VKI3

Inductive strip edge position control for rolling mills

suitable for mill environment maintenance-free single-side

VKI3
Mode of operation:

Strip edge position control of metal

todays requirements in terms of operational safety and availability. EMGs VKI3 sensor uses an inductive measuring principle with a coil system which is designed to reliably detect the precise position of the edge of metal strip and foil in harsh environments by non-contacting the material being processed. This single-side VKI3 system is accommodated in a protected position below the strip, inside the transfer tables so as to be flush with these. Data on the current strip edge position, strip centre position, and strip width is continuously provided over the signal interface. Digital signal interfaces are available for communication with the higher ranking automation equipment.

In advanced rolling mills, knowledge of the precise width and the position of the strip edge is crucial for precise mill control. In particular the wedge-shape of slit strip causes the strip position in the rolling mill to deviate more and more from one pass to another unless it is corrected. In extreme cases, this may require that the rolling process be stopped and the coil be rewound. Combined with flatness measurement rolls, the measurement of strip position and absolute strip edge position helps to optimize strip flatness during the cold rolling process. In the past, the strip position was measured using an optical measuring system. However, in the harsh environment of a rolling mill where there is a high presence of rolling oil, atmospheric pollution and dirt, optical sensors require intensive maintenance and even then do not meet

Sensor in the VKI3 measuring beam

Integral electronic unit with digital bus interface

EMG Automation GmbH specialises in the automation of continuous production processes in the metal, paper and plastics industries as well as in the foil and tyre industries. The company, which was established in 1946, is a leading provider of electro hydraulic control systems. Furthermore, EMG provides quality assurance systems for the manufacturing industry. Based on the combination of more than 60 years of experience, the quality of our products and complete solutions as well as our advisory skills, our customer, by his trust, makes us the market leader. In close co-operation with our customers, research facilities and universities we are permanently searching for innovative solutions to promote our new and further developments and therefore to design and form the market as innovation leader actively.

View of the complete inductive sensor system

strip and foil

Measuring principle:

suitable for mill environment

unit while following their assigned strip edge using a rigid position control loop. Using the position values together with the extent of sensor coverage, the two strip edge positions, the strip position and the strip width can be deduced. A microprocessor-based electronic unit feeds, evaluates and monitors the complete system and provides the data output.

The inductive sensor system detects the absolute strip edge position of any metallic material from one side and is based on the eddy current generated inside the strip. Measurement is largely independent of the material and of the flat strip pass line as material and height variations are compensated for using an integral reference coil. A stable aluminium housing protects the measuring electronics against splash-water and temporary submersion into fluids. The compact measuring beam has electromotor-driven adjusting slides on either side of the strip. Their position is constantly monitored using a digital position encoder. The slides guide the inductive sensor systems at right angles to the strip pass direction. The sensors transmit current information on the proportion of the sensor covered by the strip to an integral electronic

Internal VKI3 accommodation for strip width measurement

Internal VKI3 accommodation for strip edge measurement

Performance data:
Protection class: Sensor positioning speed: Voltage supply: Temperature range: Measuring precision for strip width: Dimensions: Signal interface: Minimum strip width: *lower strip widths on request IP 65 and IP 67 30 mm/s 24 V DC, 5 A 0-50 C and 0-80 C (with water-cooled sensor system) +/- 1 mm (for flat strip; at +/- 10 mm heigth difference) 140 x 270 x L mm (L depends on measuring range and line width) Digital bus communication Profibus, Ethernet-Modbus TCP, Ethernet-Socket TCP 300 mm at detection of one strip edge* 400 mm at detection of both strip edges*

Measuring distance from strip running level: 1-20-40 mm (from sensor without wear plate)

 maintenance-free
Customer benefits:
Maintenance-free Single-side inductive measuring system High precision strip edge, strip centre and strip width measurement Compact design to suit limited installation space Electronics integrated into the measuring unit with no other external components Various Fieldbus interfaces for control and communication with higher ranking PLC Integral sensor system, factory-adjusted (measuring and reference coils)

single-side
Technical features:
Complete electronics inside the sensor measuring unit High functional and operational safety Basic design to suit a large range of strip width variations Unipolar 24 VDC supply Compensation of erroneous measurements due to crossbow effects Optional ECU control unit in parallel to the interface with the automation equipment Optional extra: easily exchangeable wear plate

Typical arrangement in a rolling mill

Installation in direct proximity to a flatness measuring roll

VKI3 system in a constricted position

Type code:
VKI 3 - 200 / x / y / M / E / W / S.xxx

Inductive edge positioner type VKI Design Coil size (standard: 200 mm) Max. strip width in mm (in increments of 50 mm) In standard version, the measuring range is extended/reduced based on the possible strip deviation by +/-50 mm Min. strip width in mm (in increments of 50 mm) In standard version, the measuring range is extended/reduced based on the possible strip deviation by +/-50 mm (within technical limits) Design: K - edge; M - centre; G - separated centre measuring Communication interface: E - Ethernet; P - Profibus Special features: W water cooling Serial number Example: VKI3-200/1650/650/M/E/-/S.103 VKI sensor for strip widths from 650-1650 mm, measuring range 550-1750 mm, centre measurement, Ethernet interface, no water cooling, serial no. S.103

Industriestrae 1 57482 Wenden Germany

Automation GmbH

Phone: +49 2762 612-0 Telefax: +49 2762 612-384 automation@emg-automation.com www.emg-automation.com

Group

.moving ahead.

EMG / A-V / EN / VKI3 / Revision 03 / 03.2012 / Printed in Germany Subject to modification