The Mobile Platform Two principle objectives are emphasized in our mobile platform design: SPEED and SIMPLICITY. Fast measurement times are achieved using our laser-based navigation system. Working from three reflectors mounted on the building structure behind the cart, this system automatically measures the cart position relative to the BOF and reports position information directly to the LCS computer. The navigation system is completely automatic and updates 8 times per second. Process Metrix has also implemented a radio (RF) link that continuously broadcasts the vessel tilt to a receiver located in the cart. The RF-link incorporates 2.4 Giga Hertz spread-spectrum technology for interference-free transmission. During the measurement, the RF receiver automatically reports the vessel tilt to the LCS computer.

Together, the laser navigation system and RF link enable fast, error-free measurement of the vessel lining thickness. Measurements are initiated with a single tap to the computer's touch screen. Once the measurement process begins, the operator need only confirm the measured value of cart position and vessel tilt, the software does all the rest! Single measurements can be made in 20-30 seconds. An entire map of the vessel interior consisting of 4-6 measurements, and 500,000+ data points can be completed in less than 10 minutes.

The LCS-Cart also incorporates the following features:

• Pentium 4, 2.8 GHz industrial-grade touch-screen computer (or better)

• 2 USB, 1 Ethernet (RJ-45) and 1 Modem (RJ-11) front panel port

• On-board battery power delivering up to three hours of continuous operation.

• The battery charger allows continuous system operation while battery charges

• Internal, two-axis cart inclinometer

• Large diameter (16"/41 cm) wheels on spring suspension

• Pressure regulated Vortec cooler for excessive (+120° F/50° C) environment

• Pull-out electronics drawer

• Retractable heat shielding

Intelligent Data Processing Enhances Accuracy

Our recently released software version 4.0 includes innovative data processing algorithms that maximize the information content of the thickness measurements. This new version processes everything in 3-D using detailed CAD representations of the vessel as a thickness reference. Of course, measurements of the vessel shell and as-bricked profile can also be incorporated into the measurement sequence to more accurately represent the true geometry of the vessel.

Perhaps more importantly, the 3-D processing capability facilitates intelligence dust and smoke filtering from the data set. This is a critical feature not found on our competitors systems.

The LCS cart and primary systems are illustrated pictorially in the figures below.

LCS Cart System, Heat Shields and Guidance System Extended

LCS Cart System, Heat Shields Retracted

System Specifications:

System weight:	147 kg (325 lbs
Dimensions:             Width (shields retracted) :             Width (shields extended) :             Height (shields retracted) :             Height (shields extended) :             Depth (approx)	80 cm    (31.5”)  117 cm  (46”) 160 cm  (63.1”) 220 cm  (86.7”) 89cm     (35.1”)
Cooling system:	Active cooling is not required for normal operation of the LCS system. However, certain conditions of highambient temperature may require gas cooling of the range finding instrument.  If cooling is required, a compressed air or nitrogen line can be connected to the rear panel of the cart at the appropriately marked fitting.  An Integrated vortex cooler creates a stream of super cooled gas from standard compressed air of nitrogen flow.  A filter and regulator inside the cart removes moisture, oil and particulate matter from the gas stream before it enters the Vortec cooler.  The cooled gas is routed through the instrument and then vented into the internal compartment of the cart.  The required flow rate is 0.4 m3/min (20 cfm) at 4 Bar (60 PSI), minimum pressure.  DO NOT CONNECT WATER TO THIS INLET. NO WATER COOLING IS REQUIRED.
Temperature/heat load tolerance:	15 – 124 F (-10 – 50 C). System withstands heat load immediately after tapping
Connectivity- The cart rear panel supports the following interface(s):	USB (two) Ethernet (one) Modem (one)

Functional, Efficient Software Tools

The LCS software has two primary functions: Data measurement and lining thickness display. Of course, the software also includes all of the setup functions that Process Metrix uses to configure our instrument to your application. However, these functions are password restricted, and most of our users don't access the configuration tools under normal, day-to day operation.  All controls are highly intuitive, with label definitions implemented pictorially.

Our innovative completion grid illustrated at left, tells the operator what sections of the vessel have and have not been measured. The vessel profile is displayed automatically within five seconds after acquisition. Bath height, based on input values of charge weight and density, is also displayed on each data view.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A high degree of output customization is available to tailor the view definitions to the needs and preferences of the mill. Two-dimensional slices through the vessel can be made at virtually any location (e.g. tap hole, trunion, or slag line). The vessel profile used to determine lining thickness is also displayed for visual reference. Contour maps of both the vessel wall and bottom clearly illustrate lining thickness over the entire vessel interior. Thickness values are displayed both numerically and by color key, immediately revealing regions that might require attention. Our report generator automatically prints all of the views and screens needed by the mill to make informed process decisions. New software releases, that include upgrades and feature requests we receive from our customers, are made twice annually.

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For more information on the Laser Contouring System, Contact

Michel Bonin, Ph.D.
mbonin@processmetrix.com
voice: (925) 460-0385 x112