Determination of Oxygen Activity in Molten Steel by Using Oxygen Sensor of which Partial Electronic Conduction Parameter Determined

Abstract

Partial electronic and holic conduction parameters, P_e', and P_h, of a solid electrolyte for an oxygen sensor were determined by a developed AC bipolar procedure. Both parameters of ZrO₂-8 mol% MgO solid electrolytes produced by Japanese different producers are as follows:
log P_e'(with atm unit)=-85000/T+29.2±1.0
log P·_h(with atm unit)=27000/T+13.3±0.8
No different parameter among the solid electrolytes produced by the Japanese different producers is observed.
An oxygen activity in molten steel was observed by using an oxygen sensor constituted by the solid electrolyte of which the partial electronic conduction parameter was determined. If the sensor was swung in the molten steel then the oxygen activities observed were consistent with those estimated on the basis of an equilibrium between Al and Al₂O₃.