Systems and methods for monitoring a solid-liquid interface
AssigneeAdvanced Metallurgical Group Idealcast Solar Corp.
InventorsNathan G. Stoddard, Monte A. Lewis, Roger F. Clark
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for monitoring a solid-liquid interface during a casting process. The systems and methods enable determination of the location of a solid-liquid interface during the casting process.
Claims71
A system for monitoring a solid-liquid interface, comprising:
- a vessel configured to contain an at least partially melted material having a solid-liquid interface;
- and
- an apparatus attached to the vessel and including:
- a rod configured to measure a location of the solid-liquid interface;
- a pinion;
- a rack having a first portion of an outer surface configured to engage the pinion, and to at least partially enclose the rod;
- a tube configured to at least partially enclose the rack;
- a rotating wheel configured to contact a second portion of the outer surface of the rack;
- a motor configured to drive the pinion;
- and
- a controller configured to control the motor and monitor at least one parameter of the solid-liquid interface.
A system for monitoring a solid-liquid interface, comprising:
- a vessel configured to contain an at least partially melted material having a solid-liquid interface;
- and
- an apparatus attached to the vessel and including:
- a rod configured to measure a location of the solid-liquid interface;
- a tube configured to at least partially enclose the rod;
- a plurality of rotating wheels configured to contact an outer surface of the rod;
- a motor configured to drive at least one of the plurality of rotating wheels;
- and
- a controller configured to control the motor and monitor at least one parameter of the solid-liquid interface.
A method of monitoring a solid-liquid interface of an at least partially melted material with an apparatus including a rod, a rack at least partially enclosing the rod, and a pinion engaged with the rack, the method comprising:
- extending the rod to contact the solid-liquid interface;
- stopping the rod when the rod contacts the solid-liquid interface based on a threshold input;
- measuring a location of the rod when the rod is stopped;
- retracting the rod to a predetermined location;
- and
- calculating at least one parameter associated with the solid-liquid interface based on at least the measured location of the rod when the rod is stopped.
A method of monitoring a solid-liquid interface of an at least partially melted material contained in a vessel with an apparatus including a rod, a tube at least partially enclosing the rod, and a plurality of rotating wheels, the method comprising:
- extending the rod to contact the solid-liquid interface;
- stopping the rod when the rod contacts the solid-liquid interface based on a threshold input;
- measuring a location of the rod when the rod is stopped;
- retracting the rod to a predetermined location;
- and
- calculating at least one parameter associated with the solid-liquid interface based on at least the measured location of the rod when the rod is stopped.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.