TPT March 2012

T echnology N ews

Precise pipe measurement IN the steel industry and particularly in pipe manufacturing, quality and dimensional accuracy are essential. By integrating in the production line the automated measurement of all produced pipes using contact-free measuring systems, dimensional accuracy is significantly increased, and the process is faster and less complicated than the manual measurement of production samples. Robust LAP laser systems have proven themselves for years in real-world applications. They measure external diameters and ovality online and immediately identify flaws. LAP measuring systems help maintain consistent dimensions, reduce scrap and increase throughput. Round pipes and rectangular pipes, high- pressure pipes, water pipes, oil and gas field

The LAP measuring system

pipes, boiler and construction pipes, axle and roller bearing pipes can be measured. Depending on the size and application, they are welded or manufactured without seams. Many pipes must withstand high pressures and external and internal forces. Quality and dimensional accuracy are essential. The greater the dimensional accuracy of the pipes leaving the rolling process, the less they have to be refined, there is less scrap, and production is smoother. The time it takes to lay long oil and gas pipelines is significantly reduced when the pipes are dimensionally accurate. “It’s amazing,” notes Torsten Krüger, sales manager for the metal industry at LAP, “some manufacturers still use highly imprecise manual one- and two- point measuring systems. Workers place a caliper gauge directly on the glowing metal, sometimes wearing only safety glasses or protecting their face with their other hand.” This type of manual measurement is time- consuming, imprecise and very dangerous. “Modern,” “safe” and “effective” are all words that describe automated measurement using contact-free LAP measuring systems. They allow 100 per cent control and high dimensional accuracy by collecting and evaluating data from different pipe production stages as well as the finished pipe. Modern pipe production lines that use LAP laser measuring systems are able to maintain narrower tolerances than required by the relevant standards. LAP measuring systems allow the systematic verifications of pipes dimensions in the multiple stages of pipe production. Deviations from the target dimensions for the individual stages are transparent; everyone involved in the process is kept up-to-date.

LAP GmbH Laser Applikationen – Germany Email: t.armbruster@lap-laser.com Website: www.lap-laser.com

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