Optical Cored Wire Tube for Molten Metal Temperature Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for measuring the temperature of molten metal baths, particularly in electric arc furnaces, face challenges in achieving reliable measurements across the entire temperature range due to high variances at low and high temperatures, often resulting in inaccurate data.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an optical cored wire and a tube with a specific geometry, including an outer diameter of 4-8 mm and a wall-thickness of 0.2-0.5 mm, featuring multiple separating elements that create compartments to minimize friction and prevent molten metal ingress, and a feeding mechanism that controls the mass and speed of the device into the molten metal bath.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the tube outer diameter and wall-thickness are not optimized, then the device structure is simple, but the temperature measurement accuracy deteriorates due to uncontrolled melting and pressure build-up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the tube outer diameter to 4-8 mm and wall-thickness to 0.2-0.5 mm. These specific parameter ranges control the melting rate and pressure build-up in the tube, enabling accurate temperature measurements across the full application range while avoiding the complexity of additional control systems.
2Reliability
If separating elements are not used, then the device structure is simple, but molten metal penetrates into the tube causing measurement errors and device damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the tube interior into multiple compartments using separating elements. These elements prevent molten metal from penetrating along the tube while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure. The segmentation creates barriers that block metal ingress without requiring complex sealing systems.
3Measurement precision
If the tube mass entering molten metal is not controlled, then the feeding mechanism is simple, but temperature measurements become inaccurate due to excessive cooling effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a controlled feeding mechanism that adjusts the mass and speed of the device entering the molten metal bath. This dynamic control ensures the tube melts at an optimal rate, preventing excessive cooling effects while maintaining measurement accuracy and enabling continuous measurements across the full temperature range.
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 configuration allows for more accurate temperature measurements by controlling the melting and penetration of the tube, reducing pressure build-up, and maintaining precise temperature distribution, thereby enhancing the reliability of measurements across the entire application range.
Implementation Method 1
The optical fiber can receive thermal radiation and can convey the thermal radiation from the molten metal to a detector, e.g. a pyrometer
Implementation Method 2
the tube melts from the immersion end in a controlled way, which leads to more accurate temperature measurements
Data Source
AI summary
A device for measuring a temperature of a molten metal bath, comprising:an optical cored wire;a tube, wherein the optical cored wire is at least partly arranged in the tube, wherein the tube has an outer diameter in the range of 4 mm to 8 mm, and a wall-thickness in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm; anda plurality of separating elements comprising more than two separating elements arranged in the tube spaced apart from each other, and forming at least one compartment between two of the more than two separating elements.The invention also relates to a system and method for measuring a temperature of a molten metal bath.