Pneumatic gap sensor and method

Patent · Tue Mar 03 00:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:7274485

Bagdal, K T; King, E L; Follstaedt, D W

An apparatus and method for monitoring and maintaining a predetermined width in the gap between a casting nozzle and a casting wheel, wherein the gap is monitored by means of at least one pneumatic gap sensor. The pneumatic gap sensor is mounted on the casting nozzle in proximity to the casting surface and is connected by means of a tube to a regulator and a transducer. The regulator provides a flow of gas through a restictor to the pneumatic gap sensor, and the transducer translates the changes in the gas pressure caused by the proximity of the casting wheel to the pneumatic gap sensor outlet into a signal intelligible to a control device. The relative positions of the casting nozzle and casting wheel can thereby be selectively adjusted to continually maintain a predetermined distance between their adjacent surfaces. The apparatus and method enables accurate monitoring of the actual casting gap in a simple and reliable manner resistant to the extreme temperatures and otherwise hostile casting environment. 6 figs.

• DOE Contract Number: FC07-88ID12712
• Assignee: Armco, Inc., Middletown, OH (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5092392; A
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-759735
• OSTI ID: 7274485
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: 12 Sep 1991
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION
CASTING
PROCESS CONTROL
MONITORS
DESIGN
GAS FLOW
PNEUMATICS
CONTROL
FABRICATION
FLUID FLOW
FLUID MECHANICS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MECHANICS
360101* - Metals & Alloys- Preparation & Fabrication
360201 - Ceramics
Cermets
& Refractories- Preparation & Fabrication
360601 - Other Materials- Preparation & Manufacture
440800 - Miscellaneous Instrumentation- (1990-)