Method and a device for thermal analysis of cast iron

• US 7,168,852 B2
• Filed: 12/17/2002
• Issued: 01/30/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/17/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Sintercast AB
• Original Assignee: Sintercast AB
• Inventors: Linnarsson, Henrik
• Primary Examiner(s): Gutierrez; Diego
• Assistant Examiner(s): Jagan; Mirellys
• Application Number:
  US10/498,121
• Publication Number:
  US 20050031015A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,505 Days
• Field of Search: 374/139, 374/13, 374/157, 374/113
• US Class Current: 374/139
• CPC Class Codes: C22C 33/08 Making cast-iron alloys
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 1/125 adapted for sampling molten metals
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 25/04 of melting point; of freezing point; of softening point
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/205 in liquid state, e.g. molten metals

Abstract

The present invention provides a novel method and a system of modules for carrying out thermal analysis of cast iron melts. The characterizing step of the method is de-termination of the position of the thermocouples used for recording cooling curves. The system comprises a thermocouple unit, a thermocouple holder, and a sampling unit. The system comprises means for ensuring that the thermocouples are correctly positioned before starting the thermal analysis. The system also comprises means for automatically transferring calibration data regarding the thermocouples.

Claims

1. In combination,

a thermocouple unit useful in recording cooling curves in connection with thermal analysis of molten cast irons, said thermocouple unit comprising:

a) a first thermocouple;

b) a second thermocouple;

c) a central part joined to said first thermocouple and said second thermocouple, said central part including means for connecting said first and second thermocouples to a calculation device; and

d) information transfer means to transfer to the calculation device calibration data and/or traceability data relating to said first and second thermocouples, said information transfer means being provided on the central part;

wherein said first thermocouple is adapted for recording cooling curves in the center of a molten cast iron sample contained in a sample vessel, and said second thermocouple is adapted for recording cooling curves in said cast iron sample adjacent to the sample vessel wall; and

a thermocouple holder useful in recording cooling curves in connection with thermal analysis of molten cast irons, said thermocouple holder comprising;

a) a cylindrical bushing adapted to be fixed to the first and second thermocouples of the thermocouple unit, said cylindrical bushing also having a position indicator; and

b) a head part having a fastener to attach the thermocouple holder to a sampling unit, said head part allowing access to the information transfer means of the thermocouple unit,

wherein said cylindrical bushing is flexibly coupled to the head part in an axially compliant manner.

2. A combination according to claim 1, wherein the information transfer means includes a bar code, a magnetic memory or a radio frequency memory tag.

3. In combination,

a thermocouple unit useful in recording cooling curves in connection with thermal analysis of molten cast irons, said thermocouple unit comprising:

a) a first thermocouple;

b) a second thermocouple;

c) a central pad joined to said first thermocouple and said second thermocouple, said central part including means for connecting said first and second thermocouples to a calculation device; and

d) information transfer means to transfer to the calculation device calibration data and/or traceability data relating to said first and second thermocouples said information transfer means being provided on the central part;

wherein said first thermocouple is adapted for recording cooling curves in the center of a molten cast iron sample contained in a sample vessel, and said second thermocouple is adapted for recording cooling curves in said cast iron sample adjacent to the sample vessel wall; and

a sampling unit useful in recording cooling curves in connection with thermal analysis of molten cast irons, comprising a housing adapted to contain a thermocouple holder comprising a cylindrical bushing adapted for being fixed to the first and second thermocouples of the thermocouple unit, said cylindrical bushing also having position indicator and a head part having a fastener to attach the thermocouple holder to a sampling unit, said head part allowing access to the information transfer means of the thermocouple unit, wherein said cylindrical bushing is flexibly coupled to the head part in an axially compliant manner, wherein said holder comprises a housing including;

a) means for attaching a sample vessel;

b) means for attaching said thermocouple holder inside the housing;

c) means for moving the cylindrical bushing of the thermocouple holder, and thereby the thermocouples of the thermocouple unit, between a measurement position and a resting position; and

d) means for detecting whether the position indicator of said thermocouple holder is in a position corresponding to the measurement position.

4. A combination according to claim 3, wherein the information transfer means includes a bar code, a magnetic memory or a radio frequency memory tag.

5. In combination,

a thermocouple unit useful in recording cooling curves in connection with thermal analysis of molten cast irons, said thermocouple unit comprising:

a) a first thermocouple;

b) a second thermocouple;

c) a central part joined to said first thermocouple and said second thermocouple, said central part including means for connecting said first and second thermocouples to a calculation device; and

d) an information transfer unit to transfer to the calculation device calibration data and/or traceability data relating to said first and second thermocouples, said information transfer unit being provided on the central part;

wherein said first thermocouple is adapted for recording cooling curves in the center of a molten cast iron sample contained in a sample vessel, and said second thermocouple is adapted for recording cooling curves in said cast iron sample adjacent to the sample vessel wall; and

a thermocouple holder useful in recording cooling curves in connection with thermal analysis of molten cast irons, said thermocouple holder comprising;

a) a cylindrical bushing adapted to be fixed to the first and second thermocouples of the thermocouple unit, said cylindrical bushing also having a position indicator; and

b) a head part having a fastener to attach the thermocouple holder to a sampling unit, said head part allowing access to the information transfer means of the thermocouple unit,

wherein said cylindrical bushing is flexibly coupled to the head part in an axially compliant manner.

6. A combination according to claim 5, wherein the information transfer unit includes a bar code, a magnetic memory or a radio frequency memory tag.