Abstract: A drop-in probe includes a measurement head having an immersion end and an opposing second end having an end face. The measurement head is formed of first and second body halves configured to mate together along a parting line. A sample chamber, arranged within the measurement head, is thermally isolated from a cooling mass thereof and includes a metal wall having a thickness of 2.5 mm or less. An inlet tube has an inlet opening to the sample chamber. The inlet opening has a diameter Dinlet and is spaced apart from the end face of the measurement head at a distance of at least D inlet 2 . When the sample chamber is filled with a sample of the molten metal, a ratio of a mass of the metal sample to a mass of the metal wall of the sample chamber is greater than 2.6 and less than 6.

Abstract: A device is provided for measuring parameters or for taking samples in molten iron or steel and for taking samples of slag resting on the melt. The device includes a carrier tube having an immersion end, a lateral circumferential surface, and a measuring head arranged on the immersion end. At least one sensor or inlet opening for a sample chamber present inside the device is arranged at the immersion end of the measuring head. The lateral circumferential surface of the carrier tube or measuring head has an inlet opening extending through an inlet channel to merge in a pre-chamber arranged inside the carrier tube or measuring head. The pre-chamber has, at its end facing away from the immersion end, an entry opening that merges into a slag sample chamber on the side of the pre-chamber facing away from the immersion end.

Abstract: A drop-in probe is provided for determining phase changes of a sample removed from a molten steel by thermal analysis. The probe includes a measurement head that has an immersion end and in which is arranged a sample chamber having an inlet opening and a thermocouple projecting with its hot solder joint into the sample chamber and having a cable bushing for signal cables of the thermocouple. The cable bushing emerges from the measurement head out of a discharge opening on an end of the measurement head opposite the immersion end. A straight line between the immersion end and the discharge opening forms a longitudinal axis of the measurement head, and a theoretical plane through the hot solder joint and through a part of the inlet opening farthest away from the immersion end is formed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A system for wirelessly obtaining a measurement of a characteristic of a molten metal is disclosed. The system includes a contact block configured to be operatively coupled to a first end of a substantially hollow lance holder. The contact block is detachably and electrically coupled to and receives analog signals from a measurement sensor. The contact block converts the received analog signals into ultrasonic signals and transmits the ultrasonic signals through the hollow of the lance holder. A receiver block is configured to be operatively coupled to a second end of the lance holder. The second end is opposite the first end of the lance holder. The receiver block receives the ultrasonic signals from the contact block and converts the received ultrasonic signals into a digital voltage signal.

Abstract: A measuring probe is provided for taking measurements in molten metal or slag, the probe including a measuring head having an immersion end and a rear end. At least one electrochemical sensor, one thermocouple, and one bath contact of the electrochemical sensor are arranged at the immersion end, and the thermocouple and electrochemical sensor each protrude from the immersion end adjacent to each other. The bath contact is formed from a strip of metal arranged around and between the thermocouple and the electrochemical sensor in appropriate manner, such that two chambers are formed that are open at the immersion end. The thermocouple is arranged in one chamber and the electrochemical sensor is arranged in the other chamber and both are held by fixation material.

Abstract: A device for measuring the temperature of molten metal irrespective of the nature of the metal, particularly, an immersion/contact type temperature sensing device involving optical fiber which can be universally used for different materials and would be adapted for safe and repetitive immersion in molten metal for measurement of molten metal temperatures and the like. The proposed immersion/contact type temperature sensing device involves combination two-color and multi-color pyrometric detection technique is capable of cost effective and discrete-time temperature measurement of molten metal. The advancement is thus directed to serve as a ready and fast accurate measurement of molten metal temperature and the like.

Abstract: A system for wirelessly obtaining a measurement of a characteristic of a molten metal is disclosed. The system includes a contact block configured to be operatively coupled to a first end of a substantially hollow lance holder. The contact block is detachably and electrically coupled to and receives analog signals from a measurement sensor. The contact block converts the received analog signals into ultrasonic signals and transmits the ultrasonic signals through the hollow of the lance holder. A receiver block is configured to be operatively coupled to a second end of the lance holder. The second end is opposite the first end of the lance holder. The receiver block receives the ultrasonic signals from the contact block and converts the received ultrasonic signals into a digital voltage signal.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a temperature indicator stick includes a housing having an interior configured to receive the temperature indicator stick configured to indicate a predetermined temperature through a physical change or a chemical when exposed to the predetermined temperature. A gear is supported by the housing that extends from beyond an exterior of the housing into the interior of the housing to engage the temperature indicator stick. Accordingly, rotation of the gear from the exterior causes a retraction or advancement of the temperature indicator stick to and from the interior of the housing.

Abstract: A device is provided for temperature measurement in metal melts, particularly in iron or steel melts, having a thermoelement, which is arranged in a thermoelement tube, and having an exterior protective body, which is essentially formed of graphite and metal oxide. The thermoelement tube is arranged in the protective body with a spacing, forming an intermediate space, and an insulating material and an oxygen-reducing material are arranged in the intermediate space. The insulating material and the oxygen-reducing material, as a powder mixture, form a tube (2), which surrounds the thermoelement tube (3) with a spacing and/or which is surrounded by the protective body (1) with a spacing.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the determination of at least one parameter of a molten metal or a slag layer lying on top of the molten metal. The apparatus has a carrier tube, a measuring head arranged on one end of the carrier tube with a body fixed in the carrier tube. An A/D converter is arranged within the measuring head or the carrier tube, and the A/D converter is connected to at least one sensor arranged in or on the measuring head. The measuring head has a contact piece, which is electrically connected via its contact terminals to the signal output of the A/D converter, and the contact piece is connected to a lance inserted into the carrier tube. No more than two signal lines are arranged within the lance, the signal lines each being connected at one end via a contact terminal of the contact piece to the A/D converter and at an opposite end to a computer or an analysis device.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring a parameter of a molten metal bath by an optical fiber surrounded by a cover. The optical fiber is immersed in the molten bath, and the radiation absorbed by the optical fiber in the molten bath is fed to a detector, wherein the optical fiber is heated when immersed in the molten bath. The heating curve of the optical fiber has at least one point P(t0, T0), wherein the increase ?T1 in the temperature T of the optical fiber over the time ?t in a first time interval t0??t up to the temperature T0 is smaller than the increase ?T2 in the temperature of the optical fiber over the time ?t in an immediately following second time interval t0+?t.

Abstract: A guide system for signal lines includes a guide tube, through which the signal lines are guided, a cooling system which laterally surrounds the guide tube and has at least one coolant chamber and at least one inlet and at least one outlet for the coolant. The coolant chamber is tubular in construction and is hermetically sealed by a seal at least at one end face.

Abstract: An immersion thermocouple is described. The immersion thermocouple includes a heat resistant sheathing, the interior of which is substantially filled with a heat resistant cement, a first U-shaped tube enclosing a thermocouple fixed in the heat resistant cement, and a second U-shaped tube fixed in the heat resistant cement. The second U-shaped tube bridges the first U-shaped tube at an angle of approximately ninety degrees. The immersion thermocouple also includes a shield circumferentially surrounding the first and the second U-shaped tubes proximate to where the first and the second U-shaped tubes are fixed to the heat resistant cement.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring a temperature of a molten metal bath by an optical fiber surrounded by a cover. The optical fiber is immersed in the molten bath, and the radiation absorbed by the optical fiber in the molten bath is fed to a detector, wherein the optical fiber is heated when immersed in the molten bath. The heating curve of the optical fiber has at least one point P(t0, T0), wherein the increase ?T1 in the temperature T of the optical fiber over the time ?t in a first time interval t0??t up to the temperature T0 is smaller than the increase ?T2 in the temperature of the optical fiber over the time ?t in an immediately following second time interval t0+?t.

Abstract: An immersion sensor for analysis of liquids or melts includes an immersion carrier, a detector and a radiation-guiding unit, and a sample chamber arranged in the immersion carrier. The sample chamber has an inlet opening for liquid or melt, and the sensing components for measurement of the liquid or melt act inside the sample chamber.

Abstract: A device is provided for temperature measurement in metal melts, particularly in iron or steel melts, having a thermoelement, which is arranged in a thermoelement tube, and having an exterior protective body, which is essentially formed of graphite and metal oxide. The thermoelement tube is arranged in the protective body with a spacing, forming an intermediate space, and an insulating material and an oxygen-reducing material are arranged in the intermediate space. The insulating material and the oxygen-reducing material, as a powder mixture, form a tube (2), which surrounds the thermoelement tube (3) with a spacing and/or which is surrounded by the protective body (1) with a spacing.

Abstract: The system developed for the continuos temperature measurement of molten metal (1), like in the case of the continuous casting machine tundish (2), uses an optical process to control the continuous casting machine speed, and it consists of an optical infra-red sensor (8) protected by a cooled jacket (30). This two-color sensor (8), fitted with optical fiber (9) and an optical signal converter (10), is focused inside a high thermal and light conductivity ceramic tube (15), and it enables accurate temperature readings of molten steel (1) in the tundish (2). This practical device avoids the inconvenience of the method currently being used. It reduces the operator's high temperature exposure time, lowers maintenance downtime, minimizes the operating risks, improves safety and enables fast, simple replacement, resulting in improved slab quality and, as a consequence, lower costs.

Abstract: A temperature sensor temperature sensing tube and its fabrication method comprised of a step that provides for a tubular blank of an appropriate length, a step in which a curvilinear semifinished product of the tube member bottom section aperture is formed, a step in which a semifinished product of the neck base and the neck body is formed, a step in which a semifinished product of the neck base and the neck body is further formed, and a step in which a finished product having an outer conoidal hem and an inner conoidal hem is formed. Executing each step completes the fabrication of the temperature sensing tube.

Abstract: A device (10) for continuous measurement of the temperature of molten metal in a furnace or recipient for its production and treatment comprises a heat analysis instrument (14) placed in a lance (12) which blows inert gas and/or high-pressure compressed air against a surface of metal slag (18) of a furnace or recipient (20).

Abstract: A device is provided for measuring temperature in molten metals with an optical fiber. The optical fiber is connected directly or indirectly to a measurement instrument and is held by a carrier. The immersion end of the fiber is fed through a body that can be consumed in the metal melt. The consumable body exhibits a consumption rate of at most 10 cm/min, and the consumption rate is approximately equal to or greater than the rate at which the structure of the optical fiber is destroyed.

Abstract: A temperature sensor is supported in a device which floats in a liquid, the temperature of which is to be determined. Typically the sensor is the hot thermocouple element of a thermocouple and the liquid is a molten metal; the device may be constructed to float with the temperature sensor disposed at a desired distance below the upper surface of the liquid.

Abstract: An oil pipeline, which connects a Christmas tree at its lower end to an oil rig at its upper end, is fitted with a stainless steel tube sheathed telecommunications grade optical fiber, forming part of a distributed temperature measurement device, such as to be in thermal contact with the oil flowing along the pipeline. Also fitted to respective ones of three discrete positions on the pipeline are ultrasonic deposit thickness measurement devices, the one nearest of which to the Christmas tree is a few hundred meters downstream from a position where preliminary studies of the pipeline system have indicated that deposits are likely to form during oil production. A computer, located on the oil rig, is connected to be able to provide control over and to receive measurement signals from the temperature measurement devices and the deposit thickness measurement devices. A model of at least deposit deposition stored in the computer is revised in response to these signals.

Abstract: A thermocouple-type temperature-detecting device excellent in the temperature measurement responsiveness constituted of an outer protective pipe 1 and an inner protective pipe 2, the outer protective pipe 1 is formed in a laminated layer structure of a 2nd layer 10 made of a ceramic containing molten metal-repelling BN and a 1st layer 11 made of a ceramic, the inner protective pipe 2 is formed of a front protective pipe 3 made of a ceramic having a good heat conductivity and a heat-shielding rear protective pipe 4 extending into the outer protective pipe 1 through an air layer 17, furthermore, the head portion 5 of the front protective pipe 3 is projected from the outer protective pipe 1, and a temperature-sensitive portion 20 of a thermocouple is disposed in the inside of the head portion 5.

Abstract: A thermocouple used to measure a temperature of molten metal having a melting point of not more than 1200° C. is such constructed that a pair of alloy stock wires (5) and (6) capable of being used In a temperature region not exceeding 1200° C. is embedded in a protective pipe 3 made of ceramic. A measuring contact (2) formed by the extreme ends of a pair of alloy stock wires (5) and (6) connected to each other is secured to the protective pipe (3) by a filler (4) of an inorganic compound such as heat resistant ceramic powder or dehydrated condensation glass.

Abstract: An immersion measuring probe for measurement in liquids, in particular in molten metals, has a carrier tube, a measuring head mounted on one end of the carrier tube, and measuring elements as well as signal lines for the measuring signals generated by the measuring elements arranged on the measuring head. The signal lines are longer than the carrier tube and run from the end of the measuring head facing the inside of the carrier tube. In order to improve the handling of the immersion measuring probe, the signal lines are guided through the inside of the carrier tube and are wound up there around its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: [0081] A thermocouple lance for measuring temperatures in molten metals has a protective sheath of multi-layered structure that makes it possible to improve the life expectancy of repetitive measuring devices. The thermocouple lance has a protective sheath with one closed end and one opened end wherein porous heat-resisting ceramic filler is compacted. Embedded in the filler is a pair of W—Re alloy wires dissimilar in their composition from each other. The protective sheath has a layered structure made from cermet layers each having a molybdenum matrix and other layers of at least one boundary layer selected from the class consisting of C, MgO, CaO, Al2O3 and ZrO2, the cermet layers and boundary layers overlapping each other in alternate layers. At least the outermost shell layer of the protective sheath is made of a cermet layer composed of any one of Mo—ZrN, Mo—ZrB2, Mo—ZrO2, Mo—ZrC and composite thereof.

Abstract: A thermocouple lance for measuring temperatures in molten metals has a protective sheath of multi-layered structure that makes it possible to improve the life expectancy of repetitive measuring devices. The thermocouple lance comprises a protective sheath with one closed end and one opened end wherein porous heat-resisting ceramic filler is compacted. Embedded in the filler is a pair of W-Re alloy wires dissimilar in their composition from each other. The protective sheath has the layered structure made from the cermet layers each having a molybdenum matrix and other layers of at least one selected from the class consisting of C, MgO, CaO, Al2O3 and ZrO2, both of which layers overlap each other in alternate layers. At least the outermost shell layer of the protective sheath is made of a cermet layer composed of any one of Mo—ZrN, Mo—ZrB2, Mo—ZrO2, Mo—ZrC and composite thereof.

Abstract: A temperature measuring device comprises: an optical fiber; a metallic protective tube for covering the optical tube to form a metal-covered optical fiber; and a radiation thermometer connected to the metal-covered optical fiber. A heat insulation coating can be formed to cover the protective tube. A level measuring device comprises: an optical fiber; a metallic protective tube for covering the optical tube to form a metal-covered optical fiber; a radiation thermometer connected to the metal-covered optical fiber; transfer device for sending the metal-covered optical fiber to a surface of a molten metal to be measured and retracting to wind the metal-covered optical fiber from the surface; and level determination device for determining a level of the surface of the molten metal based on a temperature change detected by the radiation thermometer and an amount of feed of the optical fiber through the transfer device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for timely and accurate measurement of material parameters are disclosed. A test sensor measures the temperature of a sample of material as it is heated up and/or cooled down. A reference sensor is used to obtain differential temperature measurements as the temperature of the test sample is varied. A differential temperature trace is generated and analyzed in order to determine various characteristics of the material being tested. In one embodiment, the sodium fluoride to aluminum fluoride ratio (NaF:AlF3) and alumina concentration in a Hall bath aluminum smelting operation are determined in order to efficiently control smelting of aluminum metal. In this embodiment, bath temperature and liquidus temperature may be measured and compared in order to determine the amount of superheat of the bath and to prevent the operation of smelters at higher temperatures than necessary.

Abstract: A thermocouple lance for measuring temperatures in molten metals has a protective sheath of multi-layered structure that makes it possible to improve the life expectancy of repetitive measuring services. The thermocouple lance comprises a protective sheath with one closed end and one open end wherein porous heat-resisting ceramic filler is compacted. Embedded in the filler is a pair of W—Re alloy wires dissimilar in their composition from each other. The protective sheath has the layered structure made from the cermet layers each having a molybdenum matrix and other layers of at least one selected from the class consisting of C, MgO, CaO, Al2O3 and ZrO2, both of which layers are overlapped each other in alternate layer. At least the outermost shell layer of the protective sheath is made of a cermet layer composed of any one of Mo—ZrN, Mo—ZrB2, Mo—ZrO2, Mo—ZrC and composite thereof.

Abstract: In order to present a temperature sensor which works stable also in a high temperature condition showing only a small deviation in the resistance value of thermistor, the invented temperature sensor comprises a heat resisting cap (5) made of a metal, a thermistor (1) housed inside the heat resisting cap (5) and at least more than one lead wire (4) which is electrically connected with the thermistor (1) and is pulled out of said heat resisting cap (5), said heat resisting cap (5) being formed with an alloy containing Ni--Cr as the main ingredient.

Abstract: A molten metal probe which is dipped into molten metal and thereafter pulled up therefrom and which is capable of preferably providing solidification temperature data of the molten metal and providing a solidified sample. A probe main body includes an introductory path facing a flow inlet formed at a side portion thereof, a communicating path and a sampling path branched respectively upwardly and downwardly from the introductory path, a temperature measuring chamber communicated with the communicating path extended upwardly, a sampling chamber communicated with the sampling path extended downwardly, and a temperature sensor facing the temperature measuring chamber.

Abstract: A method for measuring the melt temperature in a melt vessel, where the vessel wall, at least partially, is made of a material transparent for infrared light; said material, at the interior of the vessel, is coated with a material having a high and stable emission factor (e>0.5; de/dT<0.001); the temperature of the inside of the vessel wall is used as a measure of the melt temperature close to the wall; and said temperature at the inside of the vessel wall is measured by use of optical pyrometry applied from the outside of the melt vessel.

Abstract: This ceramic sheath type thermocouple has a long service life, an improved temperature measuring responsibility and an improved temperature measuring precision, and enables repetitive use. The ceramic sheath type thermocouple has its protective tube 1 formed of a heat resisting ceramics selected from silicon nitride, sialon and silicon carbide. In the protective tube 1 are installed a pair of W--Re wires that are connected to form a joint portion constituting a temperature measuring point 5. A filler made of Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 reaction-sintered ceramics is loaded into the front end portion of the protective tube to enclose the W--Re wires. Another filler made of SiC whisker with a heat conductivity smaller than that of the filler of the front end portion is loaded into the rear portion of the protective tube. An inert gas is sealed in the protective tube.

Abstract: A frost deposition detecting device is provided. This frost deposition detecting device comprises: a base member 1; a heat-conductive container 4 including a frosting portion provided to the base member 1; a thermally sensitive element 6' for detecting the temperature of the base member 1; a protection pipe 8 inserted into the base member 1 and disposed in the cavity formed inside the heat-conductive container; a heat insulator integrally formed with the protection pipe 8 to reduce heat conduction to the protection pipe 8; and another thermally sensitive element 6 secured in the protection pipe 8. With such frost deposition detecting device, highly accurate frost detecting performance and excellent durability in terms of water resistance and humidity resistance can be achieved.

Abstract: A high temperature long life thermocouple assembly for measuring continuous molten metal temperatures is made from thermocouple protection tube of insulating materials fabricated by rolling to form an open ended tube which resists attack of molten metals by dissolution and oxidation. The tube is plugged from one end, which is the sensing end of the thermocouple, with a plug made of a different material than the tube body and is cemented to the tube. The cement used is a special high temperature mortar which adheres to the plug and the tube. The plug is made of special graphite by infiltrating into it certain corrosion salt inhibitors. When assembled the tube encases the thermocouple protecting it from dissolution and failure upon immersion in molten metal. This device makes it feasible to monitor continuously for days the temperature of molten metals and alloys, in corrosive atmospheres at temperatures as high as 2820.degree. F.

Abstract: A temperature measuring device includes an optical fiber, a metallic protective tube covering the optical fiber, and a heat insulation coating covering the metallic protective tube such that the optical fiber is covered with the metallic protective tube and the heat insulation coating to form a double-covered optical fiber. The heat insulation coating contains carbon particles as an additive. In addition, a radiation thermometer is connected to the double-covered optical fiber, and a tip of the double-covered optical fiber forms a temperature measuring element for collecting and transmitting radiation to the radiation thermometer.

Abstract: A protective device for a support assembly for a thermocouple adapted for immersion into a molten metal bath to measure the temperature in the bath includes an elongated exterior protective tubular shield, preferably metallic. An interior spacing member is contained within or otherwise affixed to the shield. The spacing member may be in inset from the lower end of the shield to accommodate insertion of an end of a cardboard tube into the annular space between the pole and the shield. A thermocouple for measuring temperatures in a molten metal bath is affixed to the hollow cardboard tube. The shield may be provided with threaded holes, preferably also extending through the spacing member, to receive set screws so that the shield may be fixed at a desired location along the length of the pole.

Abstract: A flow rate measurement and direction system including a number of self calibrating probes each having a sensor with two thermistors for providing signals related to the flow rate; and a connector for interfacing the sensor with a monitor, the connector including a memory for storing calibration data unique to each of the thermistors. The monitor includes a microprocessor for polling the memory and for extracting the calibration data, for converting the signals provided by the thermistors into calibrated signals by applying the extracted calibration data to the signals, and a routine for determining the flow direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for and a method of measuring the temperature of molten aluminum or aluminum alloys. The apparatus comprises a temperature measuring device, usually a thermocouple, contained within a protective tubular sheath, the sheath enclosing the temperature measuring device at least to a point above the point of maximum immersion in molten aluminum during use of the apparatus. The sheath comprises at least one inner layer closed at one end, and an outer layer, the outer layer being made of steel or cast iron, and the inner layer being made of a continuous refractory material. The outer layer and the at least one inner layer are free of discontinuous (refractory) refractory materials between them. The continuous refractory material may be, for example, a carbon fiber-reinforced carbon or graphite fiber-reinforced calcium silicate refractory, and is resistant to failure in, i.e. penetration by, molten aluminum or aluminum alloy.

Abstract: A high temperature sensing probe includes an optical fiber or rod having a distal end and a proximal end. The optical fiber or rod has a coating secured to the distal end thereof, wherein the coating is capable of producing a Raman spectrum when exposed to an exciting radiation source.

Abstract: A protective device for a thermocouple for immersion into a molten metal bath to measure the temperature in the bath includes an elongated exterior protective body, which has an axis and is formed of a refractory composition. An interior reinforcing member is contained within the protective body extending along the axis. The reinforcing member may be in the form of a hollow tubular body which is filled with a refractory cement. A hollow tube is located within the body for protectively housing a thermocouple. A thermocouple for measuring temperatures in a molten metal bath is positioned in the hollow tube.

Abstract: A temperature measuring device includes an optical fiber; a metallic protective tube for covering the optical fiber to form a metal-covered optical fiber; and a radiation thermometer connected to the metal-covered optical fiber. A heat insulation coating may be added to cover the metallic protective tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a true temperature using a consumable optical fiber, wherein received light emitted from a high temperature liquid is divided into two light beams through a branching filter. A light of a first wave band from a first light beam of the two light beams is detected by a first radiation thermometer, and the light of the first wave band is converted into temperature to output a first temperature. A light of a second wave band from a second light beam of the two light beams is detected by a second radiation thermometer, and the light of the second wave band is converted into temperature to output a second temperature.

Abstract: There is provided a resin-silica sleeve or sheath for a sensor. The sheath has coating layer applied to its outer surface to improve the mechanical fracture strength and abrasion resistance of the sheath. The sheath, preferably, includes an inner layer or core and a non-reactive layer disposed about the inner layer, wherein the coating layer is disposed about the non-reactive layer.

Abstract: A thermocouple structure capable of measurement of a high temperature with a high accuracy is constituted of a protective pipe made of a heat-resistant ceramic; a pair of wires differing in kind and extending in the protective pipe from one end thereof to the other end thereof in the longitudinal direction thereof in a state of being spaced away from each other; a thin film constituting a temperature-sensing portion, made of a tungsten alloy, disposed on one end portion of said protective pipe, and connected to the wires; and a covering layer made of a heat-resistant ceramic and covering the thin film in such a way as to disallow exterior exposure of the thin film. The protective pipe is made of Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, and a filling member made of a powder mixture of Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 and TiN is filled in the protective pipe. Alternatively, a pair of printed strips differing in kind may be formed as wires in a protective pipe to provide such a thermocouple structure.

Abstract: A sensor dropper for storing, shielding and dropping sensors into a BOF vessel. The sensor dropper includes a support frame to move the stored sensors toward or away from a sensor drop path leading into said BOF vessel, a dropper assembly supported on the support frame for storing and releasing sensors into the sensor drop path to the BOF, and a shield gate to protect the sensor dropper and stored sensors from BOF fume. The dropper assembly includes a plurality of storage and release mechanisms and corresponding shear mechanisms. Each storage and release mechanism includes a threaded sensor support shaft from which a stored sensor is suspended and dropped into the sensor drop path when the threads of the sensor support shaft are rotated in an outward direction, and each shear mechanism includes a shear blade housed within a tubular cutter having outer shear blades to sever an electrical sensor cable when the inner shear blade is rotated past the outer shear blades.

Abstract: An improved thermocouple assembly suitable for measuring the temperature of molten metal, the thermocouple assembly having a sleeve comprised of a closed end suitable for immersing in the molten metal. The sleeve is fabricated from a composite material comprised of titanium alloy and having an outside surface to be exposed to the molten metal coated with a refractory resistant to attack by the molten metal; and a thermocouple located in the sleeve in heat transfer relationship therewith.

Abstract: A drop-in immersion probe for inserting into molten metal includes a generally cylindrical measurement head having an axis and a first axial end which is inwardly tapered toward the axis. The measurement head is made of a combination of materials having a combined density greater than the density of the molten metal. A sensor element extends outwardly from the first axial end of the measurement head proximate the axis and a slag cap covers the first end of the measurement head and the sensor element. A leadwire extends outwardly from the measurement head and has one end electrically connected to the sensor element. A portion of the leadwire extending outwardly from the measurement head is preferably covered by a protective sleeve of heat resistant material. In a preferred embodiment, the slag cap and the measurement head are covered with an ablative material to prevent the adherence of slag.

Abstract: An immersion probe for determining a liquidus temperature of a molten metal sample during solidification has a first refractory body with an immersion face, an interior sample chamber, and a passageway between the immersion face and an end wall of the chamber. A heat sink is positioned within the chamber adjacent the end wall and an insulating shield is positioned within the chamber adjacent the heat sink, each having an aperture corresponding to the inlet tube. The insulating shield sinks thermal energy from within the chamber at a second rate R.sub.2 slower than a first rate R.sub.1 of the interior walls of the chamber. A liquidus temperature sensor is positioned within the chamber away from the insulating shield. To determine the liquidus temperature, the probe is immersed in the molten metal, and a molten metal sample flows into the chamber through the passageway. When the flow ceases, the heat sink solidifies an adjacent portion of the molten metal and seals the sample within the chamber.