ZCS

Zirconia Probe for Carbon Potential Control in Heat Treatments

 

The ZCS Carbon Probe is a resilient in situ analyser, intended to be used to control the carbon potential of an endothermic or Nitrogen/Methanol based heat treating atmosphere. The patented electrode design and the special used alloy, reduce the contact area with Zirconia. This solution increases the probe service life, reduces carbon built up and guarantees a very fast response time. 

ZCS Carbon Probe, located directly in the furnace heat zone, responds almost immediately to changes in the carburizing atmosphere and totally eliminate the need for gas sampling system

 

Measureable Gas

Carbon Potential [%C]

 

Main Features

Extreme Roughness

  • Ideal for use in carburizing, neutral hardening and gas generator applications.
  • Resistant to sooting
  • Equipped with purge port for probe burn-off
  • Special selected Alloy sheath
  • Resistant Alloy electrode welded to the metal sheath, acting like a lead wire. Failure of this system is virtually impossible.

 

Easy to Use

  • Thermal and mechanical toughness makes the probe suitable to be installed and removed in very short time
  • Optional integral thermocouple
  • Set of adapters and joints to adapt the probe length to every mounting

 

Low Costs of Ownership

  • Easy replacement with all first and second generation probes on the market
  • Reconditioning and certification service with fest delivery time to reduce plant stop to the minimum

 

European Compliance

  • Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU
  • EMC Directive 2014/30/EU

Specification

Probe
Measuring PrincipleZirconium Oxide (Zirconia)
Accuracy± 0.03% in carbon weight within the used range
Response Timeless than 2 sec.
Output Signal1000 ÷ 1300 mV (0.01 ÷ 1.6% C)
Type of ThermocouplesType K, B, S (optional)
TC OutputE.M.F. function of the temperature
ImpedanceConnect the probe to external devices with impedance 10 MΩ or higher
Response Timeless than 2 sec.
Wiring ConnectionsZCS3: plug-in connector (male and female included)
ZCS4: cable gland for cable max. 10 mm and inner terminal strip
Pneumatic ConnectionsReference and purge air inlet: 1/8” NPT-F
Temperature Range700°C to 1050°C
Head TemperatureMax. 150°C
Reference AirDry, clean and oil-free air. Flow rate: 50…100 cc/min.
Purge AirDry, clean and oil-free air. Flow rate: 2000 cc/min.
Process Connection1” NPT
Sheath diameter27 mm
Sheath MaterialSpecial Alloy (field tested for long operation)

Applications

Carbon potential control of an endothermic heat treating atmosphere

Carbon potential control of Nitrogen/Methanol based endothermic heat treating atmosphere

Carburizing atmosphere

Measuring Principle

 

The measuring principle on which the analysis is based is linked to the use of Zirconium oxide which, at high temperatures, can behave like a solid state electrolyte, developing an electromotive force on two electrodes placed in contact with different O2 concentrations (partial pressures), proportional to the temperature in Kelvin degrees (°K) and the logarithm of the ratio between the two pressures PO2’ and PO2” in accordance with Nernst’s well-know ratio:

 

E = RT / nF (Lg P02’ / P02“)

 

Where:           R = Perfect gas constant (8,31 Joule/degree bulk)

                       F = Faraday’s constant

                       T = Absolute temperature in °Kelvin

                       n = 4

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