Measuring Lance Circuit for Single-Run Slag Layer Interface Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring lances cannot accurately determine both the air-slag and slag-metal interfaces in a single run without requiring additional electrical terminals for the analysis device, and existing sensors are unreliable due to slag pollution affecting oxygen probe measurements.
Innovation Solution
A measuring lance with a carrier tube, an electric circuit, and a thermal fuse that detects the air-slag interface and neutralizes the circuit to allow separate slag-metal interface and sensor measurements without additional terminals, using a slag-metal interface detection unit and sensor unit enclosed in a cap that degrades to expose the sensor to the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated measuring lance with multiple sensors is used to measure both air-slag and slag-metal interfaces, then measurement capability is improved, but the number of electrical terminals required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (air-slag interface detection, slag-metal interface detection, and temperature measurement) into a single integrated measuring lance. The electric circuit shares common electrical terminals with the sensor unit, allowing both interface detection and temperature measurement to be performed using the same electrical connections, thereby reducing the total number of terminals required while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring lance is designed as a multi-functional device where a single lance structure performs multiple measurement tasks. The electric circuit can detect the air-slag interface, the sensor unit measures temperature, and together they enable slag-metal interface detection. This universal design allows one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate measurement instruments, each with its own set of terminals
2Measurement precision
If sensors are exposed to the slag layer for measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but slag pollution degrades sensor reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electric circuit from direct contact with the slag layer by enclosing it within the measuring lance structure. The air-slag interface is detected through the lance wall without the circuit being exposed to polluting slag materials. This separation maintains measurement capability while protecting the circuit from degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The lance incorporates a consumable sacrificial element that is intentionally designed to be consumed or degraded first to protect the valuable sensors. This sacrificial component absorbs the harmful effects of slag exposure, ensuring the long-term reliability of the expensive sensor units by taking the brunt of the environmental damage
3Ease of manufacture
If the measuring lance structure is simplified to reduce terminals, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measuring lance into distinct functional modules: an electric circuit for air-slag interface detection, a sensor unit for temperature measurement, and a cap that can be selectively degraded. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity. The segmented design enables precise interface detection through coordinated operation of simplified modules rather than requiring a complex monolithic structure
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
Accurately measures both air-slag and slag-metal interfaces in a single run, minimizing changes to the analysis device and ensuring reliable sensor readings by isolating the slag-metal interface detection unit and sensor unit from environmental interference.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal fuse located between the first end and the second end of the first conducting element and configured for thermally blowing to open the electric circuit after the first conducting element contacted the air-slag interface
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring lance (1) for measuring a position (has) of an air-slag interface (2as) between an atmosphere (4) and a slag layer (2) sitting on top of a molten metal (3), and a position (hsm) of a slag-metal interface (2sm) between the slag layer (2) and the molten metal (3) in a single measurement run is provided that includesa carrier tube (5) extending along an axis (X) between a proximal end (5p) and a distal end (5d) located downstream of the proximal end,a measuring unit (6) coupled to the distal end (5d) of the carrier tube (5) and configured for passing through the slag layer (2). The measuring unit (6) includesan electric circuit (7) configured for detecting the air-slag interface (2as),a slag-metal interface detection unit (8) located downstream of the distal end (5d),a cap (10) enclosing the slag-metal interface detection unit (8).