Fiber-optic sensor and method to determine carbon content of molten steel in a basic oxygen furnace

TLDR: In this paper, a gas cooled fiber-optic cable apparatus for use in a hostile environment, and a method using the apparatus to determine carbon content of molten steel, was presented, which was directed to a gas-cooled fiberoptic (FLO) cable apparatus, including a radiation collection end comprising a manifold chamber.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a gas cooled fiber-optic cable apparatus for use in a hostile environment, and a method using the apparatus to determine carbon content of molten steel. The fiber-optic cable includes a radiation collection end comprising a manifold chamber that surrounds the fiber-optic cable filaments. The manifold includes a tip portion having an orifice to expose the filaments to the radiant energy, and a gas supply attached to the manifold to inject a cooling gas. The orifice provides a discharge for expelling the cooling gas from the manifold chamber at a high velocity purge to prevent foreign matter from entering the chamber. The fiber-optic cable transmits collected energy to a sensor. The sensor converts the energy into voltage signals and the signal information is processed to determine carbon content of steel contained in the metallurgical furnace.