Thermal measuring and testing – Temperature measurement – By a vibratory effect
Reexamination Certificate
1998-05-12
2001-10-02
Gutierrez, Diego (Department: 2859)
Thermal measuring and testing
Temperature measurement
By a vibratory effect
C374S142000, C374S139000, C073S054020, C073S597000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06296385
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for the non-invasive and simultaneous measurement of viscosity and temperature in very hot liquids (melts) such as polymers, metals, and glass at temperatures ranging from 200° C.-3000° C.
2. Discussion of the Background
Methods for measuring viscosity in liquids are known. Current methods employed for process control, at very high temperatures, infer viscosity from a temperature measurement. This assumes a predetermined relationship between viscosity and temperature. Any slight change in composition, and/or errors in temperature measurement leads to significant errors in viscosity measurement. There are no sensors currently available for measurement of the on-line (in-situ) viscosity measurement for melts at very high temperatures (above 1000° C.). There are no sensors currently available which simultaneously measure temperature and viscosity. However, temperature measurement at high temperature is available using thermocouples. Current methods for measuring temperatures using immersed thermocouples are not desirable due to frequent breakage and inconsistent readings. Moreover, most high temperature applications require probes to be thermally conductive. This leads to a significant heat loss and cooling of molten metal at the probe/melt interface, or in other words, development of a “heat sink.”
In view of the aforementioned deficiencies attendant with the prior art methods of measuring the viscosity of very hot liquids, it is clear that there exists a need in the art for an apparatus and method for performing such measurements, which methods avoid a “heat sink.”
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, one object of this invention is to provide a novel apparatus and method for non-invasively and simultaneously measuring the viscosity and temperature of high temperature molten melts (liquids) while significantly alleviating the heat sink effect of the probe. The probe can be designed to be attached or embedded into one or more of the components which make up the existing melter. The viscosity measurements are made in situ and in “real time”, and may be made simultaneously with temperature measurement.
With the foregoing and other objects, advantages and features of the invention that will become hereinafter apparent, the nature of the invention may be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and to the appended claims.
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Langdon, R.M., “Vibratory Process Control Transducers,” Marconi Rev (GB), vol. 43, No. 218 (Third Quarter 1980), pp. 156-175.
Balasubramaniam Krishnan
Costley R. Daniel
Shah Vimal
Singh Jagdish P.
Gutierrez Diego
Kelber Steven B.
Mississippi State University
Piper Marbury Rudnick & Wolfe LLP
Pruchnic Jr. Stanley J.
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