It is estimated that there are over 600 continuous steel casters worldwide . Measurement and control has typically been delivered by off-line strand condition monitors (SCM) that are inserted manually into the caster periodically during downtime. The Sarclad in-chain Caliper offers the market a robust roll gap measure that can be fitted onto the dummy bar head, automatically providing gap measurement data on every cast without impacting productivity.
Sarclad Strand Condition Monitor’s (SCMs) are widely recognised as the world’s leading continuous slab caster measuring systems, providing rapid and accurate measurement and assessment of critical strand parameters essential to produce high quality steel.
Strand condition measuring systems are installed onto the dummy bar chain in place of the dummy bar. Measurements are then collated and recorded automatically from on board sensors which are then downloaded via a cable or Wi-Fi to a laptop for analysis and presentation.
The vast majority of the strand condition monitors in the market today are off-line. They are not permanent fixtures in the caster. Rather they are manually inserted onto the dummy bar during periods of planned or unplanned downtime and once in place can provide a very comprehensive range of measures including roll gap, outer face roller and segment alignment, roller bearing and wear condition and the efficacy of any water spray nozzles that have been fitted into the SCM.
Once the required measurements are obtained the off-line SCM is removed from the chain. Casting re-commences once the necessary adjustments (if any) to the caster set up are made and the SCM is stored for the next planned measurement date.
Experience shows that, of all the measurement parameter, it is the roll gap that most frequently demonstrates deviation from standard. An in-chain roll gap SCM that remains on the dummy bar during casting, can provide measurement data after every cast sequence to trigger swifter rectification than would otherwise be the case and potentially ensure a higher prime slab % output as a consequence. This combination of off-line and on-line technology provides the end user with the complete quality assurance package.