The present invention relates to damage detection systems for refractory linings for molten metal vessels, comprising an electrically conductive grid disposed underneath the surface of the refractory lining closest to a molten metal when in use, one or more electrically conductive electrodes disposed in contact with the molten metal when in use and an electrical power source, wherein the electrically conductive metallic grid and the one or more electrically conductive electrodes are electrically connected to each other, such as to form an open electrical circuit powered by the said electrical power source, and a detected closure of the said electrical circuit during normal use of the molten metal vessel indicates that the said refractory lining is damaged, or the presence of a molten metal during normal operation of the vessel closes the said electrical circuit in case the refractory lining is damaged. The present invention relates to a method for detecting damage in a refractory lining during use, and the use of a damage detection system according to the invention.

A furnace assembly for a metal-making process, including: an electric arc furnace configured for flat bath operation and having a bottom, and an electromagnetic stirrer configured to be arranged underneath the bottom of the electric arc furnace to enable stirring of molten metal in the electric arc furnace.

Multiple magnetic field sensors are arranged around a current-containing volume at multiple longitudinal and circumferential positions. Each sensor measures multiple magnetic field components and is characterized by one or more calibration parameters. A longitudinal primary current flows through two end-to-end electrical conductors that are separated by an arc gap, and flows as at least one longitudinal primary electric arc that spans the arc gap and that moves transversely within the arc gap. Estimated transverse position of the primary electric arc is calculated, based on the longitudinal position of the arc gap, and two or more of the measured magnetic field components along with one or more corresponding sensor positions or calibration parameters. In addition, estimated occurrence, position, and magnitude of a transverse secondary current (i.e., a side arc) can be calculated based on those quantities.

To ensure stable supply of a cold iron source to a melting chamber, a method of producing molten iron uses an electric furnace that includes: a preheating chamber; a melting chamber; an extruder located in the preheating chamber; and a video device configured to observe an inside of the melting chamber, and comprises: an extrusion process of supplying a cold iron source preheated in the preheating chamber to the melting chamber by the extruder; and a melting process of melting the cold iron source supplied to the melting chamber by arc heat to obtain molten iron, wherein in the extrusion process, a moving amount of the extruder and/or a time interval for moving the extruder is controlled based on visual information obtained from the video device.

To ensure stable supply of a cold iron source to a melting chamber, a method of producing molten iron uses an electric furnace that includes: a preheating chamber; a melting chamber; an extruder located in the preheating chamber; and a video device configured to observe an inside of the melting chamber, and comprises: an extrusion process of supplying a cold iron source preheated in the preheating chamber to the melting chamber by the extruder; and a melting process of melting the cold iron source supplied to the melting chamber by arc heat to obtain molten iron, wherein in the extrusion process, a moving amount of the extruder and/or a time interval for moving the extruder is controlled based on visual information obtained from the video device.

An optically based combustion off-gas stream velocity sensor assembly is provided for detecting in real-time off-gas flow velocity and/or volume as it moves through a flue duct. The sensor assembly includes two paired coherent light emitters and optic sensors, positioned in a spaced orientation in the flow path direction. The light emitter/optic sensor pairs operate to emit and detect across the off-gas stream coherent light beam energy having a wavelength component corresponding to an absorption profile of an off-gas species component. The detection of non-absorbed portions of the emitted beam is used to identify and detect the movement of a flow species signature at different locations along the flue duct.

An optically based combustion off-gas stream velocity sensor assembly is provided for detecting in real-time off-gas flow velocity and/or volume as it moves through a flue duct. The sensor assembly includes two paired coherent light emitters and optic sensors, positioned in a spaced orientation in the flow path direction. The light emitter/optic sensor pairs operate to emit and detect across the off-gas stream coherent light beam energy having a wavelength component corresponding to an absorption profile of an off-gas species component. The detection of non-absorbed portions of the emitted beam is used to identify and detect the movement of a flow species signature at different locations along the flue duct.

A system used in monitoring one or more operating parameters of a coolant-fluid cooled industrial installation includes one or more an acoustic sensors positioned to receive and sense one or more acoustic signals in an installation coolant-fluid flow. The acoustic sensor assembly operates to emit and sense acoustic signals at frequency ranges above and/or below the background noise frequency ranges which are associated with the normal industrial installation operation. Output data signals representative of sensed acoustic signals are compared to target frequency profiles predetermined as representing an acoustic frequency associated with a predetermined installation operating parameter or event.

The present invention relates to a microwave melting apparatus and system for investment casting the metals obtained therefrom. In addition to enhanced production capacity, the system allows for the use of both a broad range of metal alloys and a variety of forms including ingot, scrap, granulated and powdered metals not possible with induction systems generally.

The present invention relates to a microwave melting apparatus and system for investment casting the metals obtained therefrom. In addition to enhanced production capacity, the system allows for the use of both a broad range of metal alloys and a variety of forms including ingot, scrap, granulated and powdered metals not possible with induction systems generally.