An evaluation of the electrochemical oxygen probes used in steelmaking

Some of the important properties of solid electrolytes that influence the performance of electrochemical oxygen probes are discussed in the first part of this paper. It is shown that accurate and reproducible measurements of oxygen in liquid steel are possible with commercial oxygen probes only if g...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy 1987-09, Vol.87 (9), p.269-278
Main Author: Van Wijngaarden, M.J.U.T., Dippenaar, R.J. & Van den Heever, P.M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
determination of oxygen in liquid steel
electrochemical oxygen probes
solid electrolytes
steel manufacture
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Summary:Some of the important properties of solid electrolytes that influence the performance of electrochemical oxygen probes are discussed in the first part of this paper. It is shown that accurate and reproducible measurements of oxygen in liquid steel are possible with commercial oxygen probes only if great care is exercised in the make-up of the chemical and phase composition, as well as the microstructure of the solid electrolytes used in these probes. To prove this premise, the second part of this study reports on the results of an experimental evaluation of a new commercially available oxygen probe. An evaluation of the solid electrolytes used in this probe indicated that the consistency of the chemical composition, degree of stabilization, and microstructure of the electrolytes used are well controlled. The successful application of this particular oxygen probe under industrial conditions was confirmed. It was also found possible to make reliable and reproducible measurements, with acceptable uncertainty, by proper handling of the probe. Some recommendations are made as to the interpretation of the e.m.f. response curve and the use of the electronic processing unit supplied with the probe.
ISSN:0038-223X