# US 10,371,686 B2 · Detection device for molten metal

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- Number: US 10,371,686 B2
- Document ID: US10371686B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 13/677,808
- Filed: 2012-11-15
- Published: 2014-05-15
- Granted: 2019-08-06
- Earliest claimed: 2012-11-15
- Assignees: Heraeus EIectro-Nite International N.V.
- Applicants: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
- Inventors: Jason Black
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10371686B2

## CPC

- G01N 33/205: in liquid state, e.g. molten metals
- B01L 3/04: Crucibles
- G01N 1/125: {adapted for sampling molten metals}
- G01N 25/04: of melting point; of freezing point; of softening point
- B01L 2200/16: Reagents, handling or storing thereof
- Y10T 29/49: Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T 29/49002: Electrical device making
- G01N: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (measuring or testing apparatus or processes other than immunoassay, involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M, C12Q)
- B01L: CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

## Abstract

A detection device for molten metal is provided. The detection device includes a sample cup having a cavity configured to receive a sample of molten metal and a blob arranged in the cavity. The blob includes a carbide stabilizing element and a hydrogen releasing material including a hydroxide of an alkaline earth metal. The blob is provided for use in detecting phase change temperatures during solidification of a sample of molten cast iron. The blob is also resistant to moisture gain and moisture loss during transport and storage. A method of detecting phase change temperatures of the molten iron or molten cast iron sample using the blob and a method of manufacturing the blob are also provided.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A detection device for molten metal, the device comprising:
a sample cup having a cavity configured to receive a sample of molten metal and allow the sample of molten metal to solidify therein in a white structure;
a blob arranged in the cavity and configured to contact the sample of molten metal as it solidifies within the cavity, the blob comprising tellurium as a carbide stabilizing element, magnesium hydroxide as a hydrogen releasing material and a 3% polyvinyl alcohol-water solution as a binder; and
a temperature sensor.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The detection device according to claim 1, wherein the blob comprises 0.35% to 0.45% by weight based on a total weight of a sample of molten metal.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The detection device according to claim 1, wherein the blob is resistant to changes in its hydration level during transport and storage of the blob.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The detection device according to claim 1, wherein the blob further comprises a retardant which resists reaction of the blob upon contact with molten metal.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The detection device according to claim 1, wherein the carbide stabilizing element comprises 7% to 37% by weight based on a total weight of the blob.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The detection device according to claim 1, wherein the magnesium hydroxide comprises 15% to 54% by weight based on a total weight of the blob.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The detection device according to claim 1, wherein the 3% polyvinyl alcohol-water solution comprises 1% to 4% by weight based on a total weight of the blob.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The detection device according to claim 1, wherein the blob comprises tellurium in an amount of 15% to 60% by weight based on a total weight of the blob and magnesium hydroxide in an amount of 40% to 85% by weight based on the total weight of the blob, the blob being resistant to moisture gain and moisture loss during transport and storage.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The detection device according to claim 8, wherein the tellurium is present in an amount of 0.05% to 0.10% by weight based on a total weight of a molten iron sample and the magnesium hydroxide is present in an amount of 0.11% to 0.22% by weight based on the total weight of the molten iron sample.