Continuous Oxygen Determination in a Concast Tundish

AbstractDissolved oxygen can be continuously monitored in liquid steel with a nonisothermal electrochemical cell involving partially stabilized zirconia electrolyte and cermet lead rods. Important aspects of their microstructure have been identified. Subsequent to evaluating Seebeck coefficients for the electrolyte and sensor behavior by immersion in small induction furnace heats, cells were set up suitable for embedding into a refractory lining. Stability and response to oxidation and deoxidation were studied. Oxygen contents have been followed reliably for over 15h in laboratory heats (15–1500 ppm) and over 3 1/2h in concast tundishes (35–200 ppm). Measurements were not limited by the cell lifetime in either case. Resume On peut controler le contenu d'oxygene du fer a l'etat liquide continuellement a l'aide d'un element electrochimique non-isotherme. On emploie le zircone stabilise comme electrolyte avec des contacts electriques d'un cermet. D'abord on a evalue les coefficients Seebeck pour les electrol...