Manufacturers have been using online inspection to check the diameter of cold-drawn seamless tubes. They use production processes like galvanization, extrusion, and wire drawing to produce these tubes and pipes. They use computer-controlled cameras or calipers with a measurement tolerance of a few microns. As these instruments are helpful, most fabricators use them in finishing operations like trimming, polishing bars, etc.
However, due to the harsh environment and large diameter, pipe fabricators often find it challenging to use these instruments. As a result, they use these tools relatively infrequently in the production of cold-drawn tubing solutions. For example, some manufacturers use the caliper in seamless steel pipe production mills.
Do you want to know how line pipe suppliers detect the outer diameter of steel pipes? They use the online communication function with the host computer. It allows them to feed in the measurement data in real-time for the control system to achieve control. The article below will help you to understand the process in detail.
Seamless piping solution:
Seamless pipes and tubes are hollow conduits without any edges. Manufacturers produce these pipes from a solid piece of metal billet. Based on the manufacturing process, they divide the seamless pipes into hot-rolled, cold-drawn, extruded, top, and other types. The maximum diameter of these tubes is 650 millimeters, while the smallest is 0.3 millimeters.
It goes without saying that engineers require a system that helps them simultaneously measure the wall thickness and the outer diameter. However, seamless tube manufacturers cannot measure products with tight tolerances using the principles of the current generation of instruments. Hence, we will focus on the online measurement of the outer diameter and the common problems manufacturers face during and after the process.
Online measurement of the outer diameter:
The system involves an inductive and optical measuring process of carbon steel pipes and tubes. Manufacturers use optical measuring to calculate the outer situation of the core. On the other hand, they use the inductive measurement method to measure the correct placement of the conductor. The optical measurement method uses diffraction analysis.
On the contrary, the circuit of inductive measurement ensures that the conductor passes through the middle of the gauge head. If line pipe suppliers want to see crystal clear images, they can invest in a 7” TFT screen.
Common issues of seamless tubes:
One of the most common issues pipe suppliers face with seamless tubes is that it is difficult to accurately measure the outer diameter of carbon steel pipes. Tube producers cannot measure the outer diameter under actual production conditions. By production condition, we mean:
- High temperature, typically 1100 ° C or higher
- Radial displacement and vibration
- High speed
- Deformed pipe end
- Iron oxide skin
- Splashes
- Steam and smoke
- Shock and vibration in the measuring instrument.
It is essential for manufacturers to maintain the performance of the continuous production process month after month and year after year.
The in-line measurement system faces challenges while ensuring a reliable and accurate measurement of the cold-drawn seamless tubes. They must maintain stability within a tolerance of a few hundredths of a millimeter (0.01 mm). Tubing solution suppliers must conduct a concentricity adjustment once their onsite installation is complete.
Final thoughts:
Since you are reading this, it is evident that you have read the article above. What is your takeaway from the article? Why do you think manufacturers use measurement processes?
They use various applications to measure seamless tubes and pipes to ensure that the conduits meet industry standards. Pipe fabricators compare various pieces of information that they acquire through testing. These testing processes allow them to collect production data and test results that can determine the quality of the cold-drawn seamless tubes.
Engineers often face problems while conducting these tests. However, they can monitor relevant diameters. Thus, they can avoid the problems. If manufacturers can avoid issues, they can increase productivity with convenience. They can produce superior-quality piping solutions.
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