Method of glass melter electrode length measurement using time domain reflectometry (TDR)
The present invention overcomes the drawbacks inherent in the prior art and solves the problems inherent in conventional Joule-heated vitrification melters, where the melter preferably comprises a vessel having a refractory liner and an opening for receiving material which is converted into molten vitreous material in the vessel. The vessel has an outlet port for removing molten vitreous material from the vessel. A plurality of electrodes is disposed in the vessel and electrical energy is passed between electrode pairs through feed material and molten vitreous material in the vessel. Typically, the electrodes erode and wear in time, and this invention seeks to monitor and evaluate the length and condition of the electrodes. The present invention uses time domain reflectometry (TDR) methods to accurately measure the length of an electrode that is subject to wear and electrolytic decomposition due to the extreme conditions in which the electrode is required to operate. Specifically, TDR would be used to measure the length and effects of erosion of molybdenum electrodes used in Joule-heated vitrification melter. Of course, the inventive concept should not be limited to this preferred environment.
- Research Organization:
- Savannah River Site, Aiken, SC (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- US Department of Energy (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC09-96SR18500
- Assignee:
- DOEGC; EDB-01:090362
- Patent Number(s):
- PATENTS-US-A9514378
- Application Number:
- 9-514,378; TRN: AH200132%%92
- OSTI ID:
- 786092
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: 2000 Feb 28; Other Information: PBD: 28 Feb 2000
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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