Sensor Arrangement for High-Temperature Melt Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor arrangements for measuring high-temperature melts, such as cryolite or steel melts, face issues with the damage of optical fibers used for temperature measurement, limiting their reuse due to exposure to extreme temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A sensor arrangement featuring a guide tube and elastic body mechanism that allows for the mechanical stabilization and easy replacement of the optical fiber end, enabling multiple measurement cycles by breaking off the damaged tip and extending a new section for subsequent measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the optical fiber end is exposed to the melt for temperature measurement, then the temperature measurement function is achieved, but the optical fiber end is damaged by the high temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is divided into a reusable protected section (inside the guide tube) and a disposable exposed section (at the tube end). The guide tube protects the majority of the optical fiber from high temperature damage, while only a small exposed portion is subjected to thermal stress during measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The exposed end section of the optical fiber that is damaged by high temperature is designed to be replaceable. After the protective coating is degraded, only the short exposed portion needs to be broken off and a new section used, rather than replacing the entire optical fiber.
2Reliability
If the optical fiber is protected from damage, then the fiber can be reused, but the complexity of the sensor arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide tube is positioned coaxially within the lower part structure, with the optical fiber running through the guide tube. This nested arrangement protects the optical fiber while integrating the protection mechanism into the existing sensor structure without adding significant external complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide tube acts as an intermediary protective structure between the optical fiber and the high-temperature melt environment. It provides mechanical protection and thermal isolation, allowing the optical fiber to function reliably while being exposed to harsh conditions.
3Reliability
If the optical fiber is broken off to replace the damaged end, then a new measurement cycle can begin, but time is lost during the fiber replacement process
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is pre-installed through the guide tube with sufficient length to allow multiple measurement cycles. The protective guide tube structure is prepared in advance, allowing quick replacement by simply breaking off the damaged end rather than performing complex reinstallation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor arrangement allows dynamic replacement of the optical fiber end section. The modular design enables the fiber to be easily extended or replaced during operation, adapting to the wear and tear of continuous high-temperature measurement cycles.
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 solution enhances operational reliability by allowing multiple measurements without fiber damage, reducing costs through controlled fiber breakage and maintaining the integrity of the optical fiber's core and metal jacket during reuse.
Implementation Method 1
glass fiber being used as the sensor element... which absorbs the radiation from the melt and forwards it to an evaluation unit, in which the temperature is determined
Implementation Method 2
the guide tube is acted upon by an elastic body with a pressure acting in the direction of the lower part
Implementation Method 3
When the lower part (6) is separated from the upper part (1), the pressure on the coil spring (11) is relieved, so that the guide tube (5) is pushed out of the housing (8)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor arrangement for measuring parameters in melts, in particular for measuring the temperature, in particular in metal or cryolite melts having a melting point above 500°C, with an upper part and lower part releasably disposed on the upper part. The invention is characterised in that on an immersion end of the lower part facing away from the upper part a tube is disposed coaxially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the lower part, said tube being closed at the end thereof facing away from the upper part end and open at the other end. In the upper part a guide tube which extends coaxially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the upper part and is open on both sides is movably disposed in a guide sleeve, wherein a pressure acting in the direction of the lower part is applied to the guide tube by means of a resilient body and said guide tube bears against the lower part, and wherein an opening of the guide tube and the open end of the tube of the lower part are disposed adjacent to one another and coaxially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lower part.