Abstract: A drop-in probe for determining phase changes by thermal analysis of a sample of a molten metal includes a measurement head having a first end which is an immersion end and an opposing second end having an end face. A sample chamber is arranged within the measurement head. An opening, which is free of any restrictions and which is in communication with the sample chamber, is formed in the end face of the second end of the measurement head. The sample chamber includes a first thermocouple having a first thermocouple junction enclosed within a wall which has a uniform internal geometry. A ratio D/H of an internal diameter D of the sample chamber to a length H extending between the opening and the first thermocouple junction is between 0.1 and 1.2.

Abstract: A drop-in probe for determining phase changes by thermal analysis of a sample of a molten metal includes a measurement head having a first end which is an immersion end and an opposing second end having an end face. A sample chamber is arranged within the measurement head. An opening, which is free of any restrictions and which is in communication with the sample chamber, is formed in the end face of the second end of the measurement head. The sample chamber includes a first thermocouple having a first thermocouple junction enclosed within a wall which has a uniform internal geometry. A ratio D/H of an internal diameter D of the sample chamber to a length H extending between the opening and the first thermocouple junction is between 0.1 and 1.2.

Abstract: A universal connector apparatus for probes used for measuring one or more parameters of molten material which identifies a probe type is provided. The probes each include a probe connector having a plurality of contacts arranged in a contact configuration. The universal connector is adapted to be connected to a drop mechanism, and includes a receptacle which is complementary to and adapted to receive a probe connector. A plurality of contacts are located in the receptacle and are positioned to provide electrical connections with the probe connector contacts. An identifying device is electrically connected to the contacts in the receptacle to detect short circuits between the contacts.

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 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 improved expendable oxygen sensor particularly useful for measuring the dissolved oxygen content of an aluminum killed, high silicon steel bath is disclosed. The device has the typical closed end tube of solid electrolyte containing oxygen reference material, but differs from previous sensors in that a shield is provided which protects the solid electrolyte from being in contact with the bath until the solid electrolyte has had a chance to heat up more closely to the temperature of the steel. This shield, in one form, consists of a closed end tube positioned to surround the solid electrolyte and spaced from the solid electrolyte in order to prevent erroneous outputs from the sensor due to oxidation of the shield material.