Apparatus for measuring in a continuous manner the oxygen in a molten metal

Claim 2

Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 characterized in that a channel of small diameter is provided in the block of metal material, of low melting point, permitting the escape of gases present between the electrolyte tube and the block of metal material of low melting point.

Claim 3

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said reference electrode consists of a metal and a constant flow of air which is continuously renewed in order to insure a constant percentage O2; and wherein said reference electrode is located inside said solid electrolyte tube.

Claim 4

Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said metal containing substance is a refractory alloy.

Claim 5

Apparatus of claim 1 wherein said metal containing substance is ferritic steel containing chrome.

Claim 6

The apparatus of claim 1 which includes an injection means located inside the insulating means and inside the solid oxygen electrolyte tube and extending as near to the closed bottom of the electrolyte tube as possible in order to conduct air to the point of electrical contact with the closed bottom of said solid oxygen electrolyte tube; and wherein said injection means is made of a material which is refractory and which is a non-conductor.

Claim 7

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said insulating means has a tongue which extends 4 to 5 centimeters beyond said solid oxygen electrolyte tube.

Claim 8

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said solid oxygen electrolyte tube is a solid electrolyte tube of zirconia partially stabilized with a member selected from the group consisting of Y2O3, CaO, and MgO.

Claim 9

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said insulating means is made of a material selected from the group of Cr + Al2O3, ferritic steel containing chrome, kanthal alloy, and iron.

Claim 10

Apparatus for the continuous measurement by immersion of oxygen contained in a molten metal which comprises: a. a solid oxygen electrolyte tube having a closed bottom; b. a reference electrode having known oxygen potential in contact with the inner surface of said tube; c. the outer surface of said tube being adapted to be contacted with the molten metal which is to be tested; d. means for measuring the electrochemical potential present between the reference electrode and the metal which is to be tested; e. insulating means to protect said solid oxygen electrolyte tube against chemical attacks, thermal shocks and mechanical stress due to contact with the liquid molten metal; f. said insulating means being an electrically conducting tube made of a metal containing substance selected from the group consisting of metal and cermet and having a high resistance to mechanical stress, the thermal shocks, to chemical attacks, to splashing of the metal which is to be tested and to the slag of the metal which is to be tested; g. said insulating means being open at the bottom so that the outer surface of said electrolyte tube can be directly contacted with the molten metal which is to be tested; h. said insulating means further being adapted to form a contact electrode with the molten metal; and i. said insulating means has a tongue which extends 4 to 5 centimeters beyond said oxygen electrolyte tube.

Claim 11

Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 characterized in that a block of metal material, which is of low melting point, is provided below the solid electrolyte, the block of metal being placed in contact with the bath and being capable of absorbing heat when it melts, to permit a progressive heating of the electrolyte.

Claim 12

Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 characterized in that a channel of small diameter is provided in the block of metal material, of low melting point, permitting the escape of gases present between the electrolyte tube and the block of metal material of low melting point.

Claim 13

The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said reference electrode consists of a metal and a constant flow of air which is continuously renewed in order to insure a constant percentage O2; and wherein said reference electrode is located inside said solid electrolyte tube.

Claim 14

Apparatus of claim 11 wherein said metal containing substance is ferritic steel containing chrome.

Claim 15

Apparatus for the continuous measurement by immersion of oxygen contained in a molten metal which comprises: a. a solid oxygen electrolyte tube having a closed bottom; b. a reference electrode having known oxygen potential in contact with the inner surface of said tube; c. the outer surface of said tube being adapted to be contacted with the molten metal which is to be tested; d. means for measuring the electrochemical potential present between the reference electrode and the metal which is to be tested; e. insulating means to protect said solid oxygen electrolyte tube against chemical attacks, thermal shocks and mechanical stress due to contact with the liquid molten metal; f. said insulating means being an electrically conducting tube made of a metal containing substance selected from the group consisting of metal and cermet and having a high resistance to mechanical stress, to thermal shocks, to chemical attacks, to splashing of the metal which is to be tested and to the slag of the metal which is to be tested; g. said insulating means being open at the bottom so that the outer surface of said electrolyte tube can be directly contacted with the molten metal which is to be tested; h. said insulating means further being adapted to form a contact electrode with the molten metal; and i. a layer of silver provided in said solid electrolyte tube forming a contact between said reference electrode and said means for measuring.