Non-contact Sensor for the Measurement of Meniscus Velocity of Molten Metal Flow

Abstract

An electromagnetic non-contact sensor was developed to measure the meniscus velocity of molten metal flow. Wave motions were generated on the surface of a molten metal bath by applying a Lorentz force periodically. The meniscus velocity was obtained by detecting a difference between the propagation times of the waves to the upstream and downstream level sensors. This is because the propagation time difference depends on the meniscus velocity of molten metal flow. The effects of the frequency of the electric source, excitation frequency, and the existence of mold powder on the accuracy of the meniscus flow measurements were investigated based on cold model experiments using molten Wood's metal and silicone oil. The accuracy was satisfactory under the experimental conditions considered.