Method for determining molten metal pool level in twin-belt continuous casting machines

Patent · 21 March 1989

OSTI ID:866881

Kaiser, Timothy D ^[1]; Daniel, Sabah S ^[2]; Dykes, Charles D ^[3]

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1. Colchester, VT
2. Pittsburgh, PA
3. Milton, VT

A method for determining level of molten metal in the input of a continuous metal casting machine having at least one endless, flexible, revolving casting belt with a surface which engages the molten metal to be cast and a reverse, cooled surface along which is directed high velocity liquid coolant includes the steps of predetermining the desired range of positions of the molten metal pool and positioning at least seven heat-sensing transducers in bearing contact with the moving reverse belt surface and spaced in upstream-downstream relationship relative to belt travel spanning the desired pool levels. A predetermined temperature threshold is set, somewhat above coolant temperature and the output signals of the transducer sensors are scanned regarding their output signals indicative of temperatures of the moving reverse belt surface. Position of the molten pool is determined using temperature interpolation between any successive pair of upstream-downstream spaced sensors, which follows confirmation that two succeeding downstream sensors are at temperature levels exceeding threshold temperature. The method accordingly provides high resolution for determining pool position, and verifies the determined position by utilizing full-strength signals from two succeeding downstream sensors. In addition, dual sensors are used at each position spanning the desired range of molten metal pool levels to provide redundancy, wherein only the higher temperature of each pair of sensors at a station is utilized.

• Assignee: Hazelett Strip-Casting Corporation (Colchester, VT); USX Corporation (Pittsburgh, PA)
• Patent Number(s): US 4813471
• Application Number: 07/190,364
• OSTI ID: 866881
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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