Measuring procedure and device for the evolution of the ablation length of a tube.

摘要

According to the invention, the nozzle is equipped, before it is installed on the container in which it will allow introduction of a fluid into a metallic bath, with an optical fibre, a first end of which is flush with the end of the nozzle emerging inside the said container, and the other end of which is connected to an optical reflectometer, a light pulse is emitted into the said fibre, the return pulse is detected, the time elapsed between emission of the said pulse and detection of the said return pulse is measured and the initial length of the fibre is deduced therefrom, and, during use of the said nozzle, the length of the said fibre is measured in the same way, and the evolution of the wear (ablation) length of the said nozzle is deduced therefrom. The invention makes it possible to monitor the moment when it becomes necessary to replace the nozzle.