Method for measuring and continuously monitoring the heat transfer characteristics of a fluid in a system
AssigneeAFC-Holcroft, L.L.C.
InventorWilliam Disler
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for measuring quench characteristics of a fluid. The apparatus includes a probe with an energy input device electrically connected to a display unit to monitor temperature, media flow characteristics and media heat transfer characteristics. The method includes continuously measuring thermal energy transfer in a quenching media by measuring the surrounding fluid's heat transfer relative to input probe energy.
Claims16
An apparatus for measuring a parameter characteristic of an ability of a quench medium to cool a heat-treated metal part in the quench medium, comprising:
- a probe body having a heating element in thermal communication with the probe body;
- a first temperature sensor in thermal communication with the probe body for measuring a temperature of the probe body;
- a second temperature sensor disposed in a predetermined spaced relationship from the probe body for measuring the temperature of the quench medium;
- and
- a controller for receiving temperature measurements from the first and second temperature sensors, regulating power to the heating element to control the temperature of the probe body, and measuring the power needed to control the temperature of the probe body.
A method of measuring a parameter characteristic of an ability of a quench medium to cool a heat-treated metal part disposed in the quench medium, comprising:
- providing a quenching vessel containing a volume of quench medium suitable for quenching a heat-treated metal part in the vessel;
- positioning a probe body in the quench medium, the probe body having a heating element in thermal communication with the probe body;
- positioning a first temperature sensor in thermal communication with the probe body for measuring a temperature of the probe body;
- positioning a second temperature sensor in the quench medium at a predetermined spaced relationship from the probe body;
- receiving temperature measurements from the first and second temperature sensors;
- regulating power to the heating element to control the temperature of the probe body;
- and
- measuring the power needed to control the temperature of the probe body.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.