Slag detection with infrared thermal imaging
March 2005
Sensors & Transducers
Entertainment and Hospitality (Industry)
When liquid steel is tapped from a basic oxygen or electric arc furnace, it is advantageous to minimise the quantity of slag carried over into the ladle. Previously, this has been done by visual observation of the tapping stream or by the use of electromagnetic induction coils mounted onto the furnace.
Neither of these methods has proved to be entirely reliable. Land has introduced a thermal imaging system that is capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of the BOF (basic oxygen furnace) plant and is proving to be highly successful for slag detection. The difference in emissivity between the steel and slag results in slag displaying significantly higher apparent temperature than steel when seen by the thermal imager.
The Land FT16 fixed thermal imager, mounted at a distance from the molten metal stream, can be used to detect slag by means of its increased brightness in the thermal image. Used in combination with the new LIPS F application dedicated slag detection software, it can activate an alarm when the presence of slag is detected, alerting the operator to terminate tapping.
With a maximum 2000°C temperature measurement range, the FT16 offers a choice of five colour palettes for presentation of the thermal image. The image may be stored as single images in *.img or *.bmp, or in a sequence of images in *.vrf with a 256 x 256 pixel resolution.
Benefits of the slag detection system include automatic operation and accurate detection, independent of charge weight, a reliable alarm independent of the operator, an improved yield, and a lower slag content improving steel quality. Maintenance is lowered on BOF/EAF vessels and cost savings are increased.
For more information contact Jerry Smits, Protea Automation Solutions, 011 719 5700, jerrys@protea.co.za, www.protea.co.za
Further reading:
Precision sensing for water treatment
ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
ifm electronic has introduced two next-generation sensors designed for South Africa’s bulk and wastewater sector, engineered to withstand harsh environments and deliver long-term reliability.
Read more...
The next generation of inductive scanning encoder solutions
ATI Systems
Editor's Choice Sensors & Transducers
With the launch of the ECI 1122 and EQI 1134 rotary encoders, positioning specialist, HEIDENHAIN has introduced a new benchmark in inductive scanning technology that raises the bar for motion control and precision automation.
Read more...
Next-generation condition monitoring
Sensors & Transducers
The next generation Sitrans MS200 multisensor from Siemens is setting new standards in condition monitoring.
Read more...
Telco sensors for blocked/empty chute detection
Sensors & Transducers
Telco sensors overcome the problems of contaminated environments through powerful high-performance infrared sensors that ensure penetration of harsh pollution and guarantee reliable detectio
Read more...
Cleaning solutions for optical sensors
Endress+Hauser South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
Achieving accurate and continuous process visibility requires reliable sensor performance, even in challenging media. Endress+Hauser’s CYR51 mechanical cleaning unit addresses these challenges by providing stable, automated cleaning of turbidity and UV-Vis absorption sensors.
Read more...
Next-generation gas meter module
Sensors & Transducers
Sensirion has launched its new gas meter module combining a low-power consumption mode, future-ready compatibility and seamless integration, all within the same compact form factor.
Read more...
Adjustable proximity sensor with five metre range
Gail Norton Instrumentation
Sensors & Transducers
The Telco line of photo-electric eyes have the accuracy and reliability you need.
Read more...
Food safety – a matter of weight
Sensors & Transducers
Weighing systems play a key role in ensuring product quality in food production, complying with legal requirements and avoiding product recalls. The Minebea Intec MiNexx portfolio has been specially developed to meet these requirements.
Read more...
Telco sensors in the paper and pulp industry
Gail Norton Instrumentation
Sensors & Transducers
The paper and pulp industry poses a major problem for most photoelectric sensors. Telco Sensors has overcome this with its powerful and high-performance photoelectric sensors, ensuring penetration of thick and harsh pollution while guaranteeing reliable detection.
Read more...
Leaders in sensor technology
Gail Norton Instrumentation
Sensors & Transducers
A new addition to the Telco Sensors range is the adjustable Proximity sensor, with a range up to 5 metres.
Read more...
printer friendly version