Abstract A solid electrolyte probe for direct immersion into a molten material, such as molten copper, to determine the oxygen content thereof. A tubular receptacle fabricated from a solid electrolyte, such as stabilized zirconia, and adapted to hold an oxygen-containing material, has its open upper end protectively closed by a vertically elongate, relatively massive, refractory cap which has a longitudinal passage therethrough to accommodate the electrical lead for the probe electrode and is long enough to protect the tubular receptacle against both unrepresentative, high-oxygen molten material and the molten material-air interface, and to protect both the tubular receptacle and the electrical conductor against splash of the molten material that could otherwise lead to short circuiting of the electrical signals.
A probe according to claim 1, wherein the refractory cap is a section of an insulating firebrick that has been cut into longitudinal half-seCtions midway of its breadth and that is substantially square in cross section.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
26 words
A probe according to claim 2, including oxygen-containing material within the receptacle, and an electrode in said material, said receptacle being cemented into the refractory body.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A probe according to claim 2, wherein there is additionally provided an upward extension of the protective cap for protecting the electrode lead wire from the furnace atmosphere.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A probe according to claim 4, wherein the attenuate passage through the upward extension of the cap is lined with a high-temperature-resistant and electrically nonconductive material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
A probe according to claim 1, including oxygen-containing material within the receptacle, and an electrode in said material, said receptacle being cemented into the refractory body.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
A probe according to claim 1, wherein the attenuate passage through the cap is lined with a high-temperature-resistant and electrically nonconductive material.