Sensors & Electronics
Awards & Recgonition
R&D 100 Awards
1997 - Refractory Corrosion Monitor
Developers: David A. Lamar (joint entry with Paul P. Woskov of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
The Refractory Corrosion Monitor uses frequency-tunable microwave radiation transmitted into the furnace insulation from outside the furnace to provide accurate real-time monitoring of refractory insulation thickness while a furnace is in operation. High-temperature furnaces are used to manufacture materials such as glass and steel, in waste remediation, and for power production. A key feature of these furnaces is the refractory insulation that contains the high-temperature region inside a furnace. This refractory is subject to harsh conditions that cause its deterioration and impact the furnace's lifetime. The ability to monitor the refractory condition during furnace operation will improve the productivity and lifetime of furnace components and minimize downtime for refractory inspections.
Excerpted from PNNL R&D 100 webpage.