High temperature process control sensor for viscosity measurement

摘要

Quality of the finished product depends on the state of the material as it is forming. An example is the formation of stable glass in the vitrification process. Viscosity of the vitrified glass when it is poured out of the melter, is critical and determines the quality and durability of glass. We are in the process of developing a high temperature non-invasive and on-line sensor for high temperature viscosity measurements exceeding 1200 degree. The sensor is based on ultrasonic reflections from a solid/visous fluid interface. We have used refractory materials for the solid delay line. Depending on the temperature range, duration of exposure and sensitivity of the viscometer, different solids have been identified as potential candidates. The sensor has been tested for NIST traceable glass standard SRM 710a.