2020
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Cardiff - UK
Russula laser speed meters for two strand wire rod mill
Historically, Celsa UK measured actual bar speed using HMDs (Hot Metal Detectors) installed before and after the dividing shears. When the head of each billet passed, the speed was measured and used to calculate a speed calibration factor, which was the difference between the real and theoretical speed at the mill exit. Speeds averaged around 30 m/s.
When the speed was calculated using HMDs it typically took 5-10 billets to adjust the equipment at the start of a new product campaign. That equates to a lot of metallic losses for a mill.
Celsa Steel UK put into operation two Russula speed meters to improve the accuracy of the mill speed measurements for the two-strand rod mill in Cardiff, United Kingdom. Russula supplied two non-contact laser speed sensors, software engineering, a Profibus interface remote panel and startup support to the mill.
New Russula speed meters lower metallic losses for mills
A connection box, cabling, cooling plate, pedestal, and protective housing were included within the speed meter scope of supply. The compact design of the speed meter enabled an easy integration into the production lines. They record speeds up to 140 m/s with a depth of field of +/- 70 mm at a stand-off distance of 700 mm. The Celsa UK and Russula team commissioned the new velocimeters in 30 minutes. Quick installation and startup time make these sensors ideal for mill applications.
30 minutes installation time
By continuously measuring the bar speed, the mill was able to reduce the metallic losses incurred after changing the product mix. The new mill speed solution has received overwhelming acceptance by steel producers in many continents.
With the new laser speed meters, we were able to measure the bar speed in real-time. Now the control system can correct the mill speed faster. This increases the shear cut and discharging accuracy.
