Abstract: A light receiving section of an optical pyrometer enables accurate temperature measurement of molten metal with minimum cost. The light receiving section of the optical pyrometer comprises a cylindrical member 1 made of a paper sleeve 2 with a quartz cap 4 sealed to the front end of the paper sleeve 2 using refractory material 3. An open end of the quartz cap 4 is oriented outwardly with respect to the cylindrical member 1 while the closed end 41 of the quartz cap 4 provides a light transmission window for transmitting radiant rays from the molten metal 24 to the optical pyrometer 21.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring temperatures in molten metals are known with a thermocouple arranged in a closed-end ceramic tube, wherein the junction of the thermocouple is located near the closed end of the tube, and with an outer protective casing which surrounds the closed-end tube and forms an annulus between the closed-end tube and the inner surface of the protective casing, the protective casing being substantially refractory metal oxide and graphite. To create a temperature measuring apparatus in which the thermocouple is protected by simple means from chemical destruction and thereby increases the life expectancy of the thermocouple, the annulus is substantially filled with a metal oxide powder and an oxygen-reducing means, the proportion of the oxygen-reducing means being approximately 5% by volume to approximately 95% by volume.

Abstract: A casting method wherein casting cycles are continuously performed with respective molds and a common mass of molten metal accommodated in a container, such that in each casting cycle, the mold cavity is filled with the molten metal through a pouring tube connected at one end to a sprue hole of the mold and immersed at the other end in the molten metal mass, due to a difference between pressures to which the mold and the container are exposed, and wherein the molten metal temperature is estimated from the detected amount of consumption of the immersed tube, and the actual molten metal temperature is regulated, on the basis of a difference between a predetermined desired temperature of the molten metal, and the estimated temperature which changes with the actual temperature.

Abstract: An immersion-type temperature measuring apparatus using a thermocouple for measuring temperature of a melt, which comprises: a replaceable cartridge-type temperature sensor (11) for detecting a thermoelectromotive force corresponding to a temperature of a melt, the temperature sensor (11) comprising a thermocouple (13), a protecting tube (12) for protecting the thermocouple (13) from the melt, and a connector (16); a holder for releasably supporting the temperature sensor (11); a measuring instrument (28) for processing the thermoelectromotive force to determine the temperature of the melt; and an extension lead wire (25) for connecting the temperature sensor (11) with the measuring instrument (28). At least part of the above-mentioned protecting tube (12) is formed of a molybdenum-zirconia refractory consisting essentially of from 20 to 95 wt. % molybdenum and from 5 to 80 wt. % zirconia.

Abstract: A BOF drop-in sensor assembly includes a handle, a weight, a sensor, and a cage to protect the sensor. The weight includes a high density material having a density of at least 1.2 times the density of steel. The cage comprises crossed rods which are easily melted and which allow molten steel to quickly envelop the sensor providing a highly reliable and accurate reading.

Abstract: A protective tube is provided for a temperature sensor. The protective tube includes an inner metal tube including a chamber for containing a temperature sensor, an intermediate refractory sleeve surrounding and abutting at least a portion of the inner metal tube, and an outer refractory sleeve cast onto the intermediate refractory sleeve. The outer refractory sleeve covers the intermediate refractory sleeve and the inner metal tube inside the intermediate refractory sleeve. The intermediate refractory sleeve is made of an elastic material such as a ceramic refractory paper or coating or a fiberglass material that deforms during expansion and contraction of the inner metal tube and the outer refractory sleeve with changing temperature. The intermediate refractory sleeve provides a buffer between the inner metal tube and the outer refractory sleeve to minimize rupture of the outer refractory sleeve which might otherwise occur during expansion and contraction of the tube and sleeve with changing temperature.

Abstract: A lance thermocouple of the type used for immersion in molten metal baths is provided with means for cooling by passage of low pressure air through the interior of the thermocouple connector. Radial passageways intersecting with a central bore are provided. Optionally the air or other cooling gas is cooled further by flow through a conduit wrapped with a cooling coil containing cooling water. In accordance with the invention a supply of cooling gas at a pressure less than about 10 PSI is provided to the interior of the lance pole. The hot junction end of the thermocouple is immersed in molten metal while a stream of the cooling gas is caused to flow through the interior of the thermocouple connector, radially outward from the passages and subsequently vented to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A radiation thermometer for measurement of the temperature of molten iron includes a probe tube with a sealed bottom in the form of a spheroidal shape and is made of zirconium boride ceramics. The probe tube is immersed in molten iron and radiation emitted from the spheroidal closed end of the probe tube is received by a sensor at the far end of the tube which is above the level of the molten iron. The spheroidal end of the probe tube is below the surface of molten iron by more than 10 times the inner radius of the probe tube.

Abstract: A lance thermocouple of the type used for immersion in molten metal baths is provided with means for cooling by passage of low pressure air through the interior of the thermocouple connector. Radial passageways intersecting with a central bore are provided. Optionally the air or other cooling gas is cooled further by flow through a conduit wrapped with a cooling coil containing cooling water.

Abstract: A thermocouple assembly for sensing temperatures of molten metals in a metallurgical vessel, such as a tundish used in continuous steel casting, includes a double bore insulator containing the two noble metal alloy lead wires of the thermocouple. Platinum-rhodium alloys are preferred. The weld bead joining the ends of the leads or hot junction of the thermocouple is positioned within one of the bores of the insulator such that a lower purity alloy lead is exposed in the loop. The loop resides in a blind bore formed in the end of the double bore insulator and is enclosed in a containmemt zone by a refractory plug or foil disc closing off the end of the blind bore. The double bore insulator is received in an axial bore of a refractory sheath having a closed end adjacent the loop area of the thermocouple.

Abstract: Disclosed is a protective thermocouple sheath of a magnesia graphite refractory material for use in continuous temperature measurements of molten metal in a metallurgical ladle and having a basic slag layer thereon. The sheath includes an elongated torpedo-shaped sheath body formed of a refractory composition and having an interior borehole extending axially therethrough and adapted to receive a thermocouple. The sheath body includes a lower end which is closed about the borehole and forms a narrow, tapered tip. The sheath body also includes a first body portion integral with the tapered tip and having a relatively constant cross section and providing a thin wall around the borehole. The sheath body also includes a second body portion having a relatively constant cross section larger than the cross section of the first body portion and providing a thicker wall around the borehole. The borehole terminates in an open end at the second body portion.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the temperature of a molten metal is disclosed. The device includes a probe for contacting the molten metal, a refractory support for mounting the probe within an aperture defined through a wall of a metallurgical vessel and a sensor for sensing the temperature of the probe means.

Abstract: The level of the surface of a bath of molten metal beneath a fluid layer of slag in a metallurgical vessel is measured by a detector which is moved through the slag layer into the metal bath and then withdrawn. To improve accuracy and to avoid the need for a separate measurement the detector used comprises an oxygen concentration sensor which emits signals indicating the boundary between the molten metal and the slag, whereby the height of said boundary is determined.

Abstract: The invention concerns a measurement sensor for the detection of temperatures in metal or alloy melts. This measurement sensor consists of a thermocouple (41) surrounded by a ceramic capillary (24) which is closed at its end by means of an adhesive (45) or the like. This measurement sensor is directly, i.e. without further sheathing, introduced into the melt (FIG. 3a).

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously measuring temperatures of molten metal including a thermocouple unit (A) and an immersion protection tube unit (B), wherein the thermocouple unit (A) comprises a thermocouple (1) having an end equipped with a temperature sensing element (8) and an opposite end connected to terminals (2), an insulator (9) of substantially one piece containing the thermocouple (1), a porcelain protection tube (6) of high airtightness containing the insulator (9), and a terminal box (3) having an extension sleeve (5) with which the upper part of the porcelain protection tube (6) is held and having a housing (20) which contains the terminals (2). The immersion protection tube unit (B) comprises an alumina-graphite protection tube (21), a holding sleeve (22) with a flange which is connected to the upper part of the alumina-graphite protection tube (21), and a connecting sleeve (26) connected with the holding sleeve (22).

Abstract: An immersion probe as a preassembled unit includes a measuring head having a measuring element protected for minimizing trapping of gases by a sheath. The sheath is tapered toward a free end. The probe is adapted to be immersed in molten metal for measuring temperature and/or oxygen content.

Abstract: A probe for measuring the temperatures within a molten metal pool at various vertical levels within the pool is disclosed. The probe includes a plurality of vertically spaced thermocouples protruding from the surface of a refractory block. Also disclosed is a support mechanism for positioning and maintaining the temperature probe within the molten metal pool.

Abstract: A shock absorbing immersion probe comprises a probe body having a first end portion for immersion into a molten metal bath, a second end portion coupleable to support means and means for detecting characteristics of a molten metal, where shock absorbing means are positioned proximate the first end of the probe body for absorbing impact loads imposed upon the first end portion of the probe. A polymer foam shock absorber for immersion probes is also disclosed, as well as methods for making the same.

Abstract: A molten metal sampler includes an insulative pod which is joined to a paperboard sleeve which is connected to the metal handle. The pod is molded from a refractory composition and surrounds the tube and has an integral pocket to support any of a wide variety of sample molds or form a sample or mold a sample within itself adjacent to the tube. The cardboard tube can carry a heat sensor or oxygen sensor. The pod can contain a separate measuring device which can measure the cooling curve of the sample in the pod.

Abstract: An immersion sampler probe for the analysis of a molten metal bath in a BOF vessel. The probe is weighted to penetrate the slag and position a temperature sensor or oxygen sensor at an appropriate depth. A counterweight with a float ensures proper immersion depth. The float keeps the lead wires from contacting the molten metal.

Abstract: A protective tube for a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple assembly, comprises an inner metal tube which is open on either end, a thermally conductive plug for attaching to and closing one end of the tube, and a surrounding layer of refractory ceramic fiber material. The refractory ceramic fiber material is bonded to a portion of the outer surface of the metal tube and to a portion of an outer surface of the thermally conductive plug. In especially preferred embodiments, the refractory ceramic fiber material is preformed in individual tube sections which are conveniently slid over the outside diameter of the inner metal tube and, in some cases, a portion of the thermally conductive plug. Bonding is preferably achieved by a layer of refractory cement disposed between at least portions of the outer surfaces of the inner tube and thermally conductive plug and the inner surfaces of the tube sections. The thermally conductive plug is provided with an inner bore for receiving the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A molten metal sampler includes a bath temperature thermocouple and cooling curve thermocouple in the sample cavity. The thermocouple tubes are mounted in a common connector and are in intersecting planes to provide a compact arrangement. The legs of the longer tube are bowed outwardly adjacent the tip of the cooling curve tube to minimize cooling effect on the tip during the cooling curve measurement. In all embodiments, a thermocouple support tube extends through the sample cavity for exposure to the molten metal to measure bath temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a molten metal sampler made from cast mold halves which are preassembled in a paperboard sleeve which is filled with sand-resin mix, which is then baked. The sampler is provided with windows on one sample cavity which are provided with metal plates which form the sides for sample mold and provide smooth sides for the sample. Various thickness plates can be employed to fit within the windows. The sampler is also provided with a bath thermocouple and a liquidus arrest thermocouple. The sample formed has a thick disc portion suitable for spectrographic analysis and a wafer portion suitable for punching for gas analysis.

Abstract: There is disclosed an arrangement for exchanging measuring and/or sampling probes capable of being slipped on to a holding means arranged on the lower end of a vertically movable lance with friction-tight contact. It includes a grab clamping the probe and movable from an operation position below the lance into a position laterally therebeside. In order to be able to slip on a probe to a holding means assuming a position that deviates from the ideal position, without damage to the holding means and the probes, the grab is mounted on the arrangement by universal joint means.

Abstract: A manipulator for expendable immersion devices is provided with a spring loaded distal end to absorb mechanical shock when the immersion device is mounted on the manipulator and the manipulator is provided with a mechanical stop to eliminate the possibility of mechanical damage to the immersion device.

Abstract: Equipment for testing or test sampling liquid metal by introducing a protection sleeve (3; 3'; 3") together with a testing or sampling means (2; 11) provided inside the protection sleeve. The protection sleeve comprises a thermoinsulating tube (3; 3'; 3") made of synthetic amorphous mineral fibers, preferably fibres of diabase type and having a sagging point of 1,000.degree.-1,200.degree. C. according to the standards of the Swedish Institute for Materials Testing, and bound with an evenly distributed binder comprising or including among other things a binder component of organic type, for instance a thermosetting resin like phenol resin, carbamide resin or melamine resin and/or substances incorporated in the fiber material, for instance crystal water containing salts or carbonates which at the temperature of the liquid metal spontaneously and successively emit gases.

Abstract: A refractory protection tube for immersion molten metal parameter determining devices having a thin perforated metal tube with a coating of refractory fibers and a binder to provide thermal insulation, freedom from out-gassing and mechanical strength.

Abstract: A sublance for use in performing measurements and/or taking samples in a metallurgical furnace, which has an elongate outer body (3), (11) having at its upper end a suspension structure (4), and at its lower end (12) a probe (10). Near the upper end, the body is divided by a rotational coupling (8), (9) into two parts, the lower part 11 being relatively rotatable about the longitudinal axis, so that bending distortion of the lance in use can be reversed by turning the lance through 180.degree.. To achieve a simple construction, the inner and intermediate tubes (15), (14) within the lance are not rotationally divided but extend within the rotatable outer part (11) to the lower end (12) where the inner tube (15) is rotationally coupled to the probe.

Abstract: The body of a probe adapted to be immersed in molten metal has a sensor for measuring temperature and a container for taking a sample of the molten metal.