Inventors:
Robert E. Ryan - Highland Heights OH
Donald O. Bolger - Warren OH
Assignee:
WCI Steel Corporation - Warren OH
International Classification:
B22D 1110, C22B 400
Abstract:
A device for detecting slag in molten metal comprises a ladle shroud with a hollow passage that communicates a ladle containing the molten metal to a tundish to allow the molten metal to flow from the ladle to the tundish, and an electrically conductive element positioned in a wall of the hollow passage, so that the element is in electrical contact with the molten metal. If the ladle shroud is electrically conductive, the electrically conductive element is electrically isolated therefrom by an insulating sleeve around the electrically conductive element. Preferably, the electrically conductive element is a steel pin, particularly one where the steel pin has an flanged end in electrical contact with said molten metal, and more particularly where opposite end has a bore therein to accommodate an electrical lead wire to communicate the pin to a voltmeter. To detect the slag, the electrically conductive element is communicated to a voltmeter to compare the electrical potential of the molten metal to a ground potential. The electrical potential of the molten metal will change dramatically as the slag approaches the electrically conductive element.