What is a liquid iron analyzer and what does it measure?
This device does not directly measure carbon or silicon; it reads how the metal cools and infers the composition. Misunderstanding this can lead to incorrect expectations when purchasing.
Liquid Iron Analyzer, also known as a Carbon Silicon Analyzer or pre-tap analyzer, is equipment used to measure iron composition directly in the foundry. It works by taking a small sample, cooling it along a standard curve, and calculating the carbon and silicon content based on that curve.
The real value of the device lies in answering the most critical question during melting: Has this batch reached the target, or do we need to add more carbon, ferrosilicon, or pig iron?
Key Control Points
Measure Components
C% and Si% are the two basic indicators; the open-flame analyzer additionally reads Mn% or the carbon equivalent index.
Read along the curve
The sample's cold curve recorder infers composition, so sampling cup quality directly affects the results.
Time
Typically, results are available 2-3 minutes after sample pouring—fast enough to adjust within the same cast.
Save data
Batch results enable comparison across shifts and help detect equipment or ingredient drift.
Real-world experience
- Place the device away from pouring areas to avoid dust and heat, but within easy reach of the sampling technician.
- Use a single fixed cup type for all batches; if you change the cup type, you must recalibrate the results.
- Record results on the batch sheet immediately, not after the shift.
Compatible device
CYY-LK2 Pre-furnace Rapid Carbon-Silicon Analyzer
Carbon-Silicon Analyzer CYY-LK2 — Analyze C and Si in molten iron before the furnace. CE certified, English interface.
Reference price: 700-800 USD
CYY-QC2 Square Carbon Silicon Probe Cup
CYY-QC2 Square carbon silicon sampling cups for C-Si analyzers. Integrated with Tellurium to measure C%, Si%, CE, and CEL. A flagship product in the Changyouyi square cup series.
Reference price: 0.6-1.6 USD
CYY-CE Carbon-Silicon Analyzer Sample Cup — CYY-CE1/CE2/CE3 Tellurium Insulated Probe Cup
CYY-CE1/CE2/CE3 Tellurium Sampling Cup for Carbon Silicon Analyzer CYY-LK2/LK7. Essential consumables for iron casting workshops.
Reference price: 0.5-1.5 USD
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the machine measure sulfur?
The thermal analysis furnace does not measure sulfur. To determine C% and S% in steel, an infrared analyzer such as CYY-TL5 or CYY-TL8. is required.
Does the result require periodic calibration?
Yes. Compare against the standard reference or a laboratory on a periodic basis, and recalibrate when changing the beaker lot or switching suppliers.
Related topics
- Which foundry should use a liquid iron analyzer?
- Equivalent Carbon (CE) and how the calculator determines C% and Si%
Reference content from Changyouyi's technical article: original post on Sohu.
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