Charles E Fitterer

US Patent:

39350797, Jan 27, 1976

Filed:

Nov 3, 1972

Appl. No.:

5/303370

Inventors:

Charles E. Fitterer - Allison Park PA
Carl D. Cassler - Pittsburgh PA

Assignee:

Fitterer Engineering Associates, Inc. - Oakmont PA

International Classification:

G01N 2746
G08B 2900

US Classification:

346 45

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for displaying the active oxygen content of a liquid metal and the sensor temperature of a probe from signals developed by the probe which is capable of being plunged directly into the liquid metal. The probe comprises a small mass of solid oxygen-permeable electrolyte in the end of a refractory insulating tube, an oxygen reference material in contact with the inner surface of the electrolyte, and suitable electrodes for providing both a signal representative of the active oxygen of the liquid metal and a signal representative of the sensor temperature. The apparatus comprises first recording means for displaying the sensor temperature, and second recording means for displaying the active oxygen of the metal, a source of power, and sequencing means which are initially responsive to the probe emf for sequencing the operation of the apparatus. The method and sequence of steps in connection with displaying the sensor temperature and the active oxygen on the instrument and the determination of the active oxygen on the liquid metal therefrom are also disclosed. The apparatus is portable, self-contained and operable from either a conventional a-c source or rechargeable batteries to provide a sequence of signals to the operator to advise that the probe is operative and properly connected, that the apparatus is ready to receive signals from the probe, that the signals are being received, and that the sequence is complete so that the probe may be removed from the liquid metal.