In the steel making industry molten iron is transported from the blast furnaces using torpedo cars capable of carrying 200 to 500 tons of molten metal. The vessel itself is lined with a protective refractory brick, which over time deteriorates due to the corrosive nature of the molten metal. If refractory wear is not detected and repaired, the bricks can wear thin and allow the heat of the molten material to transfer to the metal shell of the car. The intense heat can cause significant damage, in the worst case a breakout. In addition to being a safety hazard a breakout in the wrong location can halt production in the mill for a significant period of time.
While relining the car prematurely is wasteful and expensive, waiting too long to reline can be dangerous and even more costly. Since every car has unique wear characteristics, relines based on fixed schedules are not the optimum choice.
Monitoring of the shell temperature with a line scanning infrared thermometer can be the ideal method to determine lining life and avoid costly and dangerous accidents.
Measuring point
Experience has indicated that the best time to make a temperature measurement of the vessel is just after the molten material has been removed. It is at this time that the oxygen in the air interacts with the molten material. This interaction tends to heat the refractory walls to temperatures higher than when the vessel is at full capacity.
A typical application would require a minimum of two sensing heads located on each side of the torpedo car. If monitoring the bottom of the vessel is critical, a third scanning sensor should be placed at the pour position where the vessel is rotated about its axis.
The first two sensors should be mounted to scan across the cars in a vertical direction as the cars pass through the field of view. In this way the movement of the car can be used to create two or three-dimensional images reflecting the shell temperature.
Based on the size and cylindrical nature of the torpedo cars the heads should be located 5-7 metres away. This makes it easier for the sensor to view and detect any hot spots that may occur near the top and bottom of the cars.
Computers and software
The sensors are connected to a PC in the control room via an Ethernet cable. The ScanIR operator interface software package allows users to setup and monitor each sensing head based on individual process requirements. An external contact closure indicating the car’s presence, allows the software to initiate a save of both image and temperature data, which can be time stamped if required.
The software provides users with on-line or off-line capability depending on needs and it provides data capture as well as display capability.
One sensor, three switchable output modes with IO-Link
Temperature Measurement
: Siemens’ new Sitrans TS200 IO-Link temperature sensor is available in three sizes, and offers three switchable output modes in one device with remote firmware update capability and an integrated LED for quick status checks.
Read more...SCE appointed authorised Vaisala distributor for South Africa
Temperature Measurement
SCE has been appointed the authorised Vaisala distributor for South Africa, giving local engineers direct access to world-class humidity, temperature and CO2 measurement technology backed by full in-country calibration and technical support.
Read more...Thermal imaging camera with high thermal resolution Vepac Electronics
Temperature Measurement Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Vepac Electronics introduces a compact thermal imaging camera that helps technicians spot temperature problems before they become costly failures.
Read more...Test bench for temperature calibrating power semiconductors Beckhoff Automation
Temperature Measurement
Precise temperature characteristics are essential for performing power cycling tests on power semiconductors. Infineon Technologies determines these characteristic curves on a test bench using PC-based control. As a result, calibration has become more precise and the efficiency of the entire test laboratory has increased significantly.
Read more...Fire prevention strategies with thermal imaging
Temperature Measurement
Effective fire prevention strategies focus on identifying, reducing and managing fire risks before they become incidents. Through proactive measures, planning and reliable detection technologies, organisations can create safer environments and minimise the likelihood of fire outbreaks.
Read more...High-precision fill quantity control in food supplement production
Temperature Measurement
Vital Products was looking for a precise and efficient solution to check the weight and ensure the completeness of its products. Minebea Intec, a specialist in industrial weighing and inspection technologies, was able to provide a solution.
Read more...Infrared solutions for glass manufacturing challenges Instrotech
Temperature Measurement
In the glass industry, infrared temperature monitoring is crucial for maintaining product quality and process efficiency. Instrotech has infrared sensors and cameras which provide non-contact temperature measurements, making them ideal for these high-temperature environments.
Read more...Decarbonising a heat and power plant Valmet South Africa
Temperature Measurement
Valmet is delivering a boiler fuel conversion for a combined heat and power plant in Poland. After modernisation, coal will be replaced entirely with certified forest biomass supplied by local providers.
Read more...New temperature transmitters with Profibus connectivity
Temperature Measurement
Siemens is enhancing its temperature measuring device portfolio with the transmitter duo, Sitrans TH420 PA and Sitrans TF420 PA. Both devices feature Profibus connectivity, advanced safety functions and expedited commissioning all in one unit.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version