TPT-January-2015

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Technology News
34 January 2015
Quality control for coated pipes
SELMERS BV, a supplier of multi-layer
pipe coating plants, has completed
the renewal of its Peeling Resistance
Tester (PRT), used in testing the
adhesion strength of a three-layer PE/
PP coating system.
The PRT is considered a logical
device inside Selmers’ quality control
equipment programme. Over the years,
the improved adhesion strength and
performance of pipe coating materials
has required a complete re-assessment
of the PRT. The results are that it is now
a more user-friendly peeling device,
capable of handling higher peel strength
forces than before (eg handling forces
up to 2,500 Newton, up from 1,500
Newton in previous years).
At the same time Selmers has
managed to reduce the weight of the
peeling device by almost 40 per cent,
making it easier to handle on the pipe
by the quality engineer executing the
test.
The peeling device is placed on the
pipe for peeling the three-layer coating
from the pipe. When peeling a strip of
width 20-50mm off the coated pipe, it
may remain within the 120-130mm
cutback pipe end. The peeling angle
is maintained at a controlled 90° while
having a 10m/min velocity. The control
unit consists of a logical to use touch
panel, which is used for collecting and
presenting data. From the control unit,
data can be transferred to a secondary
device via LAN or USB connection.
The PRT has a 220-240 VAC, 50-
60Hz mains connection, but an optional
rechargeable battery pack is available.
Other options include wireless-LAN for
easier data collection (using a laptop,
for example), and a printing device that
prints test results directly.
Selmers BV – Netherlands
Fax: +31 251 220 777
Email:
Website:
Milestone in diameter measurement
IN addition to Sikora’s classic diameter
gauges of the LASER Series 2000,
Sikora offers the high-end devices of the
LASER Series 6000. These diameter-
measuring devices are specifically
designed for sophisticated customer
requirements that exceed the classic
demands for quality control in the hose
and tube industry.
2,500 measurements per second,
all with extremely high single value
precision, allow for an optimum line
control and provide reliable statistical
data. The gauge heads measure the
diameter of hoses and tubes with
precision and repeatability. Sikora offers
three gauge head models for product
diameters from 0.2 to 78mm. The
LASER Series 6000 measures precisely
transparent products as well.
The devices include an integrated LCD
display with control panel. This provides
the operator with diameter values at a
glance, directly at the measuring device.
At the control panel the diameter nominal
value can be entered and the control
module activated. Via line speed or
extruder rpm the module controls the
diameter automatically to the specified
value.
The high measuring rate of the
diameter devices also allows the
detection of lumps and neckdowns. With
the two-in-one system, investment costs
are reduced. In addition, there is more
space in the line, as only one gauge
head has to be installed.
Directly integrated in the gauge heads
is a universal interface module for all
connections such as RS 485, RS 232,
Profibus-DP or, alternatively, industrial
field buses such as CANopen, Ethernet/
IP, DeviceNet and Profinet IO. As the
interface module as well as all connectors
are completely integrated in the gauge
head, they are protected against dirt,
water or mechanical influences during
production.
The opening of the gauges is twice
as big as the measuring range, to
ensure an easy and safe passage of the
production. A special feature of these
devices is the swivel type gauge head.
It allows for the gauge head to be easily
moved upwards, out of the extrusion
line. The measuring heads are open
at the bottom to prevent dirt and water
from falling into the measuring area. The
feeding of the connection cables to the
interface module is protected, directly in
the gauge head stand.
The LASER Series 6000 has common
interfaces as well as an optional Wi-Fi
interface, which allows direct connection
to a smartphone or laptop. The Wi-Fi
interface is used for diagnosis and quality
control. Measuring values, trend and
statistical data, and also video signals
are transferred.
Sikora offers a free app for displaying
measuring values, trends, statistics
or video signals on smartphones. The
operator easily logs in via the Wi-Fi
interface, and production data is directly
displayed on the smartphone.
Sikora AG – Germany
Email:
Website:
Selmers’ revised peeling device
The LASER 6040
XY for high-
speed diameter
measurement