Method and apparatus for evaluation of a status of a material in metallurgical vessels
US12061155B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 5, 2021 |
| Grant date | Aug 13, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 9, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01B15/02
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for evaluating a status of a refractory material in metallurgical vessels, including furnaces and ladles, wherein an external structure at least partly surrounding the refractory material impairs the propagation of radiofrequency signals. The apparatus and method are operative to identify flaws and determine the erosion profile and thickness of refractory material and the level or rate of penetration of molten material into the refractory material, using radiofrequency signals. The apparatus comprises an antenna embedded in the refractory material or positioned inside the chamber of the vessel designed to collect data associated with the propagation of radiofrequency signals transmitted by the antenna into the refractory material. Moreover, signal processing techniques allow determining the status of the internal wall of the vessel due to operational wear, age, and presence of flaws, cracks, corrosion, and erosion to improve the operational life and maintenance of the vessel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.