Description

Hydrogen Analyzer for Molten Aluminum

Hydrogen is one of the key factors that affects molten aluminum quality. Excessive hydrogen can contribute to structural defects and gas-related porosity in aluminum castings.

Therefore, monitoring hydrogen content before and during casting is important for maintaining consistent melt quality.

NOTORP BU2 is a hydrogen analyzer designed for molten aluminum alloys. It provides fast and continuous hydrogen measurement while the sensor remains immersed in molten aluminum during degassing or refining.

Why Measure Hydrogen in Molten Aluminum?

Molten aluminum can absorb hydrogen during melting and holding. When the metal solidifies, excess hydrogen can form gas pores inside the casting.

As a result, uncontrolled hydrogen levels can increase the risk of casting defects.

Regular hydrogen measurement helps foundries:

• Monitor molten aluminum quality
• Evaluate degassing performance
• Detect changes in hydrogen concentration
• Improve melt treatment control
• Reduce hydrogen-related casting defects
• Maintain consistent casting quality

How Does NOTORP Measure Hydrogen?

NOTORP uses a proton-conducting ceramic sensor to measure hydrogen concentration directly in molten aluminum.

The sensor uses a reference gas containing 1% hydrogen and 99% argon. When the sensor is immersed in molten aluminum, it detects the hydrogen-related electromotive force generated between the molten metal and the reference gas.

The system then calculates the hydrogen concentration using Sieverts’ law.

This measurement principle allows NOTORP to monitor hydrogen directly in the molten metal.

Continuous Hydrogen Measurement

One of the main advantages of NOTORP is continuous measurement.

The sensor can remain immersed in molten aluminum while the process is running. Therefore, operators can monitor changes in hydrogen concentration without repeatedly taking samples.

NOTORP can also measure hydrogen during:

• Inert gas degassing
• Molten aluminum refining
• Continuous molten aluminum flow

This makes the system useful for monitoring melt quality throughout the production process.

Monitor Degassing Performance in Real Time

Hydrogen measurement becomes especially useful during rotary degassing.

As inert gas bubbles through the molten aluminum, dissolved hydrogen moves into the bubbles and leaves the melt.

With continuous measurement, NOTORP can track the change in hydrogen concentration during the treatment.

For example, a measurement using AC4CH (A356.2) aluminum alloy shows the hydrogen concentration changing during rotary nitrogen bubbling at 300 rpm and 3 L/min.

This allows operators to see the actual effect of degassing instead of relying only on a fixed treatment time.

Key Features of NOTORP

NOTORP BU2 provides several features for molten aluminum quality control:

• Very quick response to changes in hydrogen content
• Continuous hydrogen measurement
• High accuracy at low hydrogen levels
• Measurement range of 0–1.0 ml/100 g-Al
• Measurement during inert gas degassing
• Measurement during steady molten aluminum flow
• Numeric and graphical display for monitoring results

Wide Range of Aluminum Applications

NOTORP can be used with a wide range of aluminum alloys.

The application list includes alloys used for direct chill casting, die casting, and other aluminum casting processes. The listed alloys include common grades such as A356, A357, A380, A390, ADC10, ADC12, and several wrought aluminum alloys.

This makes NOTORP suitable for different aluminum production environments where hydrogen control is important.

From Degassing to Measurable Results

Effective degassing should not rely only on treatment time.

With continuous hydrogen measurement, operators can see how the hydrogen concentration changes during the process.

The process becomes:

Degassing → Hydrogen Measurement → Process Evaluation → Quality Control

This approach helps production teams make decisions based on actual hydrogen concentration.

As a result, foundries can better optimize their degassing parameters and maintain more consistent molten aluminum quality.

NOTORP for Aluminum Melt Quality Control

NOTORP BU2 provides a direct and continuous way to monitor hydrogen in molten aluminum.

Its fast response, continuous measurement, and ability to operate during degassing make it a valuable tool for aluminum melt quality control.

At PT Wilisindomas Indahmakmur, we provide solutions for aluminum melting, melt treatment, and quality control.

Contact us to learn more about NOTORP Hydrogen Analyzer and how continuous hydrogen measurement can improve your aluminum melt treatment process.