The sampling spoon for molten iron is a special tool used in the metallurgical casting industry to extract samples of high-temperature hot metal (usually ≥1450℃). Its core function is to obtain representative liquid metal samples for composition analysis, temperature detection and process quality monitoring. The ceramic fiber hot metal sampling spoon is a sampling tool made of ceramic fiber using a vacuum forming process, which uses hot metal to stably sample.
Functions and core advantages of Ceramic Fiber Sampling for Molten Iron
High temperature tolerance
The ceramic fiber material (aluminum silicate fiber) has extremely high temperature resistance, far exceeding traditional cast iron or stainless steel materials, which can avoid cracking or deformation of the spoon body caused by thermal shock during sampling.
Accurate component analysis
By reducing the temperature loss of hot metal during sampling (≤5℃), the uniformity of element distribution during sample solidification is ensured, thereby improving the detection accuracy of carbon (C), silicon (Si) content and carbon equivalent (CEL). Used in conjunction with the furnace front carbon silicon analyzer and thermal analysis sample cup, rapid detection can be completed within 2-3 minutes.
Erosion resistance and long life
Ceramic fiber has high density and can resist erosion by molten iron flow and erosion by slag. A single piece can be reused more than 50 times, significantly reducing the cost of consumables.
Usage and operation specifications
Manual sampling process
- Preheating: Preheat for 10 minutes in an environment above 800℃ before first use to avoid thermal shock caused by cold contact with molten iron;
- Sampling angle: Insert ≥350mm below the surface of molten iron at an angle of 60-65° to ensure that the spoon is full;
- Time control: Immersion time is 4-6 seconds. Too short will result in insufficient sample volume, and too long will increase the heat load of the spoon;
- Sample transfer: Quickly pour the molten iron into the preheated sample cup to avoid secondary solidification or oxidation.
Mechanical automation operation
Winch system integration: The sampling depth is controlled by heat-resistant steel cable and electric winch, which is suitable for deep tanks or closed furnaces; Robot arm adaptation: The horizontal handle structure design is easy to dock with industrial robot fixtures to achieve unmanned sampling throughout the process.
Application scenarios and selection suggestions
Typical application areas
Blast furnace/electric furnace front detection: Real-time monitoring of molten iron CEL value, guiding the addition of spheroidizer and inoculant; Gray cast iron/white iron analysis: Determine eutectic degree through cooling curve and optimize cooling process parameters; Laboratory thermal analysis: Cooperate with carbon determination cup to complete high-precision determination of parameters such as carbon equivalent and supercooling.
Key selection parameters
Capacity matching: 150ml is suitable for rapid screening, and 500ml specifications are more suitable for multiple detection needs; Structural design: The vertical handle is suitable for manual operation, and the oblique handle is more compatible with the robot arm; Surface treatment: The smooth ceramic fiber has better anti-adhesion than the rough surface, reducing slag residue.
Industry Development Trends
With the popularization of intelligent casting technology, ceramic fiber sampling spoons are evolving towards digital integration:
- Temperature sensor embedding: real-time monitoring of temperature changes during sampling and wireless transmission to the central control system;
- Material upgrade: nano-ceramic coating further reduces the wettability of molten iron and extends service life;
- Standardized interface: seamless connection with automated analysis equipment to build a closed-loop control system for furnace detection.
Conclusion
As the “data sentinel” of high-temperature metallurgical detection, the ceramic fiber molten iron sampling spoon has directly promoted the quality control level of the foundry industry through its technological innovation. From material performance breakthroughs to intelligent upgrades, this tool continues to provide underlying support for process optimization and cost reduction and efficiency improvement. In the future, with the integration of new materials and Internet of Things technologies, its application value will be further released.