Elizabeth A Fuchs

US Patent:

61298883, Oct 10, 2000

Filed:

Aug 20, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/377870

Inventors:

Daniel A. Goldstein - Lafayette Hill PA
Alok Sharan - Easton PA
Elizabeth Ann Fuchs - Livermore CA

Assignee:

Bethlehem Steel Corporation

International Classification:

C21C 528

US Classification:

266 93

Abstract:

A system and method for detecting molten slag in a tap stream between a steel making basic oxygen furnace (BOF) and corresponding ladle. BOFs are used in the manufacture of steel. An infrared (IR) imaging or detecting device is used to image/view the BOF-to-ladle tap stream, the steam transmitting energy indicative of whether molten steel and/or slag is in the stream at a given time. The imaging device uses mainly long IR wavelengths (e. g. wavelengths of from about 8 to 14. mu. m) when imaging the molten tap stream, because these wavelengths are less susceptible to being blocked or absorbed by airborne gases and particles frequently found in BOF environments. In certain embodiments, all IR wavelengths other than those greater than about 8. mu. m are filtered out and are not used to detect slag in the tap stream.

US Patent:

59682272, Oct 19, 1999

Filed:

Nov 13, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/970098

Inventors:

Daniel A. Goldstein - Lafayette Hill PA
Alok Sharan - Easton PA
Elizabeth Ann Fuchs - Livermore CA

Assignee:

Bethlehem Steel Corporation - DE

International Classification:

C21C 528

US Classification:

75375

Abstract:

A system and method for detecting molten slag in a tap stream between a steel making basic oxygen furnace (BOF) and corresponding ladle. BOFs are used in the manufacture of steel. An infrared (IR) imaging or detecting device is used to image/view the BOF-to-ladle tap stream, the steam transmitting energy indicative of whether molten steel and/or slag is in the stream at a given time. The imaging device uses mainly long IR wavelengths (e. g. wavelengths of from about 8 to 14. mu. m) when imaging the molten tap stream, because these wavelengths are less susceptible to being blocked or absorbed by airborne gases and particles frequently found in BOF environments. In certain embodiments, all IR wavelengths other than those greater than about 8. mu. m are filtered out and are not used to detect slag in the tap stream.