Abstract: The invention is a system for the in-situ monitoring of additive manufacturing. The system, without pre-calibration of a test sample, utilizes ultrasonic waves to conduct a layer-by-layer analysis of a three-dimensional component as it is being developed on a build plate. Resonant frequencies for each layer is measured and the difference between the resonant frequencies of consecutive layers are calculated to define a baseline frequency. Similarities or differences in baseline frequencies are used to validate the integrity of the layers of the component, and also to determine if structural inconsistencies exists. Based on these determinations, the system decides whether to continue printing or to halt printing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flow-controllable tundish structure capable of filtering inclusions in molten steel. The tundish structure comprises a tundish (1), the tundish being divided into three separated cavities which comprise an impact zone cavity (1a) in the middle and pouring zone cavities (1b) at two sides thereof. A long nozzle (2) for pouring is vertically arranged in the center of the impact zone cavity, and molten steel flows down out of the long nozzle for pouring and is injected into the impact zone cavity; and a turbulence suppressor (3) directly facing the long nozzle for pouring is arranged on the cavity bottom under the long nozzle for pouring, and the molten steel flowing down out of the long nozzle for pouring impacts on the turbulence suppressor and is then buffered and mixed.

Abstract: A temperature control apparatus for controlling the temperature, in particular for the drying, of objects, in particular vehicle bodies, having a housing, in which a cooling zone having a cooling chamber that defines a longitudinal direction is accommodated. The cooling chamber is assigned at least one cooling-air temperature control device, by means of which temperature-controlled cooling air can be produced, which can be fed to the cooling chamber. In the longitudinal direction, the cooling zone comprises a supply chamber on one longitudinal side of the cooling chamber, in which supply chamber the cooling-air temperature control device is arranged.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flow-controllable tundish structure capable of filtering inclusions in molten steel. The tundish structure comprises a tundish (1), the tundish being divided into three separated cavities which comprise an impact zone cavity (1a) in the middle and pouring zone cavities (1b) at two sides thereof. A long nozzle (2) for pouring is vertically arranged in the center of the impact zone cavity, and molten steel flows down out of the long nozzle for pouring and is injected into the impact zone cavity; and a turbulence suppressor (3) directly facing the long nozzle for pouring is arranged on the cavity bottom under the long nozzle for pouring, and the molten steel flowing down out of the long nozzle for pouring impacts on the turbulence suppressor and is then buffered and mixed.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is an algorithmic method for testing performance characteristics of humidity and temperature probes, i.e., accuracy, stability, and repeatability of humidity and temperature sensor probes over a user selected dynamic range, which is programmable by an end user. Further, the testing is accomplished and completed by using a specially designed humidity and temperature test chamber that is traceable to NIST (National Institute of Science and Technology). Ongoing, and final, testing results are made visible for study by the end user via a computer display, and there is printout availability. Further, testing in the chamber utilizes a method for probe attachment to the chamber and control thereof.

Abstract: The vertical filling level of electrically conductive material in a cavity of a metallurgical vessel is measured by a system including a transmitting conductor for generating an electromagnetic field when connected to an alternating power source, and a receiving conductor which senses the electromagnetic field for generation of an output signal. The conductors are arranged inside a metal casing of the vessel to co-extend with a mutual spacing defining a spacing area that faces the cavity and extends along the periphery in an essentially closed loop. The mutual spacing is selected such that changes in the output signal is dominated by changes to the electromagnetic field caused by local changes in the amount of the conductive material adjacent the spacing. Part of the spacing area defines a vertical measurement region slanted along the periphery so as to diverge from the horizontal and vertical directions of the vessel.

Abstract: This reduction processing apparatus for a steel-making slag that continuously performs reduction processing to a hot steel-making slag by using an electric furnace includes: a slag-supplying container that charges the hot steel-making slag into the electric furnace; an electrode that is provided at the electric furnace and heats a molten slag layer on a molten iron produced by reducing the hot steel-making slag; an auxiliary-raw-material supplying unit that supplies an auxiliary-raw-material including a reducing agent to the molten slag layer; and a tilting unit that tilts the slag-supplying container and adjusts a charging amount of the hot steel-making slag to the electric furnace.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a furnace having a furnace chamber (14), a port (16) in fluid communication with the furnace chamber having an inclined lower wall (18), and a bi-directional induction unit (24) mounted to the inclined lower wall for inducing flow in molten material in the port. A retractable channel plate assembly (26) is selectively positionable in the port to define an extraction flow channel (28) for the molten material between the channel plate assembly and the inclined lower wall. A drive arrangement (64) moves the channel plate assembly into and out of the port and the control of a control system (74) which includes a sensor system (78) for measuring the level of the molten material in the port and a feedback system for providing information regarding the position of the channel plate assembly. A method of operating the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments provide systems, methods, apparatuses, and applications related to annealing nuclear fission reactor materials.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for detecting the wear of a cutting nozzle on a cutting torch for cutting steel workpieces, in particular slabs, blooms and slugs. A branch line exits to the cutting torch in the feed line of the heating gas connection, into which branch line a neutral medium with a set pressure is blown through the cutting nozzle after closing the medium valves for heating gas, cutting oxygen and heating oxygen. To do so, said process is carried out once when installing a new cutting nozzle for the calibration thereof. Said process is performed again at set intervals, depending on the usage of the cutting nozzle, in order to determine and to store in memory the wear condition of the cutting nozzle and to generate an optical and/or acoustic signal in case a predetermined maximum admissible deviation amount of the medium blown in has been exceeded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to increase the cooling rate of gas used in a batch annealing furnace of cold rolling mills under bypass cooling. The invention makes use of the higher heat transfer capacities of nanocoolants developed by a high-shear mixing of nanoparticles and stabilizers in a basic aqueous medium for cooling heated hydrogen flowing through a heat exchanger during bypass cooling of the batch annealing furnace. The nanofluid is prepared in a nanofluid preparation unit.

Abstract: A method of controlling a melting process in an electric arc furnace for melting a metallic material. By means of the present disclosure it is possible to minimize desired process properties such as the melting time or the total power consumption of the melting process. The method includes the steps of receiving or collecting measured data of at least one process variable, determining the current state of the process, performing an optimization of the melting process, determining a process input based on the result of the optimization, and controlling the melting process by means of the process input. A control system is also presented herein.

Abstract: Diagnostic methods and systems are used to determine operating condition and performance of a cooling element in a metallurgical reactor during operation of the reactor. The system can include sensing means, processing means and display means. The sensing means is located in or approximate the cooling element for sensing operating conditions of the cooling element. The processing means is in communication with the sensing means for receiving data corresponding to the sensed operating conditions and for processing the data to determine a relative condition indicator of the cooling element. The display means is in communication with the processing means and displays the relative condition indicator to a user of the diagnostic system. The display means can display a first, second or third state representative of the relative health indicator.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the heating of a metal strip, and relates to equipment for heating a metal strip that comprises a pre-heating housing provided with a device for projecting hot gases towards the strip, a heating housing with regenerative burners, a duct for discharging the gases from the heating housing, a three-way adjustable valve and an adjustment device including a sensor for detecting the setpoint temperature of the metal strip and a member for adjusting the three-way valve so that it can adjust the amount of hot gases fed to the projection device. The invention can be used in equipment for heating narrow strips before annealing the same.

Abstract: A metal reclaiming system and method for reclaiming metal from scrap material is provided. The system has a furnace (12) and a controller (106) for controlling operation of the system. The controller (106) operates the metal reclaiming system in a first operating mode in which the furnace (12) is operated at a first temperature in the range of 350° C. to 550° C. to incinerate pollutants and drive off volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the scrap material without melting the metal. The controller (106) is operates the metal reclaiming system in a subsequent operating mode in which the furnace (12) is operated at a further, higher temperature to melt metal in the said scrap for reclaiming.

Abstract: A welding or cutting device for welding or cutting electrically conductive work pieces has a pipe that accommodates feed lines, a nozzle for exit of a welding or cutting jet, such as a flame, for example, disposed at an end of the pipe, forming a device tip with its free end, and an inductive sensor device for measuring the distance between the device tip and the work piece. The sensor device has at least one magnetic coil, the windings of which run about a longitudinal device axis. The sensor device is a separate module, which is pushed onto the pipe and/or the nozzle, and releasably connected with the pipe and/or the nozzle.

Abstract: A crust breaking device for metal melts includes a pneumatic cylinder having a cylinder housing, a piston, which is axially displaceable within the cylinder housing, and a piston rod, which is fastened to the piston. The piston rod is guided by the cylinder housing and movable between a retracted final position and an extended final position. The device includes an electronic control unit and a valve arrangement, which can be actuated via the electronic control unit and is connected via control lines to front and rear pressure chambers inside the cylinder housing. The device further includes at least one metal plate that is fixedly arranged within the cylinder housing in order to define a final position of the piston or the piston rod. The metal plate and the piston are electrically connected to the control unit such that a contact of the piston with the metal plate closes a circuit.

Abstract: Device for heating metal material includes an elongated DFI burner arranged to be driven with gaseous oxidant and gaseous fuel and to be displaceable and longitudinally arranged with respect to the metal material. The burner includes longitudinal tubular vessels for fuel and for oxidant, arranged in parallel to one another and relative to the surface of the metal material. Each of these vessels has an opening through which the fuel and oxidant flow out and then converge in an ignition zone outside the respective vessels, where a flame is generated. Supply devices are arranged via a regulator to keep the pressure constant throughout the respective vessel during operation. Each of the vessels has a longitudinally displaceable piston for controlling the longitudinal extension of the flame in the longitudinal direction of the vessels.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and apparatus for extracting molten liquid from an electrolysis cell. In one embodiment, a system includes a container and an electrical characteristic detector. The container comprises a body adapted to contain molten liquid and a spout. The spout includes a base portion, a tip portion and a passageway connecting the base portion to the tip portion. The electrical characteristic detector is coupled to the container and is configured to determine an electrical characteristic associated with the molten liquid as the molten liquid passes into the body of the container via the passageway. A process parameter associated with the removal of the molten liquid from the container may be changed when it is determined that an electrical characteristic associated with the molten liquid has achieved a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A molten metal flow controller (10) for a metal melt furnace having a tap hole (T) to release the molten metal from the furnace, where the controller (10) is configured to controllably release the flow of molten metal through the tap hole (T) using an actuator (14) that controllably moves a plunger (110) into and out of the tap hole (T) in response the increase or decrease in the molten metal flow rate through the tap hole (t) as measured by a sensor (130).

Abstract: A heating furnace according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a furnace body that has an inlet at the upper portion through which a steel sheet blank is inserted from a wound coil and an outlet at the lower portion through which the steel sheet blank is discharged, and has a cylindrical structure having a space for conveying the steel sheet blank; a conveyer that is spirally disposed on the inner circumference of the furnace body and sequentially conveys the steel sheet blank from the inlet at the upper portion and the outlet at the lower portion; and a clamping means that is disposed at one side of the conveyer and selectively clamps the steel sheet blank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for remote control, monitoring and/or servicing of heat-treatment equipment via wireless communications networks. Specifically, the method and apparatus can be used in pre and post-weld heat-treatment applications for steel pipes in a variety of industries, including, but not limited to, power plants, chemical and petrochemical plants and refineries. Importantly, the embodiment generates and manages all the documentation necessary to input and verify the specified heat-treatment process. It will produce and deliver to the customer the reports and certificates required by the applicable quality control standards, requirements and regulatory authorities.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for remote control, monitoring and/or servicing of heat-treatment equipment via wireless communications networks. Specifically, the method and apparatus can be used in pre and post-weld heat-treatment applications for steel pipes in a variety of industries, including, but not limited to, power plants, chemical and petrochemical plants and refineries. Importantly, the embodiment generates and manages all the documentation necessary to input and verify the specified heat-treatment process. It will produce and deliver to the customer the reports and certificates required by the applicable quality control standards, requirements and regulatory authorities.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for monitoring the level of a feed material layer in a metallurgical furnace are described. At least one non-contact sensor is used to sense a distance between the feed layer and a reference position. A process controller linked to the sensor provides a control signal based upon the sensed distance. The control signal may be used to control various factors in the operation of the metallurgical furnace.

Abstract: An apparatus for observing the interior of a blast furnace system includes a visible light guiding unit which defines a light path along a viewing axis that is radial to an upright axis of a furnace wall body of a blast furnace and which is adapted to be secured to a furnace blowpipe to permit the light path to be in visual communication with a tuyere, a beam splitter which is disposed in an accommodation space in the tubular mount to split a beam of light propagating along the light path into a horizontal component so that the operator can observe furnace condition through a peeping hole, and a vertical component, and a video camera system which includes an elongate casing connected to the tubular mount, and a video camera disposed in a cooling chamber of the casing to capture a light image from the vertical component of the light beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling a continuous metal removal in conjunction with a zinc preparation process, in which the metal removal is performed in one or more reactors (11a-c), in conjunction with the reactor, the redox potential (16a-c) and the acidity and/or basicity are measured, and based on the measurement results, the process variables (17a-c) of the metal removal are adjusted towards the desired direction. According to the invention, the redox potential measurements (16a-c) are performed from the sludge produced in the reactor in conjunction with the outlet pipe of the reactor outside the reactor, and the measuring instrument (16a-c) is purified at predetermined intervals.

Abstract: A method for regulating metal melt throughflow through a melt throughflow aperture in a bottom nozzle of a metallurgical vessel is provided. The bottom nozzle has an upper nozzle arranged in a floor of the metallurgical vessel and a lower nozzle arranged below the upper nozzle. The method includes introducing inert gas through at least one inert gas inlet aperture into the melt throughflow aperture in the bottom nozzle, arranging a temperature sensor on or in the lower nozzle for determining a temperature in a wall of the bottom nozzle, and regulating an inert gas supply into the bottom nozzle using measurement signals from the sensor. A decrease in the temperature signals an increase of metal clogging and an increase in the temperature signals a decrease of metal clogging.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the determination of at least one parameter of a molten metal or a slag layer lying on top of the molten metal. The apparatus has a carrier tube, a measuring head arranged on one end of the carrier tube with a body fixed in the carrier tube. An A/D converter is arranged within the measuring head or the carrier tube, and the A/D converter is connected to at least one sensor arranged in or on the measuring head. The measuring head has a contact piece, which is electrically connected via its contact terminals to the signal output of the A/D converter, and the contact piece is connected to a lance inserted into the carrier tube. No more than two signal lines are arranged within the lance, the signal lines each being connected at one end via a contact terminal of the contact piece to the A/D converter and at an opposite end to a computer or an analysis device.

Abstract: A screw conveyor for conveying an object to be conveyed, supported by a casing 1 by rotation of a screw 2, in which wear of a screw blade and decrease in conveyance efficiency are prevented without the need for extra power. Load on an electric motor 3 or the like for rotating the screw 2 or a value corresponding to the load is measured, and if the value is equal to or larger than a preset upper limit value, a screw shaft 2a is lifted up to increase a gap between an edge of the screw blade 2b and a bottom portion of the casing 1.

Abstract: Device for heating a metal material, includes an elongated DFI burner device, arranged to be driven with gaseous oxidant and gaseous fuel and to be displaceable and longitudinally arranged with respect to the metal material. The device has supply devices for fuel and oxidant. The burner device includes longitudinal, tubular vessels for fuel and for oxidant, arranged in parallel to one another and relative to the surface of the metal material. Each vessel has one or more openings arranged along the vessel, through which the fuel and oxidant are arranged to flow out and then converge in an ignition zone outside the respective vessels, where a flame is generated. The respective supply devices are arranged via a regulator to keep the pressure constant throughout the vessel in question during operation. Each vessel has a longitudinally displaceable piston for controlling the longitudinal extension of the flame in the longitudinal direction of the vessels.

Abstract: A heating furnace according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a furnace body that has an inlet at the upper portion through which a steel sheet blank is inserted from a wound coil and an outlet at the lower portion through which the steel sheet blank is discharged, and has a cylindrical structure having a space for conveying the steel sheet blank; a conveyer that is spirally disposed on the inner circumference of the furnace body and sequentially conveys the steel sheet blank from the inlet at the upper portion and the outlet at the lower portion; and a clamping means that is disposed at one side of the conveyer and selectively clamps the steel sheet blank.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include methods and systems for leaching material from an object. Examples include leaching ceramic from metallic components. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for leaching systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

Abstract: A control method for melting a metal charge in a furnace comprising at least a hearth containing the metal charge and a roof. The method provides that the hearth is weighed by means of a plurality of weighing elements distributed along the perimeter of the base of the hearth, and that the values detected by the plurality of weighing elements are sent to a control unit in order to obtain information relating to the distribution of the metal charge inside the hearth.

Abstract: A semi-liquid metal processing and sensing device comprising a crucible that is at least partially encircled by at least one induction coil. The one or more induction coils can be water cooled. The one or more induction coils can be designed to generate a variable power and/or variable frequency magnetic field which can be modulated to control the cooling of a molten metal charge in the crucible from the liquidus temperature to a selected heat content, resistivity and/or viscosity. The magnetic field can be designed to induce toroidal agitation of the metal charge in the crucible. The semi-liquid condition is sensed and can be actively controlled by the induction power supply via real time or non-real time analysis of electrical feedback signals that are obtained from the induction coil.

Abstract: A molten metal holding furnace for supplying a constant quantity of the molten metal to a casting machine is composed of a holding chamber having a melt supply port, and a pressurization chamber having an upward melt outlet port. The holding chamber and the pressurization chamber are communicated with each other via an openable/closable first melt flow passage. The pressurization chamber is composed of a outlet section at which the melt outlet port is positioned and a pressurization section positioned on one side closer to the holding chamber. The holding chamber and the outlet section are juxtaposed with the pressurization section interposed therebetween, where the first melt flow passage is formed at a hearth of the pressurization section, and an openable/closable second melt flow passage communicating with the outlet section is formed at a hearth of the pressurization section.

Abstract: A guide system for signal lines includes a guide tube, through which the signal lines are guided, a cooling system which laterally surrounds the guide tube and has at least one coolant chamber and at least one inlet and at least one outlet for the coolant. The coolant chamber is tubular in construction and is hermetically sealed by a seal at least at one end face.

Abstract: In a heat treatment method for supplying transforming gas and enriched gas inside a furnace and heat treating a workpiece inside the furnace, feedback control of carbon potential is performed by operating a supply flow rate of the enriched gas based on carbon potential inside the furnace, the feedback control is stopped before an opening of the furnace is opened and supply flow rates of the transforming gas and the enriched gas are increased from supply flow rates thereof immediately before the feedback control is stopped; and the supply flow rate of the transforming gas is returned to the supply flow rate thereof immediately before the feedback control is stopped and the feedback control is resumed after the opening of the furnace is closed.

Abstract: A continuous annealing facility comprised of a heating zone, soaking zone, and cooling zone is used for continuous annealing of a steel strip having a Curie point (Tc) by an annealing temperature over Tc during which the heat treatment in the heating zone is divided into three regions, in a first heating zone, a radiant heating means using gas heating and/or a radiant heating means using electric heaters is used to heat the steel strip to less than Tc?50° C., in a next second heating zone, the heated steel strip is heated by a solenoid coil type high frequency induction heating means to a region of Tc?30° C. to Tc?5° C., and, in a final third heating zone, the heated steel strip is heated by a radiant heating means using gas heating and/or a radiant heating means using electric heaters to a treatment target temperature over Tc to thereby anneal a steel strip having a Curie point uniformly in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Control device for a stopper-rod to regulate the outflow of liquid metal through a calibrated hole of a pouring receptacle comprising motor means, suitable to operate lifting and lowering means (2) of the stopper (4) by means of first driving means (7) and second driving means (14, 14?), the latter being suitable to convert a rotating motion into a translational motion, wherein the second driving means are flexible longitudinal elements and are fixed at a first end thereof to lifting and lowering means and a second end thereof to an anchor element (9), integral with the first means.

Abstract: An apparatus for rolling of a powder metallurgical metallic workpiece is provided having a feeding device, a first induction heating apparatus in operable communication with a first RF generator and at least a first hot rolling mill. A process control device monitors at least one parameter of the first RF generator and outputs a signal. A method for continuous rolling of a metallic workpiece is also provided using the apparatus for rolling. The process control device signal can be used to monitor metallurgical properties of the workpiece and provide in-line evaluation of the workpiece.

Abstract: In an industrial plant for producing or processing liquid, red-hot or hot metal a safety-relevant area is formed in the direct vicinity of the liquid or red-hot metal and the presence of a person is at least periodically not allowed. A detector unit is provided for the surveillance of the area, detecting electromagnetic radiation emitted by a present person or identifying the absence of electromagnetic radiation blocked by a present person. Furthermore, an evaluation unit is able to detect the presence of a person from the output data of the detector unit, and for a control unit which is connected to the evaluation unit. If a person is present in the safety-relevant area, the control unit automatically initiates an action acting against the presence of the person. By forming a plurality of safety-relevant areas having different danger levels, gentle stopping of the industrial plant is made possible.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for cooling metal strips using cooling chambers by blowing a gas, in a continuous heat treatment line, wherein: the chambers (4,4a . . . 4?, 4?a . . .

Abstract: An apparatus and method for melting metal and casting molds. The apparatus includes a rollover melt furnace having a crucible and a mold. The apparatus also includes an electrical servomotor that drives rotation of the crucible about an axis of rotation. This rotation of the crucible causes molten metal to flow from a pour opening in the crucible into a fill opening in the mold. The apparatus may further include a controller to carry out a pouring process in compliance with a pour profile and a melting process in compliance with a melt profile.

Abstract: A direct smelting plant for producing molten metal from metalliferous feed material in a direct smelting process is disclosed. The plant includes a process controller for adjusting the volumetric flow rate of fuel gas supplied to a burner unit of at least one of the unit operations of the plant so as to at least meet selected requirements of the plant to operate the direct smelting process.

Abstract: Equipment for thermochemical treatment of steels and alloys in gaseous mediums with automatic control includes a heating furnace with/without a muffle, a process gas catalyst impact block located in the furnace, a mechanism for supply, mixing, proportioning and extraction of process gases and a device of indirect monitoring and control of the nitrogen potential in the furnace atmosphere. The device of indirect monitoring and control of the nitrogen potential in the furnace atmosphere is an oxygen sensor, a secondary transducer with indication of the nitrogen potential in weight units of nitrogen content in iron and an actuator, while the process gas catalyst impact block is located in the furnace on the process gas supply line. The technical result achieved is that reliability and stability of processes are significantly increased, as well as the period of nitriding is reduced due to integrated process automation that is available.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for in-situ calibration of a vacuum gauge by absolute method and comparison method, which can carry out absolute calibration using a static type standard for measuring pressures of vacuum chambers by expanding and moving gas between four vacuum chambers of different volumes in order, and comparison calibration of vacuum gauges in an in-situ state without movement of the vacuum gauges according to a method for controlling gas flow through an orifice using a calibrated standard vacuum gauge. Thus, the absolute calibration and the comparative calibration of the vacuum gauges which have been separately carried out by different apparatuses till now can be carried out by just one apparatus, whereby economical efficiency and convenience in calibration of vacuum gauges are maximized.

Abstract: One or more of the following quenching methods and apparatus: a quenching press for quenching a steel ring, a method of quenching a steel ring, a corresponding set of quenching dies for quenching steel rings, a die handling tool and related method to lift the corresponding set of quenching dies, and a die handling apparatus to load and unload dies to a quenching press.

Abstract: A control system and method for controlling a temperature and molten metal height in a gas-fired metal melting furnace whereby metal height and temperature may be more reliably maintained. The control system includes a controller that receives information on metal temperature and metal height. The controller controls metal melting burners so as to operate at different settings between a high output and a low output based upon sensed metal height.

Abstract: An immersion measuring probe, particularly a drop-in measuring probe for metal melts, is provided having a measuring head, on which at least one sensor carrier having at least one sensor is arranged. The sensor carrier is held at or in an opening in the measuring head. At least a part of the measuring head is in electrical contact with a counter electrode of an electrochemical sensor arranged on the measuring head and forming a bath contact for the electrochemical sensor.

Abstract: A fully automated system and method for rapidly and reliably detecting the ingestion of slag within the tip of a metal making lance. The system utilizes a temperature sensor disposed adjacent to the inner surface of the inner wall of a metal making lance tip. The sensor is in communication with a control station. The control station is preferably in operative communication with a valve for shutting off gas flow to the lance and, optionally, at least one alarm, a coolant fluid shut-off valve, and any other lance operation mechanisms as may be desired or necessary when slag is detected by the sensor. The inner wall of the lance tip is also preferably formed with a slag collecting reservoir for collecting ingested slag and directing it toward the temperature sensor for quick and reliable slag detection.