TPT September 2008

201 / 204

199 September 2008 ›
the Tumicon database and loads down the parameters for the
different functions in the TecBox.
The main screen (figure 5) shows the different values of the
individual stands such as nominal speed, speed factors from the
technological functions, neutral place and the tracked position of
the tube. The values of the speed measurement instruments are
also displayed.
The system is able to handle two tubes at the same time in the
stretch reducing block. With this graphical interface the user
can easily recognize which function is applied to the mill and the
corresponding corrections.
5. Tumicon remote control
The new Kocks SRB uses adjustable stands on the last two or three
stand positions. These adjustable stands can be adjusted by the
Tumicon remote control system.
The system (figure 6) consists of three adjustment units, which
are connected to the stand couplings, two drives controlling the
individual distances between the adjustment units and another
drive, which moves the remote control carriage to different stand
positions. All drives are mounted onto the remote control carriage.
The speed measurement instrument is also installed on the remote
control carriage in order to measure as closely as possible to the
last rolling stand. All movements of the different drives are controlled
by a PLC. The visualization is normally installed in the pulpit.
5.1 Tumicon remote control visualization
The user sees all necessary data (figure 7) such as current position
of the carriage, the adjustment position of the adjustment units, and
sensor signals etc. The data of the next rolling product can also be
displayed.
When the next product is loaded the
adjustment units disengage and the carriage
moves to the requested position. After
engaging to the stands again, the stands are
adjusted to the requested value loaded from
the Tumicon database.
For the stand change, the carriage
automatically disengages and moves up with
the upper drives or moves to the entry or exit
side, depending on the specific block design.
6. Conclusion
The Tumicon system consists of software tools
for setups, roll management and visualization
and hardware components for speed control
of the main drives and adjustment of the
stands. All systems are connected to an
Oracle database and interact with each other.
Technological functions such as heavy end
control (HEC) and automatic wall thickness
control (AWC) are especially developed for the new Kocks SRB
with individual roll and stand drives. These features significantly
increase the output and the quality of the rolled tubes.
The Tumicon remote control, supplied with the new Kocks SRB,
gives easy access to the adjustable stands that can be adjusted
when they are inserted in the block.
Different outer diameters (and wall thicknesses) can be rolled
without changing stands or roll sets by adjustment only, if the new
FSR pass design is used.
References
[1] Ammerling, W-J, Kulessa, G, von der Heiden, J, “Innovation in production of
seamless tubes: the Kocks seamless tube process [STP]”, published in MPT
Metallurgical Plant and Technology International, No 2, June 2002, pages 34-39
[2] Willems, S “Free-size rolling technology for tubes” presented at ITA International
Conference Tubos Bilbao 2001 in Bilbao/Spain, 24.10 to 26.10.2001, session 1
[3] Pfeiffer, D, Möltner, H, “Advantages of heavy end and wall thickness control
systems in stretch reducing mills with 3-motor group drive” presented at
TUBE America, 14–17.06.1993; published in Tube & Pipe Technology, issue
November/December 1993, pages 47 ff
[4] Möltner, H, Rampazzi, P, and Crapanzano, V, “3-motor group drive system
for stretch reducing mills”, American Iron & Steel Society, proceedings of
30th mechanical working and steel processing conference in October 1988,
pages 3-9
Friedrich Kocks GmbH & Co KG – Germany
Fax: +49 2103 54 028
Email:
Website:
 Figure 7: Visualization of Tumicon remote control