Alspek H

Portable Hydrogen Analyser

Sunbeam Auto Ltd.

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Components of Alspek H

Electrochemical Sensor

Probe & Probe sheath

Analyser

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The Probe and Analyser
•Probe & Probe Sheath :

–ceramic sheath and steel handle

–integral thermocouple

• Electrochemical Sensor :

– measures dissolved hydrogen

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Hydrogen Sensor Probe and Box
with Touch Screen

Analyser
- calculates dissolved hydrogen
level
–logs data
–Portable & easier to use

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Alspek H along with Degassing
Machine for Foundry Use

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 Hydrogen Sensor
Continuous Hydrogen Measurement

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Hydrogen Sensor
Continuous Hydrogen Measurement
during Degassing Treatment

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Alspek H in Use
Foundry Photograph

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Summary of Performance
Characteristics

Consistent response

Fast response to changes in Hydrogen

Functions in –
 Wide range of alloys
 Temperature range of 672 to 825 Deg C

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Potential Applications

Continuous monitoring

Monitoring of degassing process

Control of degassing process

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Continuous Monitoring
With a probe constantly immersed

Continuous measurement of hydrogen level

Holding Furnaces

Potential to ensure hydrogen level always

within specification

Improved Quality Control

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Monitoring Degassing Process
Probe immersed during degassing treatment
Real time measurement of hydrogen during
treatment
Automatic reading of final hydrogen level
Eliminates operator error
Improved Quality Control
Opportunity to refine degassing process to
improve process efficiency

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Monitoring Degassing Process

0.5 800
ppm
Temperature
0.45 780

0.4 760

0.35 740

Temperature [deg C]
0.3 720
Hydrogen [ppm]

0.25 700

0.2 680

0.15 660

0.1 640

0.05 620

0 600
12:37:26 12:40:19 12:43:12 12:46:05 12:48:58 12:51:50 12:54:43 12:57:36
Time

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Controlling Degassing Process

Probe immersed during degassing treatment

Output from analyser can control function of
degassing unit
Stopping treatment when required level has been
reached
Potential to always degas to the same final
hydrogen level
Optimum hydrogen content for a given casting
can be established
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 Continuous Hydrogen Measurement
in a 200kg Heated Ladle

VW Probe

0,5 15

ppm
Density index
0,45
13
Start
0,4 Degassing
11
End
0,35
Gassing
Start

Density index (%)

9
Hydrogen ppm

0,3 Degassing
End Start
0,25 7
Degassing Gassing
End
0,2
Degassing 5

0,15
3

0,1

1
0,05

0 -1

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14:52:48 15:07:12 15:21:36 15:36:00 15:50:24 16:04:48
Conclusions

A new device for measuring hydrogen in

aluminium alloys
Accurate and consistent results over a range of
alloys and temperatures
Potential to;
improve QC procedures
optimise degassing process
establish real control over the degassing
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Benefits as compared to other
Measuring Equipments

Portable & Easier to use

( rated more user friendly than any other
equipment )

Gives faster response ( in 30 secs)

Measure continually in real time ( real time

measurement system )

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Benefits as compared to other
Measuring Equipments
Measurement are possible during degassing
…treatment ( continous
measurement )

Displays data in graphical form & records it for

subsequent download ( data logging )

Can be integrated with Degassing Machines or

MTS to certify melt Quality(to control the process)
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European Customer Trials

Successful trials in Germany , France, UK,Italy &

Hungary , One unit sold in Germany
Trials at following Customers –
VW Hanover ,Giesen Tegelen
Kolbenschmidt ,Neckasrsulm
Hones Meshed,George Fischer
Le Belier (Hungary),Teksid ( Italy), Montupet ( France )
Zeus & Aero met ( UK )

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