Abstract: An improved immersible oxygen probe for molten metals has a gas permeable body including an immersion end and a support end adapted for being supported by a lance. An oxygen cell and a thermocouple are supported in the immersion end of the body. An unobstructed gas flow passageway is provided through the gas permeable bodies and through the probe body from the immersion end to the support/connector end whereby gases released from the molten metal and sensor body during immersion readily pass through the probe and can escape from within the probe. Thus rapid analysis of the molten metal with improved accuracy within a few seconds after immersion is achieved. The probe contains a sample mold at least partially positioned in an unconfined portion of the permeable body.

Abstract: An expendable immersion device for sensing characteristics of molten metal has a contact block and a receptacle tube. The contact block is slidingly disposed at least partially within a distal end of the receptacle tube. The expendable immersion devices includes a sensing element and a heat resistant tube. A distal end of the heat resistant tube is mounted to the sensing element. The sensing element extends partially into the interior of the heat resistant tube. A proximal end of the heat resistant tube is mounted over a distal end of the receptacle tube. A spring element is positioned over a proximal end of the contact block and abuts against the receptacle tube such that a force between the contact block and the sensing element is reduced when the heat resistant tube and sensing element are connected to the distal end of the contact block during assembly.

Abstract: A probe for measuring particulates in molten metal includes an inner metal receiving chamber, with an orifice to permit metal to flow into the chamber. A first electrode extends into the chamber and a second electrode surrounds at least a portion of the chamber. The electrodes are connected to a measurement device for measuring changes in the electrical potential produced by the passage of particulates entrained in the molten metal passing through the orifice. An outer sheath of heat resistant material surrounds the second electrode and a gas passageway extends out of the inner tube for creating a pressure differential within the chamber for facilitating the flow of molten metal through the orifice. A liquidus depressing material is in the chamber to lower the liquidus temperature of the molten metal and permit a longer time period for detecting and measuring particulates in the molten metal.