TPT-January-2015

Technology News

Quality control for coated pipes SELMERS BV, a supplier of multi-layer pipe coating plants, has completed the renewal of its Peeling Resistance Tester (PRT), used in testing the adhesion strength of a three-layer PE/ PP coating system. The PRT is considered a logical device inside Selmers’ quality control equipment programme. Over the years, the improved adhesion strength and performance of pipe coating materials has required a complete re-assessment of the PRT. The results are that it is now a more user-friendly peeling device, capable of handling higher peel strength forces than before (eg handling forces up to 2,500 Newton, up from 1,500 Newton in previous years).

may remain within the 120-130mm cutback pipe end. The peeling angle is maintained at a controlled 90° while having a 10m/min velocity. The control unit consists of a logical to use touch panel, which is used for collecting and presenting data. From the control unit, data can be transferred to a secondary device via LAN or USB connection. The PRT has a 220-240 VAC, 50- 60Hz mains connection, but an optional rechargeable battery pack is available. Other options include wireless-LAN for easier data collection (using a laptop, for example), and a printing device that prints test results directly.

At the same time Selmers has managed to reduce the weight of the peeling device by almost 40 per cent, making it easier to handle on the pipe by the quality engineer executing the test. The peeling device is placed on the pipe for peeling the three-layer coating from the pipe. When peeling a strip of width 20-50mm off the coated pipe, it

Selmers BV – Netherlands Fax: +31 251 220 777

Email: sales@selmers.com Website: www.selmers.com Milestone in diameter measurement Selmers’ revised peeling device

head, they are protected against dirt, water or mechanical influences during production. The opening of the gauges is twice as big as the measuring range, to ensure an easy and safe passage of the production. A special feature of these devices is the swivel type gauge head. It allows for the gauge head to be easily moved upwards, out of the extrusion line. The measuring heads are open at the bottom to prevent dirt and water from falling into the measuring area. The feeding of the connection cables to the interface module is protected, directly in the gauge head stand. The LASER Series 6000 has common interfaces as well as an optional Wi-Fi interface, which allows direct connection to a smartphone or laptop. The Wi-Fi interface is used for diagnosis and quality control. Measuring values, trend and statistical data, and also video signals are transferred. Sikora offers a free app for displaying measuring values, trends, statistics or video signals on smartphones. The operator easily logs in via the Wi-Fi interface, and production data is directly displayed on the smartphone.

IN addition to Sikora’s classic diameter gauges of the LASER Series 2000, Sikora offers the high-end devices of the LASER Series 6000. These diameter- measuring devices are specifically designed for sophisticated customer requirements that exceed the classic demands for quality control in the hose and tube industry. 2,500 measurements per second, all with extremely high single value precision, allow for an optimum line control and provide reliable statistical data. The gauge heads measure the diameter of hoses and tubes with precision and repeatability. Sikora offers three gauge head models for product diameters from 0.2 to 78mm. The LASER Series 6000 measures precisely transparent products as well. The devices include an integrated LCD display with control panel. This provides the operator with diameter values at a glance, directly at the measuring device. At the control panel the diameter nominal value can be entered and the control module activated. Via line speed or extruder rpm the module controls the diameter automatically to the specified value. The high measuring rate of the diameter devices also allows the detection of lumps and neckdowns. With the two-in-one system, investment costs

The LASER 6040 XY for high- speed diameter measurement

are reduced. In addition, there is more space in the line, as only one gauge head has to be installed. Directly integrated in the gauge heads is a universal interface module for all connections such as RS 485, RS 232, Profibus-DP or, alternatively, industrial field buses such as CANopen, Ethernet/ IP, DeviceNet and Profinet IO. As the interface module as well as all connectors are completely integrated in the gauge

Sikora AG – Germany Email: sales@sikora.net Website: www.sikora.net

34

www.read-tpt.com

J anuary 2015