The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 27, 1998
Filed:
Jan. 02, 1997
John D Usher, Beaver Falls, PA (US);
Robin A Sommers, Moon Township, PA (US);
Vesuvius Crucible Company, Wilmington, DE (US);
Abstract
Both an apparatus and method for measuring the depth of slag and molten metal contained in a tundish, ladle, electric furnace, or other vessel is provided. The apparatus includes a voltmeter for comparing the electrical potential of the steel, the slag-steel interface, and the air-slag interface to a ground potential, in combination with a probe member formed from a conductive material. The probe member has a proximal end that is electrically connected to the voltmeter, and a distal end movable between the vessel floor and one or the other of the interfaces. The apparatus further includes an articulated arm for positioning the distal end of the probe member in the vessel and across the molten metal so that it traverses at least one of the other two interfaces. The depth of the molten metal or slag is determined by noting differences in the electrical potential detected by the voltmeter while monitoring the vertical position of the distal end of the probe member in the vessel. The probe member may be formed from an electrically conductive ceramic material, and may simultaneously take the form of a protector tube for another probe. Alternatively, the probe may take the form of the stopper rod normally used to modulate the flow of liquid steel out of the ladle, tundish, or other vessel.