The Problem
A large steel product manufacturer produces seamless tubes. As the hot steel was forced through a progressively smaller 
pipeline, it picked up speed and struck the rollers waiting to catch and move the product forward. The motors running the rollers did not match the speed of the steel leaving the pipeline, resulting in scrapes on the fresh steel and constant equipment repairs.
The Solution
Premier Automation first developed a system of measurement to calculate the speed of the steel in relation to the speed of the rollers. Because the temperature of hot steel makes it nearly impossible to use traditional sensors, our engineers monitored spikes in the electrical current required to move the steel. Using this side channel to tune the motors, Premier Automation successfully reprogrammed the customer’s Siemens PLC and drives for synchronized speed.
The Results
Reprogramming equipment the steel product manufacturer already had, Premier Automation sharply diminished the risk of damaged equipment or product. Because the motors were being changed out for repairs almost constantly, Premier Automation’s solution saved the steel product manufacturer additional thousands in repair costs per week. By properly calibrating the mill’s equipment, Premier Automation eliminated expensive product quality deficiencies and reduced both downtime and the cost of repairs.
Pain Points
- Legacy equipment
- Product quality issues
- Expensive motor repairs
Technology used
- Siemens PLC
- Siemens drives
Services provided
- Diagnostic evaluation
- PLC programming
Challenges
- Developing an accurate method of measurement in extremely high temperatures
Results
- Reduced downtime and cost of repairs
- Maximized product quality
- Additional cost savings in conserving existing equipment