Measuring instrument for the profile of piled charge of a blast furnace

Abstract From the Canadian patent

The profile of a blast furnace charge is measured by supporting a plumb within the furnace and by causing it to hop up or down the profile of the charge. The plumb is at the end of a wire which is supported by a guide which can be inserted into and withdrawn from the furnace. A change in tension of the wire is detected when the plumb is lowered into contact with the charge, and this causes the plumb to be raised again. The wire is wound around a drum and the amount of drum rotation is detected to determine the height of the charge at different longitudinal positions of the guide. The latter positions are measured by rotation of a drive for the guide. An end loop of the wire supports the …