Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring the product temperature in an open ended furnace of the secondary emission type, the furnace having a plurality of serially arranged heating zones therein and including a conveyor which passes through the muffle of the furnace for carrying product thereon through the furnace. The furnace includes apparatus for adjusting the temperature in each of the zones. At least one cable passes through the furnace superimposed of the conveyor and carries thereon a plurality of temperature sensors which are serially arranged along the cable. The sensors are connected externally of the furnace to provide external monitoring of the temperatures in at least preselected zones (critical zones) of the furnace while the cable is provided with sag inhibiting apparatus to keep tension on the cable when the furnace is in operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring product temperature in a furnace, the furnace being of the open ended and secondary emission type, and having a plurality of serially arranged heating zones therein, each of the zones being adjustably heated. The furnace includes a conveyor which passes therethrough for carrying product thereon through the furnace. As is conventional, the furnace includes an outer casing or wall and an inner muffle with a cavity therebetween. Heaters are provided for applying heat to the cavity to heat the wall of the muffle. Tubes are provided for passing through the casing and into the muffle so that temperature sensing means may pass through the tubes into the muffle superimposed of the conveyor. The temperature sensors are connected to a monitoring system for amplification and for monitoring the temperatures directly of at least the critical zones of the furnace so that adjustment of the temperature may be made within preselected zones without causing loss of product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wet processing station in which control of the PH of the processor liquid is mandatory within predetermined limits, the processor including a tank having means to subject product to a bath of processing liquid. A PH monitoring probe is positioned in the tank with a pump in the tank for mixing processing liquid therein. The pump has a liquid intake and a discharge, the intake being positioned closely adjacent to the probe so that liquid being mixed in the tank will flow across the probe into the intake of the pump. A processing liquid concentrate holder is coupled to liquid concentrate carrying means which connect the holder to the probe, the liquid carrying means having an outlet which is positioned to discharge concentrated processing liquid directly onto the probe. Probe monitoring means which is responsive to the output of the PH monitoring probe provides a signal output when the PH of the processing liquid reaches at least a predetermined lower limit.