Molten Metal Container Sheath for Accurate Temperature Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for molten metals face challenges in accurately measuring temperature over a long period and determining the interface level between molten metal and slag due to cooling effects from the crucible wall and insufficient resistance to aggressive molten metals.
Innovation Solution
A container with a protective sheath made of a heat-resistant metal oxide and graphite, where the closed end is spaced at least 50 mm from the container wall, and a temperature measuring element is used, along with sensors for detecting material changes, ensuring accurate temperature measurement and interface determination without cooling influences and maintaining stability in aggressive environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature measuring device is arranged close to the container wall for structural stability, then the device is mechanically stable, but cooling effects from the container wall influence the temperature measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
A protective sheath made of heat-resistant material (aluminum oxide and graphite mixture) is introduced as an intermediary between the temperature measuring device and the container wall. This sheath has low thermal conductivity that blocks cooling effects from the container wall while allowing the temperature sensor to accurately measure the molten metal temperature. The sheath effectively mediates between the need for mechanical stability and measurement accuracy.
2Reliability
If the protective sheath is made of materials resistant to aggressive molten metal for long-term use, then the sheath durability is improved, but the temperature measurement accuracy may be compromised due to material selection constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sheath is constructed from a composite material mixture of aluminum oxide (20-80 wt.%) and graphite (5-60 wt.%). This composite provides both the required chemical resistance to aggressive molten metals and the necessary thermal insulation properties. The combination of these two materials creates a sheath that is simultaneously durable in harsh environments and effective at blocking cooling effects from the container wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention specifies precise compositional parameters for the protective sheath material (aluminum oxide 20-80 wt.%, graphite 5-60 wt.%) and geometric parameters (distance of 50-200 mm from container wall). By controlling these parameters, the sheath achieves optimal balance between durability and thermal insulation performance, ensuring both long-term reliability and measurement accuracy.
3Device complexity
If the closed end of the protective sheath is positioned close to the container wall for structural compactness, then the device structure is compact, but cooling effects from the wall influence the temperature measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sheath acts as a thermal intermediary that extends 50-200 mm from the container wall into the molten metal. This distance creates a thermal buffer zone that prevents cooling effects from the container wall from reaching the temperature measurement point, while the sheath itself provides structural support and protection.
4Measurement precision
If the protective sheath extends further into the container to avoid wall cooling effects, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but the sheath becomes more vulnerable to damage from aggressive molten metal
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sheath uses a composite material formulation (aluminum oxide 20-80 wt.%, graphite 5-60 wt.%) that provides both extended exposure tolerance to aggressive molten metals and effective thermal insulation. This composite structure enables the sheath to safely extend 50-200 mm into the container while maintaining both measurement accuracy and structural integrity in the harsh environment.
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
The solution allows for accurate long-term temperature measurement of molten metals and precise determination of the interface level between molten metal and slag, ensuring stability and quick reaction times, even in low filling levels and aggressive molten steel environments.
Implementation Method 1
the protective sheath comprises a mixture of a heat-resistant metal oxide and graphite
Implementation Method 2
a temperature measuring element arranged in an opening of the protective sheath
Data Source
AI summary
A container for molten metal is provided with a temperature measuring device arranged in an opening of a container wall. The temperature measuring device has a protective sheath, which projects into the container and which is closed at its end arranged in the container. A temperature measuring element is arranged in an opening of the protective sheath. The protective sheath is composed of a mixture of a heat-resistant metal oxide and graphite, and the closed end is spaced at least 50 mm from the container wall.