Christopher J Wall

US Patent:

55778410, Nov 26, 1996

Filed:

Feb 6, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/384985

Inventors:

Christopher Wall - Bridgewater NJ

Assignee:

Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V. - Antwerp

International Classification:

G01N 112

US Classification:

374140

Abstract:

An immersion probe for determining a liquidus temperature of a molten metal sample during solidification has a first refractory body with an immersion face, an interior sample chamber, and a passageway between the immersion face and an end wall of the chamber. A heat sink is positioned within the chamber adjacent the end wall and an insulating shield is positioned within the chamber adjacent the heat sink, each having an aperture corresponding to the inlet tube. The insulating shield sinks thermal energy from within the chamber at a second rate R. sub. 2 slower than a first rate R. sub. 1 of the interior walls of the chamber. A liquidus temperature sensor is positioned within the chamber away from the insulating shield. To determine the liquidus temperature, the probe is immersed in the molten metal, and a molten metal sample flows into the chamber through the passageway. When the flow ceases, the heat sink solidifies an adjacent portion of the molten metal and seals the sample within the chamber.