hotCAM – a new EMG product: position measurement in the hot strip process passes readiness testing
Wenden – 16.01.2013:
Within hot strip mills collisions between the strip and the mechanical strip guiding rail as well as cobbles can cause serious damages and production stopps. Together with Tata Steel EMG productized a camera based system for position and camber measurement of hot slabs or strips in hot rolling processes, which is now ready for industrial use.
Maintaining a defined strip position between the rolling stands is extremely important for process security in a hot rolling mill. Continuous mea-surement of the strip position allows optimum adjustment of rolling force and gap. In reversing mills, this leads to a reduction of the strip camber and thus to prevention of collisions of the strip with the mechanical strip guiding rail. Continuous control of the center position in the finishing train also reduces the incidence of cobbles that lead to serious damage and production stops.
Minimum strip camber and exact strip position
hotCAM provides continuous strip edge position values with an accuracy of +/-2 mm to the system controls. The operator can use this to implement a closed loop circuit (sensor and roll control) for camber reduction or for optimal strip positioning in the rolling mill.
By means of special mathematical corrections and image processing algorithms, the hotCAM optical position measuring system compensates for lens error and harsh environmental conditions like vapors and dust which are inevitable in the rough atmosphere of a hot rolling line.
Convincing experience in applied operation
The initial experiences with EMG's hotCAM in use in production at the DSP line (DirectSheetPlant) at Tata Steel IJmuiden in the Netherlands have been convincing! The system has been running without downtime since its installation in May, 2012. To date, no cleaning or recalibration has been required this entire time. Due to the solid results, the second rolling stand in the finishing mill is currently being equipped with a hotCAM system, and an expansion to all stands in the DSP line is planned.
In summary, the verdict is in: It passes readiness testing!
Intelligent control system EMG-iCON® with graphical user interface
Wenden – 11.01.2013:
EMG’s control systems owe their intelligence to the used control electronics. With the intelligent control system EMG-iCON® EMG introduces a new controller range for all applications. Also new is the graphical user interface with touch screen function (EMG-iCON® VS).
The intelligence of the EMG control solutions lies in the control electronics used. The EMG SPC16 and SPCcompact controllers have been adopted worldwide in the past decade. The continuous improvement of the technological basis and the increased focus on simple, visually guided parameterization and serviceability allow EMG to introduce the next generation of control electronics today.
With the new intelligent EMG-iCON® control system, EMG offers a model range for all applications, including a new graphical user interface with touch screen function (EMG-iCON® VS). The system is scalable to all user requirements, because different modules can be individually arranged on a DIN rail and combined with each other. Due to its compact design, the system is not subject to mechanical constraints and is extremely flexible in its use. The connection for the individual modules takes place via CANopen fieldbus.
Through the use of various controllers or the extension module EMG-iCON® I/O, EMG-iCON® provides variable performance, and spare parts handling is greatly simplified through the combination of multiple compact individual modules.
Graphical user interface
Extremely easy operation of the control system is possible via the EMG-iCON® VS graphical user interface. This intuitive user interface is complemented by easy language switching, an integrated alarm list and ma-nagement, as well as the programming realized by EMG with the "SmartClick" configuration software (executable on PC / WindowsXP, Windows7).
Compatible with existing applications
As a continuous further development of EMG's control technology, EMG-iCON® seamlessly replaces previous solutions and is fully compatible with existing applications. Problem-free gradual modification of existing controls to the new generation is therefore possible without having to adjust the sensors and mechanics of the system. In this respect it is an important contribution to the sustainability and durability of your investment in EMG technology.
As a consequence, EMG-iCON® is EMG's standard control system starting January, 2013.
Quality Days 2012 in India
Shapeline opens office in China
Linköping, 2012-10-26:
Shapeline takes a major step into China with the launch of a new Chinese Sales and Service office in Beijing. The office has started very successfully, with two substantial orders for plate flatness systems already placed in July and August 2012.
Shapeline AB, the Swedish-based supplier of laser flatness measurement systems to the global steel and metals industry, has opened a Sales and Service office in Beijing, China. The new office has been established in partnership with the Hong Kong-based company, Techtrans to serve the Chinese market.
"The Chinese steel and metals industry is the biggest in the world and is extremely interesting. However, we decided to hold back on the launch of the new office in China until we knew that we could contribute efficiently with Shapeline’s knowledge and products," says Magnus Titus, President & CEO, Shapeline AB "Now is the right time. There is a big drive within the Chinese industry to develop high quality, high valued steel and aluminum products, as well as optimizing the processes further. Here, we can contribute through our experience from installations at steel and metals mills worldwide."
The new Shapeline office got off to a flying start during July and August following two significant orders for flatness measurement systems, the first two contracts in China, both designed for high quality steel plate lines.
For further information, please, contact:
Ida Svensson, Shapeline AB, Sweden
E-mail: ida.svensson@shapeline.com
Five Shapeline flatness systems ordered by Böhler-Uddeholm
October 11th, 2012:
Böhler-Uddeholm, Austria, has placed an order for five flatness measurement systems with Shapeline, Sweden, for measuring on their strip products. The order is the continuation of a successful cooperation with Shapeline systems at the Böhler-Uddeholm plants in Munkfors, Sweden, and Böhlerwerk, Austria. The order is for one Shapeline 500 system to measure flatness on the mother coil, as
well as four Shapeline Compact systems for measuring on slitted coils after hardening. The systems will be located at Böhler-Uddeholm's new plant in Kematen, Austria.
The Shapeline systems are designed to detect flatness defects in the micrometer range to ensure the very high quality demands on Böhler-Uddeholm's strip products are met.
"Our dedicated flatness systems for metal strip have a proven track records in demanding applications”, says Shapeline's Pär Kierkegaard, Vice President – Marketing & Sales, "which Böhler-Uddeholm have at their new facility in Kematen.”The systems will be delivered and started up during the fall 2012
Shapeline starts cooperation with Japanese trading house Mitsui & Co.
Linköping, 2012-06-05 Shapeline AB, Sweden, has formed a cooperation with the well-known global trading house Mitsui & Co., Ltd., Japan, for marketing and sales of Shapeline’s flatness measurement systems to the Japanese steel/metals industry. This is a natural continuation of the successful partnership when receiving an order for a Shapeline flatness system at Nippon Steel Oita plate mill in June last year.
The order is the first reference for the Japanese market and is planned to start up operation in August, 2012. Mitsui will also support the build up of a local Shapeline service center in Japan.
For further information please contact:
Ida Svensson, Shapeline AB, Sweden
E-mail: ida.svensson@shapeline.com
EMG-eMASS® – More than 30 times for better quality hot-dip galvanized sheet metal around the world
Wenden Germany – December 21st 2011 – In just five years, the eMASS® electromagnetic strip stabilization system from EMG has established itself as a virtual standard in hot-dip galvanizing. A growing number of companies are recognizing that EMG-eMASS® combines resource savings with quality improvement and increased throughput. Five of the ten largest steel producers use eMASS® and a total of ten manufacturers have eMASS® systems in use at locations in twelve countries worldwide. In the last few days the 32nd eMASS® system worldwide was ordered.
EMG-eMASS® stabilizes quickly running metal strips without contact by means of opposing pairs of electromagnets. The associated sensors each continuously monitor the strip position. If the strip leaves its reference position, the magnets at the corresponding position are switched on or off respectively, and thus the strip is brought back to its optimum position. Strip oscillations can thereby generally be reduced by 50%, while crossbow and twisting are reduced to no more than ± 2 mm. The main application area for eMASS® is hot-dip galvanizing lines. The standard installation takes place directly above the air knives or in the air cooling section in the cooling tower.
Good reasons for eMASS®
The ultimate goal of every hot-dip galvanizing plant is to galvanize steel strips with a uniform layer thickness and minimum zinc consumption. In practice, strip oscillations and strip deformations generate non-homogeneous surfaces, and these must be overcoated with zinc so that the required minimum thickness layer is obtained in each case.
EMG-eMASS® reduces strip oscillations and strip deformations, resulting in a more uniform zinc surface. An average reduction in standard deviation by 3g/m2 is confirmed by numerous applications. Depending on plant conditions, the air knives can be positioned more closely to the strip and the blower pressure can be reduced. This permits a reduction in zinc consumption, and even air knife contamination may occur less frequently. Noise reduction and savings in the blowing-off medium, particularly relevant for nitrogen, are also reported to eMASS® users by the experts. Depending on the particular plant conditions, the use of eMASS® not only leads to direct savings potentials, but it can also contribute to increased plant availability and operator safety.
Continuous advancements
Through constant contact with our customers we are constantly evaluating experiences with the integration, installation and operation of our equipment. Thus in 2009, the second generation of EMG eMASS® was introduced. The new eMASS® received a modular design based on a standard hollow section. It needs only excavations, bore holes and individual surfaces to be finished. Thus, procurement, delivery and assembly times are all considerably shortened.
When installed, the new generation of eMASS® occupies less space under the beam when compared to the first generation, thus improving accessibility to equipment.
Major components have either been designed to be temperature-insensitive or protectively integrated, and the cooling air conduit has been optimized. By means of these measures the installation and maintenance have been considerably simplified, and the connected load for the ventilator was able to be reduced by 70%, which translates into lower operating costs.
Due to the variety of applications, EMG's team of experts has extensive solutions for integrating the eMASS® system even into tight spaces in existing plants as well as extended or upgraded plants. Special operator and maintenance staff requirements are taken into consideration during clarification and planning. As part of the installation and commissioning, even requirements made subsequently are usually quickly and easily performed by the highly qualified personnel from EMG.