TPI November 2015

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32 Tube Products International November 2015
products & developments
Ultrasound phased array solution
for inspection systems
Olympus has released a phased array
solution developed for easy integration
with automated and semi-automated
tube and bar inspection systems.
This advanced solution includes
the new Focus PX, a powerful and
scalable acquisition unit; FocusPC,
a comprehensive data acquisition
and analysis software program;
and two software development kits,
FocusControl and FocusData.
The newFocus PX acquisition instrument
incorporates the latest phased array
ultrasound technology, resulting in
improved signal-to-noise ratio.
Its scalable architecture enables up
to four units to be driven in parallel,
providing minimised inspection time on
complex-shaped geometries.
The Focus PX is a rugged, fanless
unit designed for integration in harsh
production environments. The IP-65
rated hardware design also has
convenient built-in mounting points
designed for easy integration.
Acquisition software FocusPC 1.0
and software development kits
(SDKs) consisting of FocusControl
and FocusData software facilitate the
development of application-specific
interface programs to control the Focus
PX. The software development kits
enable the inspection process to be
fully automated, optimising cycle time,
and improving overall system efficiency.
The phased array instrumentation
solution with the new Focus PX is
developed to meet the demands of
many manufacturers that are faced with
the need to increase inspection speed
due to higher production levels. This is
particularly relevant in aerospace and
defence, transportation, oil and gas,
and metal fabrication industries.
With the new phased array
instrumentation solution from Olympus,
these manufacturers have access to
a solution that can perform stringent
inspections while minimising cycle time
in order to optimise production.
Olympus Scientific Solutions
Americas – USA
US Steel orders electric arc furnace
and vacuum tank degasser to supply
energy products
United States Steel Corporation (US
Steel) is an integrated steel producer
with major production operations in
the USA and central Europe. Offering a
wide range of value-added steel sheet
and tubular products for customers in
the automotive, appliance, container,
industrial machinery, construction, and
oil and gas industries, US Steel is a
global metals solutions provider.
The company recently made the
strategic investment to build an
electric arc furnace (EAF) at its Fairfield
Works outside Birmingham, Alabama,
USA. Fairfield Works comprises both
steelmaking and finishing facilities for
both flat-rolled and tubular markets.
SMS USA was selected as the supplier
of the 1.6mn net ton EAF. The order
includes engineering and supply of
the furnace, gas cleaning and material
handling equipment, including electrics
and automation. Additionally, a vacuum
tank degassing facility, equipped
with advanced mechanical pumps, is
included in the supply. The pumping
system will be designed and assembled
in Italy by SMS Concast. Several safety-
related technologies will be incorporated
into both operating facilities.
SMS Group – Germany
United States Steel Corp – USA
Focus PX and laptop