APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR CONTINUOUS TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT OF MOLTEN METALS

摘要

Optical probes and methods for continuously measuring the temperature of molten metals in vessels are described. The optical probe may include a fiber surrounded by a protective structure that is mounted in a wall of a vessel. The protective structure may include a porous body for flowing gas through the optical probe assembly. A portion of the optical probe may be sacrificial and erode or break away during temperature measurements. Calibrations may be used to correct temperature measurements based on an amount of erosion or removal of the optical fiber.

主权项

1. An optical probe for mounting in a vessel wall to measure temperature of molten metal contained in the vessel, the optical probe comprising:
an optical fiber having a detection end; a protective body surrounding sidewalls of the optical fiber; a sacrificial portion of the optical fiber and protective body; and an outer casing connected to at least the protective body and including a fastening mechanism for mounting the optical probe to the vessel wall, wherein the protective body does not cover the detection end of the optical fiber, and wherein, when mounted in the vessel wall, the detection end of the optical fiber is approximately flush with an inner surface of a refractory lining of the vessel wall.