Patent ID: 8928306
Filing Date: 2015-01-06
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of making measurements in a Liquid Metal Cleanliness Analyzer (LiMCA), having a body of molten metal containing particles, electrically insulating wall means having a passage formed therein for passage of the molten metal, a first electrode positioned on one side of the wall means and at least one additional electrode inserted in the molten metal on an opposite side of the wall means to the first electrode and voltage recording means connected between the first electrode and the at least one additional electrode, said method comprising: a) drawing molten metal in one direction through said passage to immerse said first electrode in molten metal; b) supplying current at an initial predetermined level to the first electrode and to the at least one additional electrode to create a current loop between the at least one additional electrode and the first electrode, said current loop generating a wanted pulse signal that is recorded by the voltage recording means, and wherein said current is supplied from an ultra-capacitor via at least one voltage control resistor associated with the at least one additional electrode; c) monitoring the change in the current from said ultra-capacitor; d) adjusting said at least one voltage control resistor associated with the at least one additional electrode to re-adjust the current output to said predetermined level during the course of one measurement while said voltage recording means is temporarily prevented from recording the wanted pulse signal, thereby maintaining said supply of current at said predetermined level for a period of time required for said one measurement; and e) expelling molten metal in an opposite direction through said passage while recharging said ultra-capacitor.