Abstract: A temperature probe includes a sheath, a temperature sensitive element, and an insert. The sheath has a sidewall defining an interior space therein. The temperature sensitive element is disposed within the interior space of the sidewall and has an electrical characteristic that varies with temperature. The insert, which is formed of silicon carbide, is operably interposed between the sidewall and the temperature-sensitive element. A method of manufacturing a temperature probe is also provided. A temperature sensing system employing a temperature probe is also provided.

Abstract: At least one of the softening point and the dropping point of a substance is determined with a measuring instrument that comprises a sample chamber (4), a temperature sensor (16), a heater device (11), a means for providing temperature/time target values, an image-recording means (5) and a controller unit (17) with a processor unit. The heater device heats the sample chamber, the temperature sensor measures the temperature in the sample chamber, and the image-recording means captures a visual image of the interior of the sample chamber. A method using the measuring instrument has at least the steps of determining the change over time of the sample as a function of temperature based on the recorded image/time data and actual temperature/time data, and of determining the dropping- or softening point of the sample based on the observed change over time as a function of temperature.

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 process for producing a semi-solidified slurry of an iron alloy including the steps of pouring a melt of an iron alloy into a semi-solidified slurry producing vessel 30 and cooling the melt therein to obtain a semi-solidified slurry having a crystallized solid phase and a residual liquid phase, wherein a hypoeutectic cast iron composition is used as a material, a melt of the composition is poured into the semi-solidified slurry producing vessel 30 in a predetermined amount at a time, a temperature of the melt when poured into the semi-solidified slurry producing vessel 30 is controlled to be not lower than a crystallization initiation temperature of the composition and not greater than a temperature that is 50° C. higher than the crystallization initiation temperature, and a cooling rate of the melt poured into the semi-solidified slurry producing vessel 30 is controlled not to exceed 20° C. per minute.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a furnace, wherein a starting material comprising at least one metal element is molten, wherein the starting material is heated by at least one burner that is operated with a fuel volume flow of a fuel and an oxidant volume flow of an oxidant. An exhaust gas temperature of the furnace is monitored in an exhaust gas line at least at one measuring point downstream of a post combustion zone, wherein in a standard operational state a target fuel volume stream and a target oxidant volume stream is fed to the burner, wherein a change of the exhaust gas temperature is recorded at predetermined time frequencies and is compared to a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A cold drawn carbon steel filament has a surface with traces of bismuth. The steel filament can be used as a sawing wire or as part of a steel cord. During its manufacturing the steel filament has been subjected to a controlled cooling by bringing the steel filament in contact with bismuth. Bismuth may replace lead without harming the environment.

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 method for forming an object, including providing at least a first material having a melting point at a first temperature and a second material having a melting point at a second temperature; heating at least a portion of the first and second materials above the first and second temperatures to form a substantially molten alloy, the molten alloy having a solidifying point at a third temperature, the third temperature being less than the first temperature and the second temperature; and providing substantially solid further material to at least a portion of the molten alloy, the further material having a melting point at a temperature greater than the third temperature.

Abstract: A cooling control method which quickly controls the amounts of cooling water sprayed from top and bottom surfaces of the cooling apparatus when cooling steel plate to a predetermined cooling end temperature so as prevent shape deterioration of steel plate occurring due to the difference of cooling rates between the top surface and the bottom surface with a high precision, that is, a cooling control method of calculating cooling conditions required for cooling the steel plate to a predetermined temperature for a plurality of positions inside the cooling apparatus based on measured temperatures at a time when the steel plate passes through the cooling apparatus by a thermometer disposed at the entry-side of the cooling apparatus and setting a cooling schedule, calculating a heat transfer coefficient from the set temperature and a cooling bottom water density, calculating a cooling top water density from the calculated heat transfer coefficient, and controlling the amounts of cooling water of the cooling apparat

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: An iron core annealing furnace that is used in annealing of an amorphous iron core requiring strict control of annealing temperature. There is provided an iron core annealing furnace comprising a furnace body fitted at its superior area with a heat source and a fan, wherein the furnace body has a double layer structure consisting of a furnace interior defined by the inside division wall of the furnace body and an interspace defined by the division wall and the outside wall of the furnace body, and wherein the fan is disposed in the center of a superior area of the furnace body, and wherein the fan is adapted to introduce hot air from the furnace interior of the double layer structure, feed the hot air to the outside of the double layer structure, allow the hot air to enter the furnace interior from an inferior area of the furnace body and heat the iron core, and circulate the hot air.

Abstract: A process for producing a semi-solidified slurry of an iron alloy including the steps of pouring a melt of an iron alloy into a semi-solidified slurry producing vessel 30 and cooling the melt therein to obtain a semi-solidified slurry having a crystallized solid phase and a residual liquid phase, wherein a hypoeutectic cast iron composition is used as a material, a melt of the composition is poured into the semi-solidified slurry producing vessel 30 in a predetermined amount at a time, a temperature of the melt when poured into the semi-solidified slurry producing vessel 30 is controlled to be not lower than a crystallization initiation temperature of the composition and not greater than a temperature that is 50° C. higher than the crystallization initiation temperature, and a cooling rate of the melt poured into the semi-solidified slurry producing vessel 30 is controlled not to exceed 20° C. per minute.

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: The invention provides a cooling system for protecting an image fiber and an imaging device from thermal influences and a temperature measurement apparatus, for a molten metal, capable of being easily controlled and stably measuring the temperature. The temperature measurement apparatus for a molten metal comprises four connectable portions of a nozzle portion a purge/cooling gas introduction portion, an image fiber fitting portion with a window glass and an image fiber to a double pipe nozzle protection tube. A distance from a nozzle distal end as an introduction portion of thermal radiation light to a light reception portion at an image fiber distal end becomes short so that a greater amount of thermal radiation light can be received.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reduction reactor (100) for supplying a reduced iron to a melter-gasifier (1) of a smelting reduction system includes an exhaust gas supply unit (3) for supplying an exhaust gas to a reduction gas supply tube (4) interconnecting the melter-gasifier (1) and fluidized bed reduction furnaces (20, 30, 40) when the pressure of the reduction gas in each fluidized bed reduction furnace radically decreases with the occurrence of pressure peak in the melter-gasifier (1). The fluidized bed reduction reactors further include iron ore flow blockage prevention units for directly bypassing some of the reduction gas from each iron ore discharge tube (33, 43) disposed between the neighboring furnaces to the scrubber (50) when the inner pressure of the melter-gasifier (1) radically increases with the occurrence of pressure peak, and a backup gas supply unit supplying a backup nitrogen gas to the bottom of each fluidized bed reduction furnace when a nozzle of a distribution plate (24, 34, 44) is clogged.

Abstract: A method for producing a molten iron in a blast furnace comprises the steps of: preparing an optical fiber covered with a metallic tube; measuring a temperature of the molten iron flow discharged from a tap hole of the blast furnace by means of making use of a metallic tube covered by the optical fiber to obtain an information of the temperature of the molten iron; and controlling a heat conditions of the blast furnace, based on the obtained information of the temperature of the molten iron. Controlling a heat conditions is achieved by using a heat conditions estimation model, and by inferring a level and a transition of the heat conditions in the furnace.

Abstract: An immersion measuring probe for measurement in liquids, in particular in molten metals, has a carrier tube, a measuring head mounted on one end of the carrier tube, and measuring elements as well as signal lines for the measuring signals generated by the measuring elements arranged on the measuring head. The signal lines are longer than the carrier tube and run from the end of the measuring head facing the inside of the carrier tube. In order to improve the handling of the immersion measuring probe, the signal lines are guided through the inside of the carrier tube and are wound up there around its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A temperature measuring device comprises: an optical fiber; a metallic protective tube for covering the optical tube to form a metal-covered optical fiber; and a radiation thermometer connected to the metal-covered optical fiber. A heat insulation coating can be formed to cover the protective tube. A level measuring device comprises: an optical fiber; a metallic protective tube for covering the optical tube to form a metal-covered optical fiber; a radiation thermometer connected to the metal-covered optical fiber; transfer device for sending the metal-covered optical fiber to a surface of a molten metal to be measured and retracting to wind the metal-covered optical fiber from the surface; and level determination device for determining a level of the surface of the molten metal based on a temperature change detected by the radiation thermometer and an amount of feed of the optical fiber through the transfer device.

Abstract: In order to separate metals and/or metal alloys of different melting points from one another, a mixture of these metals and/or metal alloys is brought to a temperature at which the metal or the metal alloy of relatively low melting point is molten and the metal or the metal alloy of relatively high melting point is in the solid state. The solid constituents are separated from the melt, use being made of washing column with at least one filter which withstands the temperature of molten metal. Each of the filters is arranged in the wall of a separate pipe which extends through the washing column. The mixture is fed to one end of the washing column and moves along the pipe or pipes, towards means arranged at the opposite side of the washing column for removing solid crystalline material. The melt passes via the filter or filters into the pipe or pipes, and flows in countercurrent to the mixture situated on the outside of the pipe or pipes, towards a melt discharge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved control of continuous electric arc furnace steelmaking in which a charge velocity detector measures charge velocity of metallic charge introduced to the furnace. A charge mass detector measures a charge mass of metallic charge introduced to the furnace. A computer determines a feed rate based on the charge velocity and the charge mass. An automatic bath level probe detects a steel bath. The computer determines a steel bath level and optimal positions to insert a temperature probe and an oxygen lance, and further predicts new bath levels from one tapping time to the next tapping time. The temperature probe is inserted to an optimal measurement position based on the steel bath level and measures a steel bath temperature. The oxygen lance is positioned and maintained at an optimal oxygen injection position and injects oxygen into the bath.

Abstract: A protective device for a support assembly for a thermocouple adapted for immersion into a molten metal bath to measure the temperature in the bath includes an elongated exterior protective tubular shield, preferably metallic. An interior spacing member is contained within or otherwise affixed to the shield. The spacing member may be in inset from the lower end of the shield to accommodate insertion of an end of a cardboard tube into the annular space between the pole and the shield. A thermocouple for measuring temperatures in a molten metal bath is affixed to the hollow cardboard tube. The shield may be provided with threaded holes, preferably also extending through the spacing member, to receive set screws so that the shield may be fixed at a desired location along the length of the pole.

Abstract: In steel-making, there are conflicting processing requirements at different stages of the process. The method and apparatus of the invention creates different processing conditions at different stages of the process. Molten ferrous material (2) is stirred by bubbling a gas therethrough. A refractory ring (10) is first partially immersed in the molten steel within a substantially slag free portion of the surface of the molten ferrous metal to form a bounded substantially slag-free area. The molten steel is then heated by the introduction of exothermically reacting heating agents such as aluminium and oxygen through an oxygen gas line (7) and an aluminium delivery tube (9), respectively. The refractory ring (10) is then removed from the molten steel when the steel has reached a predetermined temperature and air is then excluded from the volume above the molten steel by placing a hood (16) over the ladle containing the molten steel. Sulphur is then removed from the steel.

Abstract: Apparatus for a fully automated magnesium melt system. Raw magnesium ingots are moved through and controllably heated in a preheater chamber before they are introduced into a melt cell. A probe monitors the metal level and a control unit causes ingot charging as determined by a process level set point or temperature overshoot. There are two zones of heating in the melt cell with each zone supplied by its own 3 phase zero cross fired silicon controlled rectifier and firing board which is gated by a gating signal. This controls how much the SCR's are allowed to conduct. The amount of error between the metal bath set point and the actual metal bath temperature automatically determines how much of the 4-20 mA gating signal is required to maintain the set metal bath temperature. Liquid magnesium is transferred from the melt cell to a die cast machine by a siphon transfer tube which has two sets of electrical heating elements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously applying a zinc plating to tubing is provided having a lower reservoir of molten zinc, an elongated and enclosed plating chamber having a plating trough formed in its upper surface, a pump for transferring molten zinc from the reservoir to the plating trough, a temperature sensor monitoring the temperature of the zinc in the plating trough and gas fired strip burners carried in the plating enclosure for heating the zinc transferred from the lower reservoir into the plating trough, the strip burners cooperating with the sensor for maintaining the bath of zinc in the plating trough within a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plug made of refractory material for a metallurgical casting vessel. The plug 5, which can be formed with a central axial channel 5b, has an axial channel 5d which terminates eccentrically in front of the plug cap 5a and which is disposed in an axially extending rib 5c formed on the plug 5. A thermocouple 6 with its measuring cables is accommodated in said further axial channel 5d.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ceramics having excellent fusing damage resistivity against melt of metal or other inorganic materials. If a member formed of BN ceramics in the prior art comes into contact with melt of metal, glass or the like, the member would be readily fused and damaged at its contact portion. Hence, if AlN in the range of 1.ltoreq.AlN<50 weight % is added to BN ceramics containing 50 weight % or more of BN component, the fusing damage resistivity is greatly improved. Furthermore, Y.sub.2 O.sub.3 whose weight proportion relative to AlN content is 1.0-10.0%, is added, strength of the BN ceramics is greatly improved. A protective cap for a thermocouple formed of the ceramics according to the present invention is excellent in durability against molten metal, and so, continuous temperature measurement for molten metal is possible.

Abstract: A BOF drop-in sensor assembly includes a handle, a weight, a sensor, and a cage to protect the sensor. The weight includes a high density material having a density of at least 1.2 times the density of steel. The cage comprises crossed rods which are easily melted and which allow molten steel to quickly envelop the sensor providing a highly reliable and accurate reading.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the detection with measuring techniques of the temperature course of a metal or metal alloy melt in a container (39) which is influenceable by a heating device (22 to 24) and a cooling device (33). The temperature course is herein detected via a thermal camera (49) which is directed toward the region of the solidification front (48) of the melt. The data supplied by the thermal camera (49) are used for the purpose of determining the thermal gradient along on a coordinate of the container (39) and to control the heating device (22 to 24) according to the thermal gradient. Moreover, the data supplied by the thermal camera (49) are used for the determination of the solidification velocity of the melt to regulate the cooling device (33) in accordance with this solidification velocity.

Abstract: The furnace comprises two chambers, a closed well melting chamber and a main heating chamber. The furnace includes a hot gas duct connecting the chambers, the hot gas duct having a damper to control the gas flow between chambers in accordance with the respective condition of each chamber. The furnace is designed to have an efficient liquid metal flow by sloping the floor.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously measuring temperatures of molten metal including a thermocouple unit (A) and an immersion protection tube unit (B), wherein the thermocouple unit (A) comprises a thermocouple (1) having an end equipped with a temperature sensing element (8) and an opposite end connected to terminals (2), an insulator (9) of substantially one piece containing the thermocouple (1), a porcelain protection tube (6) of high airtightness containing the insulator (9), and a terminal box (3) having an extension sleeve (5) with which the upper part of the porcelain protection tube (6) is held and having a housing (20) which contains the terminals (2). The immersion protection tube unit (B) comprises an alumina-graphite protection tube (21), a holding sleeve (22) with a flange which is connected to the upper part of the alumina-graphite protection tube (21), and a connecting sleeve (26) connected with the holding sleeve (22).

Abstract: A melting trough made of ceramic material is used for melting small amounts of metal by means of a flame including at least one trough channel which is not closed during operation. A thermosensor having a protective cover extends into the trough which is filled with melt during operation through an aperture in the wall of the trough. The aperture as well as the thermosensor are located below the level of the melt.

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: Apparatus and method for charging metal chips into a molten bath of the metal from which the chips are formed, comprising a compacting extruder and a delivery conduit which is resistant to the mass of molten metal and which is pivotable to dip into the molten metal bath when chips are being charged thereinto and out of contact with the bath when charging is to be discontinued, are disclosed. The chips are forced through the delivery conduit in the form of a compacted or densified mass preferably having a density between about 30 and 60 percent of the density of the solid metal and preferably between about 55 and 80 pounds per cubic foot. Feed is continued while the delivery conduit is in the molten metal bath and until it is removed therefrom to prevent entry of molten metal into the delivery conduit. The method is preferably conducted on a continuous basis and various sensors with appropriate wiring may be employed for safety and for making the method substantially automatic in operation.

Abstract: A protective device for a submersible lance to be used in a vessel of molten material, such as steel, prevents undesirable deposition of the material at the juncture of lance and probe by having in the lance a channel for gas, and by having between the lance and the probe a gas-conducting disk which projects this gas circumferentially onto the lower surface of the lance.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for purifying lithium, formed by a sealed enclosure comprising a heated upper portion 1 provided with a container 9 in which the molten lithium 11 is agitated and from which the impurities evaporate, and a cooled lower portion 13 provided with a condensation surface 17 and a pipe means 16 for producing a depression in the lower portion. The invention is used in the purification of lithium, and in particular, for separation of lithium from sodium and potassium impurities.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for studying quenching fluids and quenchability of materials in the form of testpieces 5, comprising a heating furnace, a means for introducing each testpiece into the quenching liquid and extracting the quenched testpiece, a quenching tank 20 containing the quenching fluid and a means for circulating the quenching fluid. According to the invention, the quenching tank 20 comprises an upper tank 21 and a lower tank 22 connected by a means 27 for organizing the circulation, the upper tank being provided with an immersed injector 40 formed by at least one circular array comprising a plurality of radial nozzles and connected to a pressurized fluid source 30, the upper part of the upper tank comprising a conduit 39 for returning the fluid to the pressurization means 30, the lower tank 32 comprising a separate pressurized fluid intake, which apparatus includes means for regulating the temperature of the fluid and means for measuring the speed of the fluid.

Abstract: A metal, especially silver, may be recovered from its alloy with lead by a method comprising injecting, into the molten alloy, an oxygen-containing gas to oxidize the lead to form lead oxide slag and removing the slag from the molten metal. The oxygen-containing gas is injected into the molten metal through an elongate consumable lance which extends lengthwise of itself from the interior to the exterior of the furnace and which is capable of being fed lengthwise from the exterior to the interior of the furnace through the guide tube as the lance is consumed in the furnace. The lance comprises a first elongate tube for the oxygen-containing gas and a second elongate tube located annularly about the first tube, for a coolant gas. A gas is also injected through the guide tube into the furnace to seal the lance. Also disclosed is a furnace suitable for use in the method.

Abstract: This invention relates to ladle heating methods and apparatus. More particularly, this invention pertains to rapid high temperature ladle preheating utilizing an optimized heating cycle by involving oxygen and combustion air preheated by recuperation in the fuel burning process. Controlled oxygen flow directed into the process is used to increase the heat input during the initial preheating phase and to insure maximum efficiency of the system during the soaking phase of ladle preheating. The disclosed ladle preheating station comprises a refractory lined lid including a partially open refractory ring for docking a portion of a ladle rim having a significant protrusion caused by a local accumulation of solidified metal or slag, said refractory lid opening shaped to receive said protrusion within the opening while providing a gap between said metal deposition and the refractory lid.

Abstract: A process for the introduction of metal chips, especially scrap metal chips, into a molten mass of the metal of which said chips are formed, wherein the essentially dry chips are first compacted and placed into strip form, and then introduced into the molten metal bath in such strip form in an essentially continuous manner, is disclosed. A cleaning flux is also advantageously incorporated with the chips, into the compacted and strip form thereof, and then into the bath. The metal chips, after compacting and placing into strip form, are introduced directly into the molten metal bath through the skin of metal oxide existing on its surface and caused to become a part of the metal pool beneath the surface thereof without essential disturbance of the metal oxide skin except at the point of introduction.

Abstract: Dust containing high-temperature gas exhausted from an electric steelmaking furnace is directed through scrap preheaters, wherein scrap that is to be charged into said electric furnace is preheated. The absorption of some of the heat from the exhaust leaving the electric furnace by the scrap, therefore, decreases the amount of electric power required for melting the steel scrap and also shortens the time required for steelmaking. Exhaust gas after preheating of the scrap is contaminated with incidental malodorous materials, e.g., paint and oil fumes, and is directed through a gas scrubber followed by a wet-type electric precipitator to remove these contaminants before release of cleaned exhaust gas into the atmosphere. A flow of alkaline aqueous solution of a deodorant solvent in the gas scrubber removes malodorous substances from the exhaust gas, simultaneously causing a drop in the gas temperature to a predetermined controlled value while generating a constant supply of saturated water vapor.

Abstract: Dust containing high-temperature gas exhausted from an electric steelmaking furnace is directed through scrap preheaters, wherein scrap that is to be charged into said electric furnace is preheated. The absorption of some of the heat from the exhaust leaving the electric furnace by the scrap, therefore, decreases the amount of electric power required for melting the steel scrap and also shortens the time required for steelmaking. Exhaust gas after preheating of the scrap is contaminated with incidental malodorous materials, e.g., paint and oil fumes, and is directed through a gas scrubber followed by a wet-type electric precipitator to remove these contaminants before release of cleaned exhaust gas into the atmosphere. A flow of alkaline aqueous solution of a deodorant solvent in the gas scrubber removes malodorous substances from the exhaust gas, simultaneously causing a drop in the gas temperature to a predetermined controlled value while generating a constant supply of saturated water vapor.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for continuously quenching a steel plate with cooling water, by passing the steel plate through a water storage vessel containing the cooling water. The cooling water for cooling the upper side of the steel plate is introduced into the upper section of the water storage vessel from an upper portion of the latter and is exhausted from an upper portion of the same through, for example, overflow. The cooling water for cooling the lower side of the steel plate is introduced into the lower section of the water storage vessel from a lower portion of the latter and exhausted from a lower portion of the same. The cooling water is agitated and moved by impellers disposed in the upper and lower sections of the storage vessel in the direction of movement of the steel plate or in the direction opposite to the direction of movement of the steel plate which is clamped and fed linearly through the water storage vessel by means of upper and lower rolls.

Abstract: The buoyancy change of a probe as it is lowered into a molten metal melt is detected and the lowering of the probe terminated a predetermined time after the detection of the buoyancy change to precisely position the probe at a predetermined level below the surface of the melt without the need for a contact detector which actually touches the melt.

Abstract: An automatic control for a multi-zone push type carburizing furnace capable of controlling the flow of either an endothermic gas atmosphere or a nitrogen methanol atmosphere at both high and low flow rates and during normal and suspend carburizing utilizes cascaded multi-stage valving to assure good separation of the atmospheres in adjacent zones. The first stage of the cascaded multi-stage valving controls the total gas flow, and the second stage routes the gas to individual zones of the furnace.

Abstract: A refractory clad metallurgical lance comprises a temperature sensing thermocouple means in combination with an internal gas conduit encased within exterior refractory cladding material wherein the conduit provides a passage way for transmitting inert gas under pressure. The thermocouple means is disposed within the refractory cladding and directed radially outward toward the outer peripherary of the refractory cladding whereby the temperature sensing portion is located near the peripheral surface of the cladding. The thermocouple is disposed within a ceramic protective tube which in turn is embedded within the refractory material secured around the internal gas conduit. In use, the metallurgical lance is operative to process molten metal by submerging the lower portion of the lance below the molten metal surface and bubbling inert gas through the metal while simultaneously directly measuring the temperature of the molten metal.

Abstract: In a method for continuous heat treatment of separated elongated metallic material said material is conveyed stepwise through a single furnace chamber. Said furnace chamber comprises a heating section and an adjacent holding section. In the heating section the material is heated up to a treating temperature and in the holding section the material is held at the treating temperature both in an atmosphere of forced circulation of hot gas common to both furnace sections. The temperature of the circulated hot gas is automatically feedback-controlled at the location of the transition between the heating section and the holding section, the hot gas being set into forced motion in a single circulating zone and being heated up in a single heating zone with respect to the direction of passage of the material.

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 system is described for precise monitoring and control of the carbon content of the atmosphere of a furnace such as a carburizer used in the heat-processing of steel parts. The disclosed apparatus includes a sampling system for withdrawing a gas sample from the atmosphere within a furnace and an analyzer for producing signals indicative of the partial pressures of at least two gaseous components such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. The analyzer preferably utilizes selective absorption of narrow-band infrared radiation signals in determining these signals. A processor combines the signals indicative of partial pressures with parameters obtained from measurements of furnace temperature, and calculates carbon potential of the furnace atmosphere. The processor output is coupled with an atmosphere control which maintains desired levels of carbon potential in the atmosphere of the furnace by, for example, regulating the flow of an enriching gas to the furnace.

Abstract: This invention relates to the generation of an atmosphere for the heat treatment of metals, incorporating an alcohol of the methanol type that decomposes by cracking.A generating plant comprises a nitrogen circuit connected to a pressure source, an alcohol circuit connected to a pressurized tank containing the alcohol in the liquid phase and an injector arranged to feed the alcohol and nitrogen into the furnace in the form of a mist of alcohol within a jet of nitrogen.The invention is applicable in particular to the hardening, heating prior to quenching, and annealing of steels.

Abstract: A transfer and storage mechanism is provided for disposable tube probes used in metallurgy. The transfer mechanism is arranged to select from several vertical stacks of such probes and to transfer the selected probe to a lance for insertion into a converter. The same mechanism provides several functions in that it holds the selected probe tube, pivots it into position for engagement with the lance and centers the probe for engagement for the lance. Moreover, arrangements are provided for engaging and sliding the selected tube out of the storage area into the transfer mechanism.