TPT July 2014

Technology News

Fast phased array system THE FAAST_II system is a UT phased array technology fitting with high-speed testing applications and high in-line productivity, able to replace more than ten conventional phased array systems working in parallel. Its linear pulsing generator allows the transmission of a large quantity of ultrasonic beams, at different allocated angles, in one single spray. Tube ends and full body inspections on line comply with strict API standards for OCTG: longitudinal, transversal and all oblique notches (½" long and 5 per cent depth) orientated every 5° step of the 360°, ie 72 oblique, ID and OD, with 2D Matrix array probe; lamination (square ½" at 10 per cent and 90 per cent, FBH 3.2mm diameter) and

WT with 1D Linear array probes. The calibration process is quick and easy, with no mechanical positioning of the phased array probes according to tube diameter and thickness range. Socomate International – France Fax: +33 164 636021 Website: www.socomate.com

Automatic profile measurement of glowing wires, bar steel and tubes

sample cutting thanks to the RDMS profile measurement system, the start- up times for product changes can be significantly shortened. As a standard feature, various move- ment modes can be selected using the software, from the stationary RDMS to the constantly swivelling RDMS Swing, to the cyclically swivelling RDMS Mixed Mode. LAP provides software enhancements specially for ribbed steel and for products rolled using triple plate technology. The results of several measurement systems can be visualised in one software application for 100 per cent quality control. From the furnace to the cooling bed, the user can install a measurement system after each production step, providing an overview of the complete production process. All measured data can be stored in the IT system, or optionally in an open SQL database, where data can then be further processed statistically. LAP is also planning a closed control loop for the future, so that rolling lines can be automatically controlled in real-time using the measured data. The RDMS profile measurement system can also be integrated in existing process control systems and material tracking systems using standard interfaces and Ethernet. The measuring frame itself is very narrow, as the system does not require any complex rotating mechanism, and can be integrated in existing lines where space is limited. LAP GmbH Laser Applikationen – Germany

USING the RDMS profile measurement system from LAP, steel industry plants can measure the contours of glowing wires, bar steel and tubes in the production process completely automatically. Software warns in real-time about imminent tolerance infringements even before the product quality suffers. Users can specifically optimise the capability of the individual structures locally and avoid costly rework. The RDMS profile measurement system can also be integrated in existing lines where space is limited. To maximise production efficiency, many manufacturers are migrating to measuring wires, steel bars and tubes not only at the end of the production process but between each production step, allowing them to assign tolerance errors directly to the respective systems and adjust these optimally. “The profile of common bar steel geometries can be measured with the RDMS profile measurement system, including rounds, squares, flats and hexagons,” explained Frank Lohmann, senior sales manager steel industry at LAP. “Stationary sensors measure over several axes during the rolling. Not only diameters of wire, bar steel and tubes – they also provide precise measured values about roll offset and breakout, eccentricity, ovality and tension and pressure influences.” Up to six Metis measuring systems can be integrated in the round measuring frame of the RDMS, which the product passes through. They each consist of a transmitter and a receiver. The laser beam of a diode laser in the transmitter falls onto a rotating polygon mirror. A

precision lens converts the deflected laser beam into a parallel running beam that passes through the measuring range cyclically. The glowing steel shades the opposite receiver when it passes through the maximum 500mm wide measuring field. The time interval can be converted into dimension values. Each pair of devices provides an authentic cross section profile from different viewing angles, even at high rolling speeds. The LAP software evaluates the measurements in real-time. “With comprehensive trend analyses and statistics functions, they can indicate on a monitor to the local employees in good time when tolerance infringements are approaching,” said Mr Lohmann. “They can then optimise the rolling process directly and specifically, and thus reduce rework.” As employees can dispense with Up to six Metis measuring systems can be integrated in the round measuring frame of the RDMS

Email: info@lap-laser.com Website: www.lap-laser.com

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J uly 2014