Strip position control in the high temperature range

In continuous strip annealing lines with either horizontal or vertical strip passage and furnace temperatures of up to 1000 °C, the inductive IM system measures the strip centre position with an accuracy of ±5 mm. In this way it ensures a reduction of strip breakage in the furnace.

The system is maintenance free, self-monitoring and contains no wearing parts. For easy installation and commissioning, only four openings in the furnace wall must be provided and two double flanges must be welded on.

In the IMH system, two temperature-resistant metal tubes equipped with special heat-resistant measuring coils are installed across the furnace above and below the strip. The electrical cables between the measuring coils and the evaluation electronics outside the furnace are sealed so as to be gas-tight. Depending on the selected centre position sensors, the system may be used for sensing centre deviations on strip having a width of 450, 1050 or 1450 mm.