In the iron and steel industry, and in many foundry applications, temperature readings show whether processes are operating within their proper ranges, whether a re-heater is too cold or too hot, whether a stand needs adjusting, or how much cooling should be applied. Each stage can be accurately monitored so the steel retains correct metallurgical properties as it travels through the process. Therefore, many aspects of the steel manufacturing process can benefit from Raytek infrared thermometers. These benefits include:
* Higher product quality.
* Increased productivity.
* Reduced energy costs.
* Enhanced worker safety.
* Reduced downtime.
* Easy data recording.
Infrared sensors take temperature measurement one step further. Fast and accurate analog and digital output allows temperature data to be integrated into control system and simultaneously output for remote temperature monitoring and analysis. Smart sensors, with digital electronics and two-way communications, can be configured remotely from the safety of the control room, especially important for metals with changing emissivity.
A wide range of optics covers an enormous variety of applications. This is supported by integrated through-the-lens sighting, plus either laser or video sighting for correct target location. Applications include:
* Continuous casting: accurate real-time temperature monitoring coupled with the ability to adjust water nozzles and water flow rates allow for proper cooling, which helps maintain metallurgical properties. Fixed sensors, fibre optic sensors and line scanners are standard in this application.
* Reheating: reheating steel to a uniform temperature is critical so that deformation does not occur, uneven heating strains milling equipment and increases maintenance downtime. Measuring inside of a re-heater with a series of temperature measurement devices gives an operator the ability to check the re-heater’s overall temperature and burner efficiency. Once the slab or billet exits the reheat furnace, ratio thermometers or line scanners (for wide slabs) transmit temperature data immediately to an operator or controller allowing milling operations to be adjusted to their optimal settings.
* Rolling mills: the diversity in the types of hot rolling mills and the number of types of stands in a process vary according to the type of product being manufactured. Scale breaker, rolling stands, down coiler and coil box, are just a few areas for the utilisation of infrared temperature measurement and scanning.
* Cold mills: coiling is also often done at the end of the finishing stands after cooling, and the coiled steel is transported to cold mills in another area in the plant or shipped to other facilities. Cold rolling makes a product thinner and smoother and is done while the steel is around 100°C or at room temperature. Sensors mounted between each finishing stand allow the operator to detect temperature changes that require any adjustments.
* Other processes: infrared provides temperature measurement solutions for every step in the steel making process, from coke ovens and blast furnaces to annealing and coating mills. Raytek also has temperature measurement solutions for forging mills and heat treating facilities.
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