Uranium casting furnace automatic temperature control development

Author

Randall F. Lind

Date of Award

5-1992

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Mechanical Engineering

Major Professor

Gary Smith

Committee Members

Frank Speckhart, R. V. Dubey

Abstract

Development of an automatic molten uranium temperature control system for use on batch-type induction casting furnaces is described. Implementation of a two-color optical pyrometer, development of an optical scanner for the pyrometer, determination of furnace thermal dynamics, and design of control systems are addressed. The optical scanning system is shown to greatly improve pyrometer measurement repeatability, particularly where heavy floating slag accumulations cause surface temperature gradients. Thermal dynamics of the furnaces were determined by applying least-squares system identification techniques to actual production data. A unity feedback control system utilizing a proportional-integral-derivative compensator is designed by using frequency-domain techniques.

Recommended Citation

Lind, Randall F., "Uranium casting furnace automatic temperature control development. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 1992.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/12205