Steelscape, Inc., Kalama, Wash., has ordered a coating mass control system for its hot-dip galvanizing line from Industrial Automation Services (IAS).

IAS will design, supply and commission a zinc coating mass control system utilizing achieva coating control technology. The achieva technology utilizes a proven physics-based coating mass model to generate accurate references and control of knife-to-strip distances and stripping gas pressure. Advanced signal processing algorithms enable the controls to estimate coating thickness during order transitions within one coating gauge scan. The resulting control actions minimize the generation of out-of-spec material.

The minimized coating standard deviation also helps to minimize excess use of costly zinc. The technology delivers a quick return on investment, which could take place within a few months. The system interfaces with a new IRMS coating weight gauge.

Steelscape’s new coating control system will employ an open-architecture control system that incorporates IAS's graphical programming interface, and takes advantage of IAS's local support. Engineering design, project management, installation assistance, commissioning and operator/maintenance training will be executed from IAS's offices in Pittsburgh, Pa., and Newcastle, NSW, Australia.