Apparatus for Monitoring the Oxygen Content of High Temperature Fluids

Claim 1

Apparatus for monitoring the oxygen content of molten metal comprising, an open ended tubular member, a solid electrolyte electrochemical cell cell means including an oxygen ion conductive solid electrolyte having an external surface and an internal surface, an electrode means disposed in intimate contact with said internal surface and a reference medium of known oxygen content in contact with said internal surface, said solid electrolyte electrochemical cell means being slidably positioned within said tubular member, said tubular thermal insulating member being adapted for positioning relative to said molten metal, adjustment means for slidably positioning said solid electrolyte electrochemical cell means to project said solid electrolyte electrochemical cell means through the open end of said tubular thermal insulating member to establish said external surface of said solid electrolyte in direct contact with said molten metal and to retract said solid electrolyte electrochemical cell means within said tubular thermal insulating member, said solid electrolyte electrochemical cell developing a signal indicative of the oxygen content of said molten metal, and electrical heater means located within said tubular thermal insulating member at a position adjacent to said solid electrolyte electrochemical cell means to maintain the temperature of said solid electrolyte electrochemical cell at a temperature comparable to that of the molten metal prior to insertion of said solid electrolyte electrochemical cell into said molten metal.