Due to the large value of product generated by modern continuous galvanizing lines, effective control of the application of the metallic coating can result in a fast payback period. Features which distinguish the from other commercially available systems are:

Primary control of average coating thickness is normally via horizontal knife positioning, rather than pressure because this is faster and more accurate.

 Other dynamic controls regulate steer or tilt error via differential knife position and cross-bow control via stabiliser roll intermesh.

 Accurate (Standard deviation = 5%) mathematical model of the process predicts the impact of changes and minimises transition lengths via feedforward control. This model is based on solution of the Navier Stokes equation for incompressible laminar equilibrium flow.

Gauge signal monitoring and conditioning operate at high frequency (5 to 10Hz) to reduce the coating variation. The gauge signal is analysed using a Kalman filter during transitions so that the control system locks on within 75% of one scan.

Automatic target optimisation minimises zinc consumption

Compared to manual control, our system on the LTV Steel, Indiana Harbor #2 line reduced both the transition lengths and coating standard deviations to less than 30%.  It is not difficult to calculate the return on investment (ROI) delivered by . If you are considering applying the technology to your processing line and would like to know the expected payback and more information contact us.

RESEARCH PAPERS - Hatch IAS engineers are well known presenters of technical papers internationally. Abstracts may be read online.