The top-loading chamber and temperature measurement device are designed with compatibility in mind to improve production efficiency and simplify the operation process. This design integrates loading, temperature measurement, and sampling functions. All components are located in an independent chamber at the top of the furnace. This chamber is isolated from the melting room by a swinging isolation valve. It is also equipped with a cantilever bracket for loading material barrels, ensuring convenience and efficiency during operation.
Loading and Temperature Measurement Functions
The loading, temperature measurement, and sampling components are all powered by variable frequency motors. These motors allow for adjustable speeds, enabling precise positioning based on process requirements. Position sensors ensure that each component reaches its designated position accurately. The system operates with high precision, ensuring efficient and safe loading, temperature collection, and sampling. The hook on the top-loading chamber also has an anti-detachment device to enhance safety during operation.
When loading, the material barrel is transported by a crane to the cantilever bracket. The bracket rotates, positioning the barrel into the loading chamber. The lifting mechanism allows the barrel to move up and down. When the bottom of the barrel reaches the high temperature, a “petal-type” design automatically opens, allowing the material to enter the molten pool smoothly.
Temperature Measurement and Sampling Design
The top-loading system uses two types of temperature measurement technology: immersion thermocouples and infrared optical pyrometers. These two methods are calibrated against each other to ensure accurate, real-time data collection of the molten pool’s temperature.
- Immersion Thermocouple: This device uses a variable frequency motor-driven temperature probe. The probe is equipped with a combined B-type platinum-rhodium thermocouple, capable of both measuring temperature and taking samples. The probe can be lowered either manually or automatically. In automatic mode, the probe moves quickly until it nears the molten metal. At that point, it slows down to prevent inaccurate readings. This flexible system ensures precise temperature measurement and sampling.
- Optical Pyrometer: The optical pyrometer uses dual-color optical technology with a temperature range of 700–1800°C. It is fixed at the top of the temperature measurement chamber. This device continuously monitors the temperature during the alloy melting process. A pneumatic isolation valve adjusts the pyrometer to avoid interference during measurements.
Dual Protection and Calibration Functions for Temperature Measurement Device
To ensure accuracy, both the immersion thermocouple and the optical pyrometer work with complementary calibration. During normal operation, the immersion thermocouple’s position is carefully designed to prevent it from obstructing the optical pyrometer’s line of sight to the molten steel. This ensures accurate monitoring by the pyrometer. The maximum calibration deviation between the two devices is limited to ±5°C.
For long-term accuracy, the optical pyrometer includes a pneumatic isolation valve and an observation window. These allow for quick replacement and cleaning without compromising the vacuum environment. The optical system also has an argon gas dust-blowing function, which removes impurities from the lens and ensures continued measurement accuracy.
Integrated Advantages
The integrated design of the temperature measurement device and top-loading system combines immersion thermocouples, optical pyrometers, sampling devices, and top-loading functions. This reduces operational steps and enhances automation. The multifunctional design lowers the workload on operators and simplifies equipment maintenance. It makes loading, temperature control, and sampling more convenient and efficient, ensuring stable melting and precise temperature control for high-temperature alloys.
In summary, the compatible design of the top-loading and temperature measurement system increases automation and optimizes operation and maintenance. This boosts overall production efficiency, ensuring safe, high-precision temperature control and sampling throughout the process.
