positioned within the space between the feet of the base and the first elevation spacer; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates the further lifted furnace of  FIG. 8  with at least one second jack spacer positioned within a space over the first jack spacer; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates still further lifting the furnace and positioning a support member underneath the feet of the base of the furnace; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates the furnace of  FIG. 10  being lowered onto the support member with the jack and jack spacers removed; 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of the furnace being supported by the support member along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic cross-section of the furnace suspended over the mounting area along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is an enlarged view of taken at view  14 , 15  of  FIG. 13  illustrating a support surface outside of a footprint of the mounting area supporting an end portion of the support member; 
         FIG. 15  is similar to  FIG. 14  but schematically illustrates levitating the end portion of the support member over the support surface on a cushion of fluid; 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic top view of illustrating the step of guiding the support member along a predetermined path with a guide rail; 
         FIG. 17  is a schematic side view of the furnace with the support member; 
         FIG. 18  is a schematic side view of the furnace with support member of  FIG. 17  with a jack lifting the furnace off the support member; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a side view of  FIG. 18  wherein the furnace has been lowered onto fluid support bearings; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates the furnace of  FIG. 19  being levitated by the fluid support bearings on a cushion of fluid over the support surface for moving to another location; 
         FIG. 21  illustrates the step of lifting the furnace off the fluid support bearings at the desired location such that the fluid support bearings can be removed; and 
         FIG. 22  illustrates the fluid support bearings being removed and the furnace being lowered and thereafter placed on the support surface at the desired location for construction or servicing of a furnace. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Apparatus and methods will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which example embodiments of the disclosure are shown. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. However, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. 
     Aspects of the disclosure include methods of processing a furnace. Furnaces of the disclosure may be provided for a wide range of applications to heat gases, liquids and/or solids. In just one example, furnaces of the present disclosure are described with reference to a glass melting furnace configured to melt batch material into a glass melt although other types of furnaces may be provided in further examples. Furthermore, although the illustrated example provides a furnace configured to change the phase of a solid (e.g., batch) into a liquid (e.g., glass melt), other furnaces of the disclosure may be provided to simply heat a gas, liquid and/or solid without a phase change or with only a partial phase change between gas, liquid and/or solid. In some examples, a furnace may be configured to sinter a green body into ceramic, such as a honeycomb green body into a honeycomb ceramic substrate. In further examples, the furnace may be designed to carry out a heat treatment of an article. For example, an article may be heat treated to change a microstructure of the article. 
     Methods of the disclosure may process the furnace in a wide variety of ways. For instance, the furnace may be processed by moving the furnace relative to another structure (e.g., placing the furnace on a support structure within a mounting area, removing the furnace from a support structure within a mounting area, moving the furnace relative to a support surface, etc.). In further examples, the furnace may be processed by assembling the furnace (e.g., originally assembling, etc.), servicing the furnace (e.g., repairing the furnace, reconstructing the furnace, conducting routine maintenance, etc.), replacing the furnace, operating the furnace (e.g., using the furnace to heat gases, liquids and/or solids), or other processing techniques. 
     Methods of the disclosure may process furnaces with a heating vessel (e.g., melting vessel) to heat material. Optionally, the furnaces may include one or more further components such as heating elements, thermal management devices, electronic devices, electromechanical devices, support structures or other components to facilitate operation of the particular furnace. 
     In some examples, the furnace can comprise the illustrated glass melting furnace  105  that can include a melting vessel  106 . In addition to the melting vessel  106 , the glass melting furnace  105  can optionally include one or more further components such as heating elements (e.g., burners) configured to heat batch material to convert solid batch material into a glass melt. In further examples, the glass melting furnace  105  may include thermal management devices (e.g., insulation components) configured to reduce heat lost from a vicinity of the melting vessel. In still further examples, the glass melting furnace  105  may include electronic devices and/or electromechanical devices configured to facilitate melting of the batch material into a glass melt. Still further, the glass melting furnace  105  may include support structures (e.g., support chassis, support member, etc.) or other components. 
     In some examples, the glass melting furnace may be incorporated as a component of a glass manufacturing apparatus configured to fabricate a glass ribbon although the glass melting furnace may be incorporated in other glass manufacturing apparatus in further examples. In some examples, the glass melting furnace of the disclosure may be incorporated as a component of a glass manufacturing apparatus comprising a slot draw apparatus, float bath apparatus, down-draw apparatus, up-draw apparatus, press-rolling apparatus or other glass ribbon manufacturing apparatus. By way of example,  FIG. 1  schematically illustrates the glass melting furnace  105  being incorporated as a component of a fusion down-draw apparatus  101  for fusion drawing a glass ribbon  103  for subsequent processing into glass sheets  104 . 
     The glass manufacturing apparatus (e.g., the fusion down-draw apparatus  101 ) can optionally include an upstream glass manufacturing apparatus  151  represented schematically by broken lines that is positioned upstream relative to the glass melting furnace  105 . In some examples, a portion or the entire upstream glass manufacturing apparatus  151  may be incorporated as part of the glass melting furnace  105 . 
     As shown in the illustrated example, the upstream glass manufacturing apparatus  151  can include a storage bin  109 , a batch delivery device  111  and a motor  113 . The storage bin  109  may be configured to store a quantity of batch material  107  that can be fed into the melting vessel  106  of the glass melting furnace  105 , as indicated by arrow  117 . In some examples, a batch delivery device  111  can be powered by a motor  113  configured to deliver a predetermined amount of batch material  107  from the storage bin  109  to the melting vessel  106 . In further examples, the motor  113  can power the batch delivery device  111  to introduce batch material  107  at a controlled rate based on a sensed level of glass melt downstream from the melting vessel  106 . The batch material  107  within the melting vessel  106  can thereafter be heated to form a glass melt  121 . 
     The glass manufacturing apparatus (e.g., the fusion down-draw apparatus  101 ) can also optionally include a downstream glass manufacturing apparatus  153  represented schematically by broken lines that is positioned downstream relative to the glass melting furnace  105 . In some examples, a portion of the downstream glass manufacturing apparatus  153  may be incorporated as part of the glass melting furnace  105 . For instance, the first connecting conduit  129  discussed below, or other portions of the downstream glass manufacturing apparatus  153 , may be incorporated as part of the glass melting furnace  105 . 
     The downstream glass manufacturing apparatus  153  can include a first conditioning station such as a fining vessel  127 , located downstream from the melting vessel  106  and coupled to the melting vessel  106  by way of the above-referenced first connecting conduit  129 . In some examples, the glass melt  121  may be gravity fed from the melting vessel  106  to the fining vessel  127  by way of the first connecting conduit  129 . For instance, gravity may act to drive the glass melt  121  to pass through an interior pathway of the first connecting conduit  129  from the melting vessel  106  to the fining vessel  127 . Within the fining vessel  127 , bubbles may be removed from the glass melt  121  by various techniques. 
     The downstream glass manufacturing apparatus  153  can further include a second conditioning station such as a glass melt stirring chamber  131  that may be located downstream from the fining vessel  127 . The glass melt stirring chamber  131  can be used to provide a homogenous glass melt composition, thereby reducing or eliminating cords of inhomogeneity that may otherwise exist within the fined glass melt exiting the fining vessel. As shown, the fining vessel  127  may be coupled to the glass melt stirring chamber  131  by way of a second connecting conduit  135 . In some examples, the glass melt  121  may be gravity fed from the fining vessel  127  to the glass melt stirring chamber  131  by way of the second connecting conduit  135 . For instance, gravity may act to drive the glass melt  121  to pass through an interior pathway of the second connecting conduit  135  from the fining vessel  127  to the glass melt stirring chamber  131 . 
     The downstream glass manufacturing apparatus  153  can further include another conditioning station such as a delivery vessel  133  that may be located downstream from the glass melt stirring chamber  131 . The delivery vessel  133  may condition the glass melt  121  to be fed into a forming device. For instance, the delivery vessel  133  can act as an accumulator and/or flow controller to adjust and provide a consistent flow of the glass melt  121  to a forming vessel  143 . As shown, the glass melt stirring chamber  131  may be coupled to the delivery vessel  133  by way of a third connecting conduit  137 . In some examples, glass melt  121  may be gravity fed from the glass melt stirring chamber  131  to the delivery vessel  133  by way of the third connecting conduit  137 . For instance, gravity may act to drive the glass melt  121  to pass through an interior pathway of the third connecting conduit  137  from the glass melt stirring chamber  131  to the delivery vessel  133 . 
     The downstream glass manufacturing apparatus  153  can further include a downcomer  139  and the above-referenced forming vessel  143 . The downcomer  139  can be positioned to deliver the glass melt  121  from the delivery vessel  133  to an inlet  141  of the forming vessel  143 . The glass ribbon  103  may then be fusion drawn off a root  145  of a forming wedge  147  of the forming vessel  143  and subsequently separated into the glass sheets  104  by a glass separation apparatus (not shown). 
       FIG. 1  illustrates the glass melting furnace  105  being incorporated as a component of the fusion down-draw apparatus  101 . The glass melting furnace  105  can include a base  201  configured to support the melting vessel  106 . As shown, the base  201  can be a separate structure that is mounted to the melting vessel  106  although the base  201  may be incorporated as an integral component of the melting vessel  106  in further examples. As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the base  201  may be placed on a support structure  203  within a mounting area  205 . The base  201  can support the melting vessel  106  such that the weight of the molten glass and/or batch material within the melting vessel  106  can be supported by the underlying support structure  203  with the base  201 . 
     The support structure  203  can comprise one or more support elements, such as the illustrated support beams  203   a ,  203   b  shown in  FIG. 3 . The support structure  203  is configured to support the weight of the glass melting furnace  105  while the base  201  of the glass melting furnace  105  is placed, and even mounted, to the support structure  203 . The support structure  203  may be configured to support not only the weight of the glass melting furnace  105 , but also the weight of the batch material and/or glass melt within the melting vessel  106  during operation. In some examples the support structure  203  may be mounted to the foundation of a building or other mount configured to support the weight of the loaded glass melting furnace  105 . The support structure  203  may be positioned within the mounting area  205  and, as shown, can optionally be recessed at an elevation below an adjacent support surface  221 . Although not shown, in further examples, the mounting area  205  may be located at the support surface  221  or elevated above the support surface  221 . For instance, while  FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate the upper surface  213  of the support structure  203  being positioned at an elevation that is lower than an elevation of the support surface  221 , in further examples, the upper surface  213  may be flush with the support surface  221  or even positioned at an elevation that is higher than the elevation of the support surface  221 . 
     The support surface  221 , in some examples may comprise a surface of a floor (e.g., clean room) adjacent to the mounting area  205 . The support surface  221  may be configured to support the weight of the glass melting furnace  105  that is not loaded with batch material and/or glass melt while the support structure  203  within the mounting area  205  may be configured to support the weight of the glass melting furnace  105  in addition to batch material and/or glass melt that may be housed within the melting vessel  106  during operation of the glass melting furnace  105 . 
     The base  201  can comprise a wide range of configurations. In some examples, the base  201  may comprise a framework or other structural configuration designed to support the weight of the melting vessel  106  loaded with batch material and/or glass melt. As illustrated, the base  201  can include a plurality of feet  207  designed to space an upper portion  209  of the base  201  relative to the support structure  203 . Indeed, in some examples, the upper portion  209  may be spaced by the feet  207  to define an opening  211  between the upper surface  213  of the support structure  203  and a lower surface  215  of the upper portion  209 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the mounting area  205  can include a footprint  217  (represented by broken lines) with an area “A” (see  FIG. 12 ) extending along a plane “P” perpendicular to a direction of gravity “G”. The area “A” and footprint  217  are shown in the upper plan view of  FIG. 16  and are also hidden and represented by the broken lines in the upper plan view of  FIG. 12 . As demonstrated by the view line  12 - 12  in  FIG. 11 , the footprint  217  can be viewed in the direction of gravity “G” wherein the plan view of the area “A” of the footprint  217  is shown in  FIGS. 12 and 16 . 
     The area “A” of the footprint  217  can provide the clearance necessary to allow the base  201  to reach below a support surface  221  to be placed on the support structure  203 . Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the area “A” of the footprint  217  further allows the base  201  to be vertically lifted off the support structure  203  to locate lower surfaces  219  of the feet  207  at an elevation higher than the elevation of the support surface  221 . The footprint  217  can be circumscribed by a periphery of an opening  223  in the support surface  221 . As illustrated, in some examples, the footprint  217  can optionally include a rectangular shape with a length “L” (see  FIGS. 2, 12 and 16 ) and a width “W” (see  FIGS. 3, 12, 13 and 16 ) wherein the area “A” of the rectangular footprint  217  can be the product of the length “L” and the width “W” (i.e., A=L×W). Although not shown, the footprint may include other shapes such as polygonal shapes with three or more sides, circular shapes, elliptical shapes and/or otherwise curvilinear shapes depending on the application and/or configuration of the furnace. 
     In some examples, there may be a desire to process the furnace  105  by moving the furnace  105  to a location outside of the footprint  217  of the mounting area  205 . Movement of the furnace  105  to a location outside of the footprint  217  of the mounting area  205  is represented schematically by arrow  155  in  FIG. 1 . Once moved, as indicated by arrow  155 , the furnace may be serviced (e.g., manually as indicated by reference number  157 , automatically service, or otherwise). Servicing may be carried out to repair the furnace, reconstruct the furnace, conduct routine maintenance or otherwise service the furnace. Servicing in this respect may further include replacing the furnace. Moving the furnace  105  to a location outside of the footprint  217  of the mounting area  205  can significantly reduce the complexity of the servicing process and can thereby reduce the time necessary for servicing the furnace  105 . Consequently, the cost of labor and/or loss of productivity resulting from the process of servicing the furnace  105  can be significantly reduced by moving the furnace  105  to the location outside of the footprint  217  of the mounting area  205  to service the furnace. 
     The method of moving the furnace  105  can begin by removing a significant amount of the glass melt  121  from the melting vessel  106 . For instance, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the glass melt  121  may be substantially or completely emptied from the interior of the melting vessel  106 . As such, the interior of the melting vessel  106  may be substantially free from solids and/or liquids that may otherwise add significant weight to the furnace  105 . In some examples, the furnace  105  may also be disengaged from other components such as the upstream glass manufacturing apparatus  151  and/or the downstream glass manufacturing apparatus  153 . Indeed, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the batch delivery device  111  may be disconnected from the furnace  105  to disengage the upstream glass manufacturing apparatus  151  from the furnace  105 . As further shown, the first connecting conduit  129  may be disconnected from the furnace  105  to disengage the downstream glass manufacturing apparatus  153  from the furnace  105 . 
     In one example, the method of moving the furnace  105  can include the step of lifting the furnace off of the support structure  203 . Lifting can be achieved in a wide variety of ways. For instance, a lifting winch may include a lifting member (e.g., lifting cables) attached to lifting eyelets of the base  201  to lift the furnace  105  off of the support structure  203 . In further examples, lifting members (e.g., lifting forks) may be inserted below the base  201  to lift the furnace  105  off of the support structure  203 . In further examples, lifting may be carried out with a jack. In some examples, a mechanical jack may be used wherein mechanically linked members may be pivoted relative to one another to lift the furnace  105  off the support structure  203 . In further examples, a hydraulic jack using an incompressible fluid (e.g., heavy oil) may be used to lift the furnace  105  off of the support structure  203 . In the illustrated example, a plurality of pneumatic jacks  225  may be positioned within the respective openings  211 . In the illustrated example, six pneumatic jacks  225  may be used with three jacks associated with each support beam  203   a ,  203   b . In further examples, any number of jacks may be used in a wide range of alternative configurations. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the method of lifting the furnace  105  off the support structure  203  can include inflating the pneumatic jacks  225  wherein the base  201  is elevated such that a space  401  is provided between the lower surfaces  219  of the feet  207  and the upper surface  213  of the support structure  203 . 
     In some examples, a single lifting stroke of the jack may be adequate to sufficiently lift the furnace  105  to a desired elevation. In further examples, there may be a desire to further lift the furnace  105  to a higher elevation than can be achieved by a single stroke of the pneumatic jacks  225 . For instance, multiple jack arrangements may be used to further lift the furnace. As discussed with initial reference to  FIG. 5 , the same set of jacks  225  may be used together with jack spacers and elevation spacers to further lift the furnace  105  to a higher elevation than can be achieved by a single stroke of the pneumatic jacks  225 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , a first plurality of elevation spacers  501  may be stacked on one another to form a first elevation spacer stack within each space  401  between the lower surfaces  219  of the respective feet  207  and the upper surface  213  of the support structure  203 . Alternatively, as shown, a single first elevation spacer  503  may be provided that fills a portion or substantially the entire space  401 . While providing a single spacer may reduce the time necessary to fill at least a portion of the space  401 , the plurality of spacers may allow more precise matching of the effective spacer height to the actual height of the space  401 , thereby locking in a maximum elevation achieved by a single lifting stroke of the pneumatic jacks  225 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the pneumatic jacks  225  may be deflated such that the weight of the furnace  105  is supported by the first elevation spacers  501 ,  503 . A first set of jack spacers (e.g., a plurality of jack spacers  601  and/or a single jack spacer  603 ) may then be positioned over the deflated pneumatic jacks  225  within the openings  211 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the pneumatic jacks  225  may be inflated again such that the base  201  is elevated by a second stroke of the pneumatic jacks  225 . The second stroke of the pneumatic jacks  225  provides another space  701  between the lower surfaces  219  of each foot  207  and the upper surface  703  of the respective first elevation spacers  501 ,  503 . 
     In still further examples, there may be a desire to still further lift the furnace  105  to yet an even higher elevation than can be provided by two lifting strokes of the jack. In one example, at least one additional elevation spacer may be provided to facilitate even further lifting of the furnace  105  with the same jack. For instance, as shown in  FIG. 8 , a plurality of second elevation spacers  801  may be stacked on one another to form a second elevation spacer stack that fills the space  701  between the lower surfaces  219  of the feet  207  and the upper surface  703  of the first elevation spacers  501 ,  503 . Alternatively, as shown, a single second elevation spacer  803  may be provided that fills a portion or substantially the entire space  701 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the pneumatic jacks  225  may be deflated such that the weight of the furnace  105  is supported by the first elevation spacers  501 ,  503  and the second elevation spacers  801 ,  803 . A second set of jack spacers (e.g., a plurality of second jack spacers  901  and/or a single jack spacer  903 ) may then be positioned within a space between an upper surface  905  of the first set of jack spacers  601 ,  603  and the lower surface  215  of the upper portion  209 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the pneumatic jacks  225  may be inflated again such that the base  201  is elevated by a third stroke of the pneumatic jacks  225 . The third stroke of the pneumatic jacks  225  provides further elevation such that the lower surfaces  219  of the feet  207  are a distance D 1  above the elevation of the support surface  221 . As further shown in  FIG. 10 , the first elevation spacers  501 ,  503  and the second elevation spacers  801 ,  803  can be removed and replaced with a support member such as the plurality of support members  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c ,  1001   d . Although four separate support members are illustrated, the support member may comprise a single or any number of support members in further examples. Although the support members are illustrated as separate support beams, the support member can comprise one or more support members that are connected (e.g., integrally connected, removably connected) to one another. In one example, the support member can comprise a support frame. Each of the illustrated support members  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c ,  1001   d  can comprise an I Beam, i.e., a beam including a cross-section in the shape of an “I” as illustrated in  FIGS. 10-11 . Although not shown, the support members may comprise tubular beams or other configurations. The support members can comprise steel or other material, wherein the configuration and material of the support members may be designed to withstand the stress associated with supporting the furnace. 
     Regardless of the configuration of the support member, the support member is configured to span across and beyond the footprint  217  of the mounting area  205 . For instance, the support member can include a length that is greater than a dimension of the footprint. By way of example, each of the illustrated support members  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c ,  1001   d  is configured to span across and beyond the footprint  217  of the mounting area  205 . For instance, as best shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , one example can provide the support members  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c ,  1001   d  with a length “Ls” that is greater than the width “W” of the footprint  217  of the mounting area  205  such that each of the support members  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c ,  1001   d  spans across and beyond the footprint  217  of the mounting area  205 . 
     As each support member may span across and beyond the footprint  217 , opposite end portions  1201 ,  1203  of each support member  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c ,  1001   d  can be positioned over the support surface  221 . Furthermore, a fluid support bearing (e.g., air support bearing, liquid support bearing, vapor support bearing, etc.) may be positioned between each opposite end portion  1201 ,  1203  of each support member and the support surface  221  outside of the footprint  217 . For instance, as shown in  FIG. 10  and in hidden lines in  FIG. 12 , the first end portion  1201  of each of the support members  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c ,  1001   d  can be provided with a respective fluid support bearing  1005   a ,  1007   a ,  1009   a ,  1011   a  positioned between respective first end portions  1201  and the support surface  221  outside of the footprint  217 . Likewise, as further shown in hidden lines in  FIG. 12 , the second end portion  1203  of each of the support members  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c ,  1001   d  can be provided with a respective fluid support bearing  1005   b ,  1007   b ,  1009   b ,  1011   b  positioned between respective second end portions  1203  and the support surface  221  outside of the footprint  217 . As can be appreciated by  FIGS. 10-12 , the fluid support bearings are configured to support the weight of the support members  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c ,  1001   d  on the support surface  221 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the furnace  105  can be lifted to an elevation wherein the lower surfaces  219  of the feet  207  are positioned a first distance “D 1 ” from the support surface  221 . The first distance “D 1 ” can be greater than the combined height “H” of the support members and fluid support bearings such that the support members may be easily placed in proper position relative to one another and/or relative to the furnace  105 . Indeed, a space  1003  exists between an upper surface  1002  of the support members and the lower surface  219  whereby the weight of the furnace  105  is not supported by the support members. 
     While in the position shown in  FIG. 10 , the support members can be easily moved relative to one another and relative to the furnace since the support members to not support the weight of the furnace. As such, the support members may be oriented in a proper position relative to one another. In some examples, the support members  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c ,  1001   d  may be positioned substantially parallel to one another although the support members may be angled with respect to one another in further examples. In further examples, the support members may be equally spaced from one another although alternative spacing arrangements may be desired based on the weight distribution of the furnace. Furthermore, with reference to  FIG. 12 , the support members may be arranged such that the first end portions  1201  are aligned with one another along a first linear alignment axis  1205   a  while the second end portions  1203  are also aligned along a second linear alignment axis  1205   b . Aligning the end portions along the respective linear alignment axes  1205   a ,  1205   b  can help guide a predetermined movement of the furnace as discussed more fully below. 
     In further examples, the support members  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c ,  1001   d  may be oriented at a desired predetermined position relative to the furnace  105 . For example, as shown, the length “Ls” of the support members may be centered along the width “W” of the furnace  105 . Indeed, in the illustrated example, a central axis  1207  of the furnace  105  can be centered between the linear alignment axes  1205   a ,  1205   b  such that each alignment axis  1205   a ,  1205   b  is spaced an equal distance from the central axis  1207 . Centering the support members can help evenly distribute load between the opposed end portions  1201 ,  1203  of each support member. In further examples, the elongated axis of the support members (e.g., one, a plurality of, or all of the support members) along the length “Ls” can be perpendicular to the central axis  1207  of the furnace  105 . Although the support member(s) may be positioned at alternative angles, positioning the support members such that the elongated axis of the support members are perpendicular to the central axis  1207  can help stabilize the support members during movement of the furnace, thereby minimizing the chance of inadvertent repositioning of the support members relative to one another and/or relative to the furnace. 
     Once the support members  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c ,  1001   d  are properly positioned relative to one another and/or relative to the furnace  105 , the pneumatic jacks  225  may be deflated and removed together with the jack spacers. Once deflated, the furnace  105  can be placed on the support members  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c ,  1001   d  such that the support members support the weight of the furnace  105 . Indeed, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the lower surfaces  219  of the feet  207  can be placed on the upper surface  1002  of the support members  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c ,  1001   d  such that the distance “D 2 ” from the lower surfaces  219  of the feet  207  to the support surface  221  is equal to the combined height “H” of the support members and the fluid support bearings. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 13 , once the jacks  225  are deflated and removed, the support members support the weight of the furnace  105  while the furnace is suspended over the mounting area  205 . Indeed, a central portion of the length “Ls” of the support members are loaded with the weight of the furnace  105  that is supported at the opposite end portions  1201 ,  1203  by respective fluid support bearings (e.g.,  1011   a ,  1011   b  shown in  FIG. 13 ) on the support surface  221  located outside of the footprint  217 . 
     Consequently, any of the methods of the present disclosure can include a method of processing the furnace  105  (e.g., glass melting furnace, etc.) that includes the step of supporting the furnace  105  with the support member (e.g., support members  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c ,  1001   d ) configured to span across and beyond the footprint  217  of the mounting area  205 , wherein the support surface  221  outside of the footprint  217  is configured to support at least one pair of opposite end portions  1201 ,  1203  of the support member such that the furnace  105  is suspended over the mounting area  205 . As shown, the furnace is positioned within the footprint  217  such that the furnace  105  is suspended over the mounting area  205 . Indeed, at least a portion of the furnace  105  is positioned within a vertical projection of the footprint  217  and is therefore positioned within the vertical footprint. 
     There may be a desire to move the furnace  105  together with the support member over the support surface  221 . For instance, in one example, referring to  FIG. 16 , there may be a desire to move the furnace  105  together with the support structure in a direction  1601  along the support surface  221 . The fluid support bearings, which may, for example be air bearings using air as a working fluid, may be used to help reduce or eliminate sliding friction with the support surface  221 . Indeed, the fluid support bearings  1005   a,b ,  1007   a,b ,  1009   a,b , and  1011   a,b  may be used to levitate the opposite end portions  1201 ,  1203  of the support members  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c ,  1001   d  over the support surface  221  on a cushion of fluid, such as air. 
       FIGS. 14 and 15  schematically demonstrate features of an example fluid support bearing that may be used in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. The example fluid support bearing may be an air bearing, although other types of fluid bearings may be used. By way of illustration, the fluid support bearing  1011   a  is discussed below with the understanding that similar or identical constructions may be used with any or all of the other fluid support bearings. As shown, a fluid manifold  1403  may selectively place a source  1401  of pressurized fluid in fluid communication with the fluid support bearing  1011   a . The source  1401  of pressurized fluid can comprise a pump, a cylinder of a compressor, such as an air compressor or other source of pressurized fluid. A controller  1405  may be used to operate the source  1401  of pressurized fluid and/or the fluid manifold  1403  to provide the fluid support bearing  1011   a  with a desired level of pressurized fluid at a desired time. As shown in  FIG. 15 , once activated, a pressurized stream of fluid generates a cushion of fluid  1501  that levitates the bottom surface of the fluid support bearing  1011   a  and the corresponding end portion  1201  of the support member  1001   d  a distance  1503  from the support surface  221 . The distance  1503  can be within a range of from about 1 mm to about 4 mm, such as from about 1 mm to about 3 mm, such as from about 2 mm to about 3 mm. 
     As discussed above, methods of processing the furnace  105  can include the step of levitating the opposite end portions of the support member over the support surface on a cushion of fluid. The cushion of fluid reduces or prevents a friction force with the support surface  221  that would otherwise resist movement of the furnace together with the support member relative to the support surface  221 . 
     In alternative embodiments, the opposite end portions of the support member can be supported over the support surface by placing the opposite ends on wheeled devices or any other form of roller or rollers. For example, in certain embodiments, the opposite ends of the support member can be supported over the support surface by placing the opposite ends on wheeled trucks configured to roll over rails positioned on the support surface. 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , the method of processing the furnace  105  can also include the step of moving the furnace  105  together with the support member (e.g., support members  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c ,  1001   d ) relative to the support surface  221  while the opposite end portions  1201 ,  1203  of the support members are levitated over the support surface  221  with the cushion of fluid  1501 . In one example, an operator can push or pull the furnace  105  or the support member in the direction  1601  to promote movement of the furnace in the direction  1601 . For instance, the operator can manually push or pull the furnace or may use a material handling vehicle or other device to facilitate movement of the furnace. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 16 , the method can move the furnace  105  to a position outside of the footprint  217 . Indeed, the furnace is shifted away from the opening  223  in the support surface  221 . In one example the furnace can be guided along a predetermined path. For instance, a guiding mechanism such as tongue and groove mechanism, guide channels or other configurations may be used as a guiding mechanism. In the illustrated example, the guiding mechanism includes guide rails  1607   a ,  1607   b  extending along a predetermined path that extends along direction  1601 . The guide rails can each comprise a bearing surface configured to extend along the respective alignment axes  1205   a ,  1205   b  (discussed with respect to  FIG. 12  above) to help guide a predetermined movement of the furnace  105  along the direction  1601 . Indeed, the bearing surfaces of the guide rails  1607   a ,  1607   b  can abut outer ends  1603   a ,  1603   b  of the opposite end portions  1201 ,  1203  of the support members  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c ,  1001   d  to guide the furnace  105  along the path in direction  1601  without wandering off the guide path. In some examples, the distance between the guide rails  1607   a ,  1607   b  can be fine-tuned to approximate the length “Ls” of the support members to provide a more exact travel path sufficient for the furnace  105 . In one example, adjustment screws  1609  may be adjustably connected to mounting brackets  1605   a ,  1605   b  that are secured to the support surface  221 . The relative distances between the guide rails  1607   a ,  1607   b  may be adjusted by way of the adjustment screws. 
     Once the furnace  105  is positioned outside of the footprint  217 , the method may optionally further process the furnace by conducting a step of servicing the furnace. The furnace may be serviced by repairing the furnace, replacing the furnace, reconstructing the furnace, conducting routine maintenance or conducting other servicing techniques. 
     Alternatively, before servicing, the method may include the optional step of removing the support member. The support member may be removed in a wide variety of ways. For instance, the step of removing the support member can include the step of lifting the furnace off the support member. Lifting configurations discussed with respect to lifting the furnace off of the support structure  203  discussed above may be incorporated to facilitate lifting of the furnace  105  for the purpose of removing the support members  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c ,  1001   d . As shown in  FIG. 17 , in one example, pneumatic jacks  225  may be positioned within space  1701  and thereafter used to lift the furnace off the support member, either alone (as shown) or in combination with jack spacers. Indeed, as shown in  FIG. 18 , the pneumatic jacks  225  may be inflated within the space  1701  to provide a space  1801  between the lower surface  219  of the feet  207  and the upper surface  1002  of the support members  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c ,  1001   d.    
     After lifting the furnace  105  as shown in  FIG. 18 , both the pneumatic jacks  225  and the fluid support bearings  1005   a,b ,  1007   a,b ,  1009   a,b , and  1011   a,b  may be removed before deflating and removing the pneumatic jacks  225  as sown in  FIG. 22 . Optionally, the furnace may then be serviced by repairing the furnace, reconstructing the furnace, replacing the furnace, conducting routine maintenance or conducting other servicing techniques. 
     Alternatively, if further movement of the furnace  105  is necessary, the support members  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c ,  1001   d  may be removed and the fluid support bearings  1005   a,b ,  1007   a,b ,  1009   a,b , and  1011   a,b  may be repositioned directly underneath the feet  207  before the furnace is serviced. The pneumatic jacks  225  can then be deflated and removed, as shown in  FIG. 19 , such that the feet  207  of the base  201  are supported directly by the fluid support bearings  1005   a,b ,  1007   a,b ,  1009   a,b , and  1011   a,b . Removing the support members  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c ,  1001   d  prior to further moving the furnace  105  may be desired in applications where the furnace  105  is required to maneuver about obstacles when moving the furnace  105 . For instance, without the support member, the furnace  105  may be easily moved through a doorway into another room. 
     To conduct further movement with the fluid support bearings, as shown in  FIG. 20 , the fluid support bearings may again be activated to produce a cushion of fluid  2001  between the fluid support bearings and the support surface  221  to reduce or prevent friction between the fluid support bearing and the support surface  221 . As described above, an operator can thereafter similarly apply force to cause movement of the furnace  105  in direction  2003 . 
     The furnace  105  may eventually reach a desired location  2101  such as a servicing room, clean room, or other location. Optionally, as shown in  FIG. 21 , the pneumatic jacks  225  may then be inflated to allow removal of the fluid support bearings  1005   a,b ,  1007   a,b ,  1009   a,b , and  1011   a,b . As shown in  FIG. 22 , the pneumatic jacks  225  may thereafter be deflated and removed such that the feet  207  of the base  201  directly engage the support surface  221  to support the furnace  105 . As one example, the method can further process the furnace by conducting the step of servicing the furnace, for example by a service technician  2201 . The furnace may be serviced by repairing the furnace, reconstructing the furnace, replacing the furnace, conducting routine maintenance or conducting other servicing techniques. 
     In further examples, the method of processing the furnace  105  may include moving the furnace after assembling the furnace at a location that is outside of the footprint  217 . For instance, the furnace  105  can be originally assembled as a new furnace at a location (e.g., the location  2101 ) that is outside of the footprint  217 . Alternatively, the method may include moving the furnace after servicing a used furnace, such as repairing a used furnace, reconstructing the used furnace, replacing the used furnace, conducting routine maintenance or conducting other servicing techniques on the used furnace at a location (e.g., the location  2101 ) outside of the footprint  217 . In such examples, after assembling the new furnace or servicing the used furnace, the method may further include processing the furnace by moving the furnace to be eventually placed on the support structure (see  203  in  FIG. 2 ) as is schematically illustrated by arrow  159  in  FIG. 1 . In some examples, the method of mounting can involve reversing the order of at least some or all of the steps discussed above. 
     In one example, with initial reference to  FIG. 22 , after servicing or assembling, the method may include the step of placing the above referenced pneumatic jacks (not shown in  FIG. 22 ) within the spaces  2203 . As shown in  FIG. 21 , the pneumatic jacks  225  can be inflated to lift the furnace  105 . The fluid support bearings  1005   a,b ,  1007   a,b ,  1009   a,b , and  1011   a,b  may then be placed under the respective feet  207  of the base  201 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 20 , the fluid support bearings may then be activated to lift the furnace  105  and support the furnace on the fluid cushion  2001  while moving the furnace to a location outside of the footprint  217  as shown in  FIG. 19 . As further shown in  FIG. 18 , the method can further include the step of lifting the furnace  105  with the pneumatic jacks  225  to insert the support members  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c ,  1001   d  under the respective feet  207  of the base with the fluid support bearings  1005   a,b ,  1007   a,b ,  1009   a,b , and  1011   a,b  underneath respective first and second end portions  1201 ,  1203  of the support members. As shown in  FIG. 17 , the pneumatic jacks  225  can be deflated such that the weight of the furnace  105  is supported by the support members  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c ,  1001   d.    
     The method of processing the furnace can therefore, in one example, at least include the step of supporting the furnace  105  (in the position outside of the footprint  217  shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 ) with a support member (e.g., support members  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c ,  1001   d ) that is configured to span across and beyond the footprint  217  of the mounting area  205 . Furthermore, in the position shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the support surface  221  outside of the footprint  217  is configured to support the opposite end portions  1201 ,  1203  of the support members  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c ,  1001   d  such that the furnace  105  may be subsequently suspended over the mounting area  205 . 
     The method can further include the step of levitating the opposite end portions  1201 ,  1203  of the support members  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c ,  1001   d  over the support surface  221  on the cushion of fluid (e.g., cushion of air  1501 ). The method can also include the step of moving the furnace  105  together with the support member relative to the support surface  221  while the opposite end portions  1201 ,  1203  of the support member are levitated over the support surface  221  with the cushion of fluid  1501 . The step of moving includes moving the furnace from the position outside of the footprint (e.g., See  FIGS. 16 and 17 ) to a position within the footprint  217  (i.e., within the vertical projection of the footprint  217 ) such that the furnace  105  is suspended over the mounting area  205  as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . 
     In one example, the method of moving the furnace  105  to the position within the footprint can include moving the furnace by guiding the furnace along a predetermined path. For instance, as discussed above, the method can include guiding the support members  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c ,  1001   d  with the guide rails  1607   a ,  1607   b . Guiding the furnace along the predetermined path can be beneficial to help align the base  201  with the footprint  217  of the mounting area  205 . 
     The method can further include the step of removing the support member (e.g., support members  1001   a ,  1001   b ,  1001   c ,  1001   d ) and then placing the furnace  105  on a support structure  203  within the mounting area  205 . In one example, the step of removing the support member can comprise lifting the furnace off the support member. Various lifting techniques may be employed. For example, any of the lifting techniques used to lift the furnace off the support structure  203  discussed above can likewise be used to lift the furnace off the support member. For example, the step of lifting can include lifting the furnace  105  with a jack (e.g., a pneumatic jack) and/or a jack in combination with spacers as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     In further examples, placing the furnace on the support structure  203  can include lowering the furnace  105  to the support structure. In one example, lowering the furnace can comprise lifting the furnace with a jack (e.g., pneumatic jack), removing a set of elevation spacers, and lowering the furnace with the jack (e.g., pneumatic jack) as can be appreciated, for example, by conducting the method steps of  FIGS. 2-10  in reverse order. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the furnace can comprise a glass melting furnace and the method can include the further steps of operably connecting the glass melting furnace to the downstream glass manufacturing apparatus  153  and/or operably connecting the glass melting furnace to the upstream glass manufacturing apparatus  151  after placing the furnace on the support structure. Indeed, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the batch delivery device  111  may be connected to the furnace  105  to engage the upstream glass manufacturing apparatus  151  with the furnace  105 . As further shown, the first connecting conduit  129  may be connected to the furnace  105  to engage the downstream glass manufacturing apparatus  153  from the furnace  105 . 
     Various methods of processing the furnace as discussed above can also include the step of operating the furnace (e.g., using the furnace to heat gases, liquids and/or solids), or other processing techniques. Indeed, as described with reference to  FIG. 1  above, the methods of processing a glass melting furnace can include using the furnace to heat batch material to create the glass melt  121  that is eventually drawn into the glass ribbon  103  and separated into the glass sheets  104 . 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.