Optical Waveguide Coating for High-Temperature Melt Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical waveguides used for measuring high-temperature melts face issues with mechanical and thermal stress, leading to inadequate protection and poor flow properties, causing them to twist or get stuck when moved through fluid lines, which hinders continuous temperature measurement.
Innovation Solution
An optical waveguide with a coating that includes a firmly connected protective layer and outer protective cover, preventing relative movement and enhancing flow properties, ensuring controlled movement and continuous measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the protective layer is loosely connected to the outer protective sheath to prevent stress transfer, then the optical fiber is protected from mechanical and thermal stress, but the optical fiber twists and gets stuck in the line, losing flow properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the connection parameter between the protective layer and outer protective sheath from loose to firm connection. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by maintaining stress protection while eliminating the twisting and sticking issues that occur with loose connections during fluid transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite coating structure with firmly connected protective layer and outer protective sheath. This composite design maintains the protective function against mechanical and thermal stress while ensuring proper flow properties through the firm connection, preventing the optical fiber from twisting or getting stuck in the fluid line.
2Productivity
If the optical fiber is continuously fed to the measuring point, then continuous temperature measurement is maintained, but the high temperature causes the optical fiber to gradually melt at the immersed end
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary protective action by providing a firmly connected coating structure before the optical fiber is exposed to high temperature. This pre-established firm connection prevents the fiber from twisting or getting stuck during transport, ensuring it can reach and maintain position at the measuring point continuously without melting or failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent treats the coating structure as a protective consumable that absorbs the mechanical and thermal stress, allowing the core optical fiber to remain intact and functional for continuous measurement. The coating acts as a sacrificial protective element that maintains fiber integrity in the harsh high-temperature environment.
3Ease of operation
If the outer protective sheath is firmly connected to the protective layer, then the optical fiber maintains better flow properties and controlled movement, but mechanical and thermal stresses may be transferred directly to the cladding and core
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the connection parameter from loose to firm connection between the protective layer and outer protective sheath. This resolves the contradiction by ensuring proper flow properties and controlled movement while the coating structure as a whole absorbs and distributes mechanical and thermal stresses, preventing direct transfer to the core and cladding.
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 controlled and continuous movement of the optical waveguide to the measuring point, ensuring reliable temperature measurement of high-temperature melts, crucial for maintaining melt pool temperature control and preventing energy losses and downtime.
Implementation Method 1
The optical waveguide conducts electromagnetic waves from the measuring point to an optical detector
Implementation Method 2
The optical waveguide is transported to the measuring point through a line. It is driven by a fluid flowing through the line
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to the use of an optical waveguide for optically measuring the temperature of a high-temperature melt and to a device for this purpose. The optical waveguide guides electromagnetic waves from the measurement point to an optical detector and is moved to the measurement point by means of a fluid flowing through a line. The optical waveguide has a core (14), a casing (11), and a coating, wherein the coating comprises a protective layer (12) and an outer protective cover (13). The outer protective cover is rigidly connected to the protective layer.