George Kelk Corp., Toronto, Canada, recently received an order from Siemens AG, Germany, for an Accuband Crop Optimization System, Rollmax Slab Load Cells, and Accuspeed Laser Velocimeter, to be utilized on Tangshan Iron & Steel Co.’s hot strip mill.

Optimized cropping of the head and tail ends of a transfer bar can significantly improve hot strip mill productivity by maximizing the amount of usable material fed into the finishing train. The Accuband Crop Optimization System uses an Accuband Strip Width Gage to accurately image the head and tail ends of the transfer bar. Then, by applying a set of user-determined rules, the system calculates optimum crop lines to maximize the amount of usable material entering the finishing train. An Accuspeed Laser Velocimeter is used to accurately track the position of the optimum crop lines as the transfer bar approaches the shear. If necessary, the Accuband Crop Optimization System can also close the loop, and control the motion of the shear using the Accucrop Crop Shear Controller.

Rollmax Slab Load Cells are manufactured from solid high strength alloy steel to give the load cells exceptional strength and endurance. The Load Cells interface with the Rollmax Digital Signal Processor to provide fast, accurate and reliable measurement.

Accuspeed model ASD2100A system was chosen for this project. The ASD2100A mounts approximately two meters above the strip providing accurate, scatter-free measurement capabilities, while keeping the unit at a safe distance from the transfer bar.