High-precision measurement in hot rolling mills for steel production
BLH Nobel’s state-of-the-art force measurement solutions for the hot rolling mill process are engineered to handle steel heated to extreme temperatures. Leveraging our extensive knowledge of the steel industry’s unique challenges, our sensors and comprehensive measurement systems are crafted to ensure robust and reliable performance under the most demanding conditions.
Our versatile hot rolling mill solution can be integrated with ease into both new and existing rolling mills.
Advantages of roll force measurement for hot rolling in steel manufacturing
Hot rolling is a vital process in the steel industry, where steel is heated to high temperatures and then rolled into thinner sheets or varied shapes. The enhanced malleability of steel at elevated temperatures enables it to be easily shaped into different forms. Hot rolling is also energy-efficient because shaping steel at higher temperatures requires less force, thereby allowing the conservation of energy.
Roll force measurement plays a crucial role in making this process more efficient:
- Quality control: Precisely controlling and measuring the force applied during the rolling process ensures that the steel is being formed to the correct thickness and shape.
- Equipment protection: Accurate measurement also helps prevent damage to the equipment caused by too much force. By providing precise and accurate measurements, a reliable control system can ensure the force stays within safe limits.
- Consistency: Consistent roll force leads to a more uniform product, which is crucial in many steel applications.
- Efficiency optimization: By optimizing the amount of force used, the hot rolling process becomes more energy-efficient, reducing costs.
Enhancing mill efficiency with the
RFS-4 roll force measurement system by BLH Nobel
The RFS-4 is a dedicated roll force measurement system for new and existing rolling mills.
Roll force measurement system for heated metal
The BLH Nobel RFS-4 roll force measurement system equips mill operators with continuous monitoring, displaying not only the roll force but also the differential forces for maintaining balance. The system is adept at automatically counteracting temperature-induced drifts during idle periods when the mill is empty. It is also able to detect the presence of metal in the mill and identify instances of mill overload, ensuring optimal operation and efficiency.
The RFS-4 system comes equipped with a comprehensive set of features designed to enhance rolling mill operations. It provides both total and differential force measurements, crucial for precise control. Additionally, it offers analog output signals representing total, differential, work, and drive forces, allowing for detailed monitoring.
Extensometers for hot rolling mills
BLH Nobel E4 extensometers measure the strain in the mill posts rather than the rolling loads. Although similar in operating principal to a load cell, they are calibrated in strain (or stretch) instead of load. With extensometers securely mounted on studs welded to the mill stand, the mill posts become an active part of the measuring system ensuring extreme accuracy.
These extensometers are encased in a sturdy, round stainless steel housing, filled with high-temperature grease to withstand the mill's intense heat. Additionally, they are connected to a local junction box via a heat-resistant, four-core cable with protective sleeving. This setup protects the equipment and ensures the consistently precise measurements that are critical for hot rolling quality and efficiency.
State-of-the-art instrumentation for hot rolling in steel manufacturing
The RFS-4 system uses BLH Nobel G4 instrumentation with special software designed for roll force measurement. Each extensometer or load cell is connected to a measurement channel of the instrument, enabling accurate reading of the force on both sides of the mill. Moreover, the G4 system boasts up to eight input channels, allowing it to gather detailed and reliable data on various key parameters, including the total sum, the difference between work and drive forces (work-drive), and individual totals for work and drive forces.
All this information is graphically presented on the G4's full-color display, making it easy to read and understand. Additionally, the system can connect to remote computers, allowing for convenient monitoring and analysis from different locations. The RFS-4 system supports digital data output over various fieldbuses, including TCP/IP, Modbus, Modbus TCP, Profibus, DeviceNet, and Ethernet/IP, enabling seamless integration with existing networks.