Submerged sensor in a metallurgical vessel

Abstract

The invention describes a submerged sensor for use in a metallurgical vessel, such as a tundish. The sensor is positioned so that in use it is below a surface of a molten metal bath within the vessel. The sensor conveniently extends through the vessel wall and projects into the volume of the vessel. An upper end of the sensor is encased in a protective assembly. The protective assembly of the invention can be shaped so as to control the pattern of molten metal flow in the vessel or measure more accurately the molten metal exiting the vessel. Advantageously, the invention can combine the functionality required for flow pattern modification such as provided by a dam, impact pad or baffle, with the functionality required for a sensor. This combination reduces cost and complexity.

1 - 13 . (canceled)  
   
   
       14 . A metallurgical vessel comprising an interior surface defining an outlet and an interior volume, the interior volume adapted to contain a bath of molten metal having a top surface, the vessel including a sensor assembly extending through a hole in the interior surface below the top surface of the bath, the sensor assembly comprising a sensor having an upper end, a lower end, and a protective assembly surrounding at least a portion of the upper end of the sensor, wherein the protective assembly projects into the interior volume sufficiently to affect a flow of molten metal.  
   
   
       15 . The metallurgical vessel of  claim 14 , wherein the interior surface includes a bottom and a plurality of sidewalls.  
   
   
       16 . The metallurgical vessel of claim  5 , wherein the sensor assembly extends through the bottom of the vessel.  
   
   
       17 . The metallurgical vessel of  claim 14 , wherein the protective assembly affects the flow of molten metal toward the outlet.  
   
   
       18 . The metallurgical vessel of  claim 14 , wherein the protective assembly is located near the outlet.  
   
   
       19 . The metallurgical vessel of  claim 14 , wherein the protective assembly is larger than the hole in the interior surface.  
   
   
       20 . The metallurgical vessel of  claim 14 , wherein the protective assembly directs the flow of molten metal toward the top surface of the bath.  
   
   
       21 . The metallurgical vessel of  claim 14 , wherein the protective assembly comprises an object selected from the group consisting of a dam, impact pad, weir and baffle.  
   
   
       22 . The metallurgical vessel of  claim 14 , wherein the lower end of the sensor is at least partially covered by a protective pipe.  
   
   
       23 . The metallurgical vessel of  claim 14 , wherein the sensor comprises a temperature sensor.  
   
   
       24 . The metallurgical vessel of  claim 23 , wherein the sensor comprises a thermocouple.  
   
   
       25 . The metallurgical vessel of  claim 14 , wherein a refractory material at least partially surrounds the protective assembly at the interior surface.  
   
   
       26 . The metallurgical vessel of  claim 25 , wherein the refractory material comprises a composition selected from the group consisting of castable and vibratable materials.