DEVELOPMENT OF IMMERSION TYPE MOLTER STREEL LEVELMETER

Molten steel level information of ladle is very important for process control in steelmaking process. At secondary refining process, measuring lance and snokel have to keep constant thier depth from molten steel surfaces. But, there is much slag on the molten steel surface. Besides, not only the thickness of slag is varied with refining condition, but also molten steel level is largely affected by firebrick errosion. Then, optical measuring method and/or by human eyes cannot detect true molten steel surface, but slag surface. This slag thickness is 300mm at maximum, then huge diameter eddy current sensor will be needed if that type sensor is applied. In addition to, cooling system is necessary because the molten steel and slag temperature is high. This is not practically. To solve this problem, immersion type levelmeter is developed. This sensor is made up from primary and secondary cylindrical coils. High frequency current is applied to primary coil. Electro-motive force from secondary coil is measured, which is varied with molten steel level. This complete set is installed within stainless steel long capsule and attached to top of lance. This sensor is immersed into molten steel bath of ladle or tundish with protection of expendable paper sleeve.