Beam Splitter for Core Temperature Measurement in Melt Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current temperature measurement systems for molten raw materials in mineral wool production are labor-intensive, costly, and prone to errors due to high temperatures and adverse conditions, particularly failing to accurately measure the core temperature of the melt beam.
Innovation Solution
An automated method using a beam splitter to expose the core temperature of the melt beam for contactless measurement with a pyrometer, combined with lateral scanning to determine the fluid stream's position and centerline, allowing for precise temperature measurement of the molten material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual temperature measurement with contact thermometer or pyrometer is used, then temperature can be measured, but the measurement is labor-intensive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic temperature measurement without human intervention. The pyrometer automatically scans the melt beam, detects the surface temperature, and the control unit processes the data to determine core temperature, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical measurement process is replaced by an automated optical measurement system. The pyrometer uses optical radiation detection to measure temperature contactlessly, and the control unit automatically processes the measurements to compensate for the temperature difference between surface and core
2Object-affected harmful factors
If pyrometer measures surface temperature of melt beam, then contactless measurement is achieved, but the surface temperature is considerably lower than core temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scanning measurements to detect the melt beam position and characteristics before making the final core temperature measurement. The control unit uses these preliminary data to optimize the measurement process and accurately determine when the beam splitter has exposed the core
Solution Approach 2:
A beam splitter is introduced as an intermediary element to open the melt beam and expose the core. The beam splitter temporarily divides the melt stream, allowing the pyrometer to measure the core temperature directly while the control unit monitors the temperature change to detect when opening is sufficient
3Productivity
If automated temperature measurement system is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pyrometer serves multiple functions: it measures the surface temperature of the melt beam, detects the position of the melt beam through scanning, and measures the core temperature when the beam is opened. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices and simplifies the overall system
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously receives temperature measurements from the pyrometer and uses this feedback to control the beam splitter operation. When the temperature measurement indicates sufficient opening has been achieved, the control unit stops the beam splitter operation, creating a self-regulating system
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables accurate, automated, and cost-effective temperature measurement of molten materials, improving process control and reducing equipment wear by accurately measuring the core temperature of the melt beam, thereby optimizing mineral wool production.
Implementation Method 1
the melt beam may be opened with a beam splitter and the core temperature measured with the optical temperature measurement device
Implementation Method 2
a pyrometer, which has an optical system and detector and measures thermal radiation from the melt beam
Implementation Method 3
the contactless temperature measurement device to record a lateral temperature profile and thereby locate the significant temperature differences where the side edges of the fluid stream are
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a method and an apparatus (12) for measuring the temperature of a fluid stream (11), said apparatus comprising a movable frame (13, 14) having first end facing towards the fluid stream to be measured and an oppositely directed second end; a beam splitter (9) which is movably arranged in the frame for advancement into said fluid stream to open the fluid stream; an optical temperature measurement device (8) for determining the temperature of the fluid stream by measuring the thermal radiation from the fluid stream; and control means for controlling the movement of the frame and the beam splitter and controlling the performance of the optical temperature measurement device.