Abstract: A fluid measurement system includes a signal processor and a processing system. The signal processor is configured and adapted to produce a serial word that is indicative of a fluid characteristic that is configured to be communicated externally of the signal processor. The processing system is operatively connected to the signal processor to read the serial word and decode the serial word. A method for transmitting a fluid characteristic between a sensor system and a processing system includes producing a serial word that is indicative of a fluid characteristic value with a signal processor. The method includes transmitting the serial word externally of the signal processor. The method includes reading and decoding the serial word with a processing system to determine the fluid characteristic value.

Abstract: The present invention provides an eddy current sensor, comprising: a housing; a plurality of probes which are all disposed inside the housing, probing ends of the probes being all disposed at inner side of an exterior surface of the housing to avoid the probing ends of the probes from protruding out of the exterior surface of the housing. Because the probing ends of the plurality of probes are all located at the inner side of the exterior surface of the housing, the housing will protect the probes when the eddy current sensor is hit by an external force, thereby avoiding damage of the probes due to the impact, which reduces fault rate of the probes, enhances use reliability of the eddy current sensor, and prolongs service life of the eddy current sensor.

Abstract: A method for continuously casting a billet with a small cross section in which a curved type or vertical type continuous casting machine is used while oscillating the mold upward and downward is characterized in that the casting machine is provided with a mechanism for withdrawing speed oscillation. The mechanism has structural play in the directions of driving and reverse driving in such a manner that the amount of a play-incurred displacement from the neutral position of the structural play in the direction of billet driving or reverse driving is ±2 to ±30 mm in the direction of driving on the pinch roll circumferential length equivalent basis. The mechanism produces a returning force toward the neutral position and operational parameters such as the billet length, the specific amount of secondary cooling water, the casting speed as well as the oscillation amplitude and frequency are optimized.

Abstract: Continuously casting a billet with a small cross section by pouring molten steel into a mold using a cylindrical immersion nozzle is characterized by measuring the molten steel level in the mold using an eddy current sensor. The level is controlled based on the thus-measured value, motion of steel in the mold is adjusted by electromagnetic stirring, a cooling zone during the final period of solidification is disposed within a certain region ranging from the meniscus to the specific site, and casting speed is adjusted so that the region in which the solid phase ratio at the billet center is 0.3-0.99 may be included in the cooling zone during the final period of solidification. The secondary cooling water amount and the billet surface temperature at the entrance to the cooling zone the density of cooling water in the cooling zone during the final period of solidification are optimized.

Abstract: A method and a belt casting device for producing thin billets, in particular composed of steel, has an endless belt to which liquid metal is supplied via a feed device which has a casting channel and is connected to a metallurgical vessel. In this case, the feed device is in the form of a casting channel which has a first casting channel part in the form of a restriction channel part, and which has a second casting channel part whose opening faces the endless belt and whose size corresponds to the cross-sectional area of the finished product. The feed device is connected to a container to which liquid melt can be fed from a metallurgical vessel. Measurement elements are provided, which can be used to detect the level of the liquid melt in the container and/or the thickness of the billet located on the endless belt. Furthermore, the measured values are connected via a measurement and control element to an actuator which is connected to an element for adjusting the outlet rate from the metallurgical vessel.