Systems and methods for monitoring a solid-liquid interface

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for monitoring a solid-liquid interface during a casting process. The systems and methods enable determination of the location of a solid-liquid interface during the casting process.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for monitoring a solid-liquid interface, comprising:
 a vessel configured to contain an at least partially melted material having a solid-liquid interface; and   an apparatus attached to the vessel and including:
 at least one rod configured to measure a location of the solid-liquid interface; 
 at least one tube configured to at least partially enclose the at least one rod; 
 at least one rotating wheel configured to contact an outer surface of the at least one rod; 
 at least one motor configured to drive at least one of the at least one rotating wheel; and 
 a controller configured to control the at least one motor and monitor at least one parameter of the solid-liquid interface. 
   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a housing, the housing including:
 at least one chamber containing at least a portion of at least one rack and the at least one tube; and   a removable wall covering a side of the at least one chamber.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one chamber contains the at least one wheel and at least a portion of the at least one rod, and the at least one chamber includes a first and a second open port, and a window mounted adjacent to the first open port to allow observation of the inside of the vessel. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein at least one of the rotating wheels is located on the wall of the at least one chamber. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein at least one of the rotating wheels is located on the removable wall. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the at least motor is configured to drive at least one of the plurality of rotating wheels through a motor shaft. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the tube further includes a window mounted at an end of the tube. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , further including a retaining screw cap located inside the tube and mounted on a head of the rod.