Principle
As already mentioned in the last newsletter, the EMG iSCAN® quality assurance system is used for online geometry measurement of slabs and strands. Designed for harsh environmental conditions, this system solution precisely measures the length, width, width profile, thickness, and speed even of red-hot slabs and strands on the roller table. EMG iSCAN® is used in conventional continuous casting plants as well as in CSP® or ISP® plants.
EMG iSCAN® is installed in the continuous casting process area (typically directly after the slab is separated from the strand), near the slab stockyard, at the roller table towards or out of the slab stockyard, or in the area of the reheating furnaces. The typical thickness range of slabs is 150 to 450 mm. The picture on the left shows a typical setup with sensors for speed and distance measurement (A) and two 2D laser sensors (B) to the left and right of the roller table for width profile measurement.
Which geometry deviations can be examined?
The interpretation, combination and analysis of the sensor data takes place in EMG's proprietary evaluation software and is displayed online for the user via a well-organized graphical user interface (GUI). This makes potential major problems in the slab dimensions visible and measurable, namely:
- a possible camber shape,
- a thickness wedge across slab width and
- general deviations from the ideal cross profile.
Schematic examples are shown in the illustration on the right.
What should be considered in the system design?
When selecting sensors and installing the solution, the following characteristics of the application must be taken into account:
- Strand or slab width (min./max.)
- Ribbon or slab thickness (min./max.)
- Width of roller table (max.) and roller table speed (max.)
- Strand or slab alignment (centered, off-center)
- Horizontal displacement of strand or slab (max.)
- Distance between strand or slab surface and sensor plane above roller table
- Strand or slab surface temperature (max.)
Depending on this, e.g., different laser types and different cooling concepts or also a special design for the support frame of the sensor systems are used. At this point, EMG advises you in detail and selects the suitable combination of sensor, cooling and mechanical elements in coordination with you.
Conclusion:
With the EMG iSCAN® quality assurance system, the user receives a proven and reliable solution for slab and strand dimension measurement. If required, EMG supplies everything from a single source, including the measuring frame, and can draw on the experience gained from approx. 60 installations of a configuration of this kind. Each installation is customized for the specific line and equipped with the appropriate combination and design of sensors for the specific application. The standardised software environment applied allows the realisation of the various application scenarios for all possible system configurations.
We have sparked your interest?
You want to know more about EMG iSCAN®? Do you have your own ideas for using EMG iSCAN® technology? Please feel free to contact our sales organization or our EMG iSCAN® product management directly at: iscan@emg-automation.com and visit our website.
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