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: 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 process for oxidation retardation in nickel-base thermocouple alloy comprises the step of initial heat-treatment of thermoelement wires at high temperatures in an atmosphere of very low oxygen partial pressure. The preferred nickel-base alloy is a type K or a type N alloy. The preferred atmosphere is a gas mixture selected from the group consisting of hydrogen/water vapour, and oxygen/argon.

Abstract: A thermocouple selection switch for monitoring thermocouples positioned within tunnel furnace cars allows a plurality of thermocouples to be monitored, while, at the same time, avoiding the requirement of precisely aligning the tunnel furnace car with an external probe. The selection switch is comprised of a plurality of switch stations, each of which contain longitudinally extending contact rails which when contacted with an external probe at any point along the length of the contact rails establishes electrical contact with opposite sides or wires of thermocouple.

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: A thermocouple system for use in a high temperature reactor wherein a carbonaceous fuel is burned to produce a usable gas and a residual slag. The thermocouple is enclosed in a gas tight metal protection sheath which is inserted inside a multi-segment refractory thermowell. An annular space formed between the sheath and the thermowell is continuously purged with a minute quantity of a gas or a gaseous mixture. Gasification products from the residual slag, which are normally in a form that reacts with and destroys the thermocouple wires, are neutralized within the annular space by reaction with the purge gas mixture.

Abstract: There is provided an expendable device for use with a standard immersion sensor for a molten metal bath to simultaneously hold a standard immersion sampler in juxtaposition to the sensor when the sensor is in its protective sleeve at the end of a lance ready for immersion into the bath. This device provides another expendable heat insulating protective sleeve for accepting in its end the sampler with means being provided for maintaining a side by side relationship between the sampler sleeve and the sensor sleeve during immersion. This combination may advantageously have a vent pipe extending between the sleeves to allow air displaced from the sampler by influx of the sample to vent to a region above the molten metal bath by way of a passage in the sensor sleeve.

Abstract: Temperature sensing apparatus for use in the sidewall or bottom of a vessel for containing molten metal. A temperature sensing element is mounted within a sheath which is provided with a sacrificial coating to protect the sheath from premature oxidation such as may occur during a gas-flame pre-heat cycle. The sheath which is being protected against premature oxidation by the sacrificial coating is a composite of a closed end metal tube and a plurality of porous cermet layers of aluminum oxide-chromium oxide-molybdenum with the concentration of molybdenum decreasing in proceeding from the inner cermet layer to the outer cermet layer. The outer cermet layer of the sheath is covered by a ceramic layer of aluminum oxide. The sacrificial coating consists of a layer of zirconium oxide in combination with and covered by a layer of fibrous alumina. The sacrificial coating is typically destroyed by the end of a pre-heat cycle.

Abstract: A thermocouple assembly including a thermocouple probe having facilities mounted thereto to protect the probe, e.g. from the hostile environment of a mounting hole provided through a refractory wall of a glassmaking furnace into which the probe extends for measuring the temperature of molten glass contained by the furnace. The facilities to protect the probe include an outer sleeve disposed in surrounding relation to a selected portion of the probe to form a first annular space between the outer surface of the probe and the inner surface of the sleeve; facilities for sealing the first annular space from atmosphere outside thereof; and, facilities for continuously moving a corrosion-inhibiting gas into, through, and out of the first annular space to thereby flush any infiltrating oxygen an/or alkali-sulfate corrosives out of the first annular space.

Abstract: A thermocouple jacket monitor is disclosed. The thermocouple monitor is constructed utilizing an inner jacket and an outer jacket with a replaceable conductive metal strip sandwiched between the inner jacket and a central insulator housing the thermocouple junctions. The conductive metal strip is connected to an alarm circuit in the thermocouple head. When the outer and inner jackets are corroded away by a molten material, such as molten glass, exposing the conductive metal strip to the molten material, the alarm such as a light on the thermocouple head, or the control panel or both, is lit notifying the operator that the thermocouple is damaged and needs to be replaced. If a two-way continuity alarm circuit is utilized, a second alarm light is activated when any portion of the conductive metal strip is corroded to the extent of being separated.

Abstract: An immersion pyrometer having an outer casing comprising a mixture of graphite and a refractory metal oxide for contact with molten metal, an inner sheath enclosed by said outer casing, said inner sheath comprising a closed end metal tube wherein the closed end is in heat transfer contact with said outer casing, and a thermocouple within said inner sheath.

Abstract: A protective sheath for a temperature sensing device for use in determining the temperature of molten metals. The temperature sensing device, such as a thermocouple, is encased in a molybdenum tube which is coated with successive porous layers of molybdenum, a plurality of layers of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 --Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3 --Mo in a decreasing concentration of Mo in proceeding from the inner to the outer layers, and a layer of substantially pure Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 --Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3. The Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 --Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3 layer may be covered with an outer coating of a material, such as boron nitride, to protect the Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 --Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3 layer from attack by slag. Alternating layers of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 --Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3 and boron nitride may be applied as outermost sacrificial layers.

Abstract: A temperature sensing device suitable for repeated immersions into a molten metal bath. The invention including a protective refractory sleeve which encases a portion of a generally cylindrical cardboard support tube. Within the suppprt tube is mounted a temperature sensing unit including a body portion, which is positioned within the end of the support tube, and a thermocouple extension portion, which includes a U-shaped quartz tube and which extends through and projects away from the end of the protection sleeve. The cardboard support tube is wrapped with a reflective foil substantially over its end and its entire peripheral surface. The U-shaped quartz tube is provided with an alumina coating to prevent degradation of the quartz material during repeated immersions into the molten metal bath. The combination increasing the number of useful immersions of the sensing unit prior to failure.

Abstract: The temperature sensor has a sheath with a closed end within a structure traversed by the primary coolant of high pressurized water reactor and frustoconically tapered at this end to close fittingly engage the frustoconical tip of the sensor. The latter can be of the platinum wire type whose resistance measurement represents the temperature.

Abstract: A preformed refractory sleeve for a temperature sensing device suitable for repeated immersions into molten metal is generally cylindrical in shape. An inwardly directed shoulder is spaced from the immersion end of the sleeve against which shoulder a support tube supporting the temperature sensor may abut and seal. The bore of the sleeve includes a truncated cone-shaped recess between the shoulder and the immersion end of the sleeve through which the bight of the temperature sensor extends. The truncated cone-shaped recess is filled with refractory cement to positively secure the temperature sensor to the sleeve and insulate the temperature sensor. Longitudinal ribs may extend into the bore of the cylindrical sleeve at the end of the sleeve opposite the truncated cone-shaped bore to center the support tube and form insulating air gaps between the sleeve and support tube.

Abstract: A device for immersion in a molten metal to determine a parameter of the molten metal including a parameter determining element and a first elongate section. The first elongate section is a replaceable section including a paper tube having a refractory coating on its outer surface. This replaceable section includes a first connector at one end thereof for detachably receiving the parameter determining element and for mechanically and electrically connecting the parameter determining element thereto. The replaceable section further includes a second connector at its other end with the second connector being electrically connected to the first connector. Also provided is a second elongate section having a third connector at one end for detachably receiving the second connector and for mechanically and electrically connecting the third connector to the second connector.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a repeating use thermocouple assembly and method of making the same in which a cavity adjacent the tip of the thermocouple is filled with a thermosetting foundry sand and baked in place to provide support for the thermocouple tube without causing stresses during use which could cause breakage of the thermocouple tube.

Abstract: A protecting tube for a thermocouple is provided which comprises an outer shell made of a tubular molded body of boron nitride and an inner sheath made of a tubular molded body of ceramics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrometric rod for measuring the temperatures of molten glass.The rod according to the invention comprises a rod containing at least a thermocouple, this rod being provided with a short tip of metal or metal alloy, the tip being surmounted by a brace of refractory material.The pyrometric rod is applied to measuring temperatures of molten glass in a glass bath or in a channel.

Abstract: A repeating use thermocouple assembly includes a refractory fiber protective sleeve with a dome-shaped end wall which encapsulates the assembly. A blanket of refractory fiber is wrapped around the thermocouple element to protect the components of the assembly.

Abstract: A method for measuring the temperature of molten metal received in a vessel, which includes covering the tip portion of a probe which includes a thermocouple housed in an alumina protecting tube, from inside to outside with a ceramic fiber and a quartz glass; attaching the covered probe to the side wall of a vessel so that the tip portion of said probe projects into said vessel, at a position below the allowable lowest level of the molten metal received in said vessel; and maintaining the level of the molten metal at or above the allowable lowest level, thereby always immersing said probe into the molten metal received in said vessel.

Abstract: A disposable thermocouple body is made from a lamination of flat paper plates. Sets of paper plates are of progressively increasing width up to the middle plate which supports a U-shaped thermocouple shield. The body is adapted to be mounted in one end of a lance for immersion into a molten metal bath.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a field replaceable protective cap for a thermocouple assembly for measuring the temperature of a molten metal bath. The cap has projecting pins which pierce and frictionally engage the refractory fiber sleeve which protects the thermocouple assembly.

Abstract: A high-temperature thermocouple is made by placing a u-tube containing a bi-metal junction in a mould, positioned to locate the u projecting through the face portion of the mould, holding other non-ceramic parts of the thermocouple in the mould, and filling the mould with ceramic. The mould is elastically deformable at least where it holds the u-tube, and the ceramic extends into the u-tube ends. Also the product made by the described method.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an encapsulated probe or measuring head on sheathed thermocouples, in which thermocouple wires are imbedded in an outer metal sheath with the interposition of an insulating material, and wherein a thermal bead is produced by either an electric or autogeneous process at the sections of the thermocouple wires projecting from the metal sheath at the measuring head end of the wire.

Abstract: A lance assembly for insertion into a steelmaking vessel includes a sensor instrument supporting nozzle assembly which projects outwardly from the lance and which is cooled by water circulation. The lance has provisions for the inclusion of an inert gas which is directed into a reduced diameter cable enclosing pipe connected to the nozzle supporting the sensor instrument.

Abstract: A magazine equipped with centering and coupling elements for measuring and sampling devices for a device for handling the sampling devices by means of measuring lances in melts. The handling device arranged above the vessel adapted to receive and hold the melt is equipped with a lifting mechanism for lifting the measuring lances and is also equipped with a guiding system for guiding a measuring lance. The magazine is displaceable in the direction of its longitudinal axis and is combined with the handling device to form a movable unit with stripping and separating members.

Abstract: The invention comprises a temperature sensing device comprising a thermocouple which is protected by a woven cloth. The cloth is impervious to wetting or transmission of the molten material whose temperature is to be measured. A thermocouple further is surrounded by weights of greater density than the molten metal in order to hold the thermocouple below the surface of the molten metal.

Abstract: A pyrometric sheath in which, in order to, inter alia enhance the response time of the protected temperature sensor, a partition of relatively high thermal conductance is hermetically bonded to the surrounds of an opening in a thermally insulating body. In a preferred arrangement, a thin metal foil partition is chemically bonded to an insulating tube of a refractory oxide ceramic.

Abstract: An expendable immersion thermocouple having a cup-shaped body member for supporting the thermocouple and providing a cavity into which a refractory cement is poured to secure the thermocouple in place. The refractory cement is nonhomogeneous and has a surface region which is substantially composed of a high temperature refractory material such as alumina.

Abstract: The thermocouple protecting tube of this invention is characterized by having a heat-insulating layer in an annular space formed by and between an inner ceramic tube and an outer silica glass tube which are concentrically disposed within each other. Due to the above construction, the protecting tube can withstand the thermal shock which it receives when immersed in a molten body of high temperature and accordingly the thermocouple enclosed in the protecting tube can continuously measure the temperature of molten steel for a considerable length of time.

Abstract: An expendable immersion thermocouple having a ceramic body member and a plastic tailpiece for supporting the thermocouple and producing a cavity into which a refractory cement is poured to secure the thermocouple in place. The tailpiece is provided with axially-extending resilient arms with enlarged end portions to serve as latching devices to temporarily hold the tailpiece to the ceramic body.

Abstract: The connection involves particularly the ends of the leads of thermocouples which are run so that they may engage directly contacts on a socket at the end of a holder. One such lead ends hangs into a central bore of a contact carrier to make contact with a central socket pin. The other or others of the lead ends engage a contact, or contacts in different axial level, and hang out of the contact carrier in the appropriate positions explained in great detail.

Abstract: The thermocouple protecting tube of this invention is characterized by having a heat-insulating layer in an annular space formed by and between an inner ceramic tube and an outer silica glass tube which are concentrically disposed within each other. Due to the above construction, the protecting tube can withstand the thermal shock which it receives when immersed in a molten body of high temperature and accordingly the thermocouple enclosed in the protecting tube can continuously measure the temperature of molten steel for a considerable length of time.

Abstract: A method and system for approximately indicating the temperature of molten steel is described. A temperature sensor is immersed in the molten steel and produces an output signal which indicates the temperature sensed by the sensor. The temperature output signal is sampled and a number of sample temperature values are produced. These values are stored by the system for evaluation. A plurality of stored sample values are intercompared, and if they fall within a given range, or band, of values, the existence of a temperature dwell is indicated. The system then calculates an approximate dwell temperature using the intercompared values.An alternative disclosed system additionally includes an oxygen sensor, related components and a switching network permitting the system to successively operate to approximate oxygen and temperature levels in molten steel.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved high temperature (e.g., up to 1800.degree. C) hot junction element for a thermocouple circuit which comprises a vitreous silica tube enclosing the thermocouple wires and the hot junction thereof, and having contact elements (by which the wires are connected into the thermocouple circuit) protruding from one end of the tube. The thermocouple wires are loosely located within the tube but are separated by a barrier formed from the tube wall. Suitably the barrier is the wall of a passage extending across the bore of the tube.

Abstract: A device for continuously monitoring the internal surface temperature of a refractory lining in a metallurgical furnace. The device comprises an outer sheath, a pair of dissimilar, metallic wires within the outer sheath and a powdered oxide material closely packed within the sheath and surrounding both wires. Each wire is separately insulated by a sleeving of a refractory material having a melting point higher than the normal working temperature of the furnace at the surface of the lining. The oxide material used as a packing between the outer sheath and the wires is electrically conductive at elevated temperatures and has also a melting point higher than the temperature normally encountered at the surface of the lining.

Abstract: A device for detecting the temperature in electric arc and like heat radiation producing furnaces comprises a thermally conductive, refractory tip disposed on an annular support which is mounted in the interior of a double-walled, liquid-cooled tube disposed within the tubular casing and extending along its axis. A thermocouple with a heat sensitive element adjacent the thermally conductive, refractory tip is introduced and received in the guide tube.

Abstract: A thermocouple protecting tube substantially has a duplicate tube construction wherein the inner ceramic protecting tube which contains a thermocouple element is concentrically enclosed by an outer protecting pipe which is of high thermal shock resistance.

Abstract: A thermocouple assembly is provided wherein dissimilar metals are joined at a hot junction within a protective annular shield transparent to radiation. The hot junction is formed in situ so as to be in intimate contact with the ID of said shield. When the assembly is mounted on a phase change cup, one of the dissimilar metals is insulated from the cup.

Abstract: A thermocouple assembly having a thermocouple encased in a tube having an outer carbon permeable layer and an inner carbon reactive layer. The assembly provides extended life for thermocouples used in a carbonaceous environment such as in the carbon liner of a furnace or in carbon bodies during baking thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermocouple hot junction members which are used in immersion thermocouple assemblies employed for measuring the temperature of molten metal. At the temperatures involved, which are over 1200.degree.C and often in the region of 1800.degree.C and more, noble metals and alloys thereof have to be used to form a thermocouple conductor pair and up to now these have been united at the hot junction by a spot weld.In the hot junction of this invention the weld is replaced by a conductive refractory powder bridge so that the thermocouple conductor elements do not have to be joined. Each thermocouple conductor element is located in a leg of a quartz glass U-tube and the refractory powder bridge is located in the base of the U-tube so that opposed ends of the conductor elements are embedded in the powder which forms a thermocouple junction.

Abstract: A system for measuring the temperature of the walls of a metallurgical furnace employs a temperature measuring rod mounted for reciprocal movement in an aperture in the furnace wall from an extended position projecting into the interior of the furnace to a withdrawn position. Cyclic reciprocating movement is imparted to the rod by an actuating mechanism, mounted on the furnace wall and including a double acting fluid motor and a servomechanism. The actuating device includes an articulated mounting mechanism permitting the device to be positioned by pivotal movement about two mutually perpendicular axes whereby alignment difficulties on rebuilding the furnace wall are eliminated. Means are also provided for quickly disconnecting the servomechanism to facilitate manual positioning of the measuring rod.